Activating Lifejacket

[Gixer]

Trying not to sound sanctimonious but I check the tightness of the cylinder every time I put it on, a habit probably engendered by many years of wearing club-owned LJs.

I thinking this could be good practice, at least checking the tightness every now and again.

I'm learning a lot here, keep em coming....

 

[pandos]

Trying not to sound sanctimonious but I check the tightness of the cylinder every time I put it on, a habit probably engendered by many years of wearing club-owned LJs.

Opening and checking the jacket Everytime would probably lead to a wrecked zipper.

In reality the bottle could come loose at any stage...even whilst it is being worn.

Some kind of threadlock is probably called for.

I now have a model where, afaik, the bottle is glued and there is a little window to look at the gubbins...(it's still in it's packaging)

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

Seago have a very neat nitrile rubber band that effectively prevents the cylinder's rotation.

 

[captainboo]

I have also heard of wrapping the bottle up to the neck where it joins the head unit in a couple of layers of cling film to reduce rusting.

 

[HissyFit]

Opening and checking the jacket Everytime would probably lead to a wrecked zipper.

Zipper? I thought all modern LJs were Velcro closure, to ensure it can burst open on inflation.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

I have also heard of wrapping the bottle up to the neck where it joins the head unit in a couple of layers of cling film to reduce rusting.

Previous threads have contained posts suggesting giving the cylinder a coat of varnish.

 

[pandos]

A

Zipper? I thought all modern LJs were Velcro closure, to ensure it can burst open on inflation.

Absolutely not...some have zippers which burst open and can be a pita to re-close, I'd nearly say Velcro is less modern...

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I have also heard of wrapping the bottle up to the neck where it joins the head unit in a couple of layers of cling film to reduce rusting.

I've painted the bottle in the past. (And reweighed and noted). I'm kinder to the LJ these days and don't bother any more.

 

[lustyd]

A
Absolutely not...some have zippers which burst open and can be a pita to re-close, I'd nearly say Velcro is less modern...

Velcro is definitely less modern. The zips have a special burst section next to the gas and there's a knack to re-packing, usually have to move the zip all the way around first before starting.

 

[Gixer]

There's a video on how to repack one with zips,

Looks really complex, reminds me if trying to repack a new shirt into its packet after trying it on, finding its too big and needing to return it like new.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

There's a video on how to repack one with zips,

Looks really complex, reminds me if trying to repack a new shirt into its packet after trying it on, finding its too big and needing to return it like new.

Just be careful with the pins....


(ps. It's harder than that, first time, but gets easier).

 

[MikeCC]

Opening and checking the jacket Everytime would probably lead to a wrecked zipper.

In reality the bottle could come loose at any stage...even whilst it is being worn.

Some kind of threadlock is probably called for.

I now have a model where, afaik, the bottle is glued and there is a little window to look at the gubbins...(it's still in it's packaging)

You can check the cylinder tightness through the outer lifejacket. Please don't use threadlock.

Many lifejackets are now fitted with a cylinder anti-rotation device. It's now a requirement for lifejackets sold/made in Sweden, so I guess it will become standard before long, like crotch straps did.

 

[pandos]

There's a video on how to repack one with zips,

Looks really complex, reminds me if trying to repack a new shirt into its packet after trying it on, finding its too big and needing to return it like new.

Between that video and the cost of rearming kits...I think I'll try harder to stay on- board....??

 

[William_H]

I service around 20 LJs each winter for club. Corrosion of the gas bottle is the biggest problem. I inflate with an air compressor. I have made a tube with a centre fat pin to deflate the LJs. This I attach to a vacuum cleaner. Makes deflation quick and easy.
I replace the bottle when corrosion gets too bad. I fit the old bottle to an LJ for demonstration. It can be quite alarming when LJ inflates. So it is good to get as many people as possible familiar with what happens when you pull the cord. All our LJs are manual inflation types.
I can see that if you have to replace the activation device for auto inflate and the new cylinder comes with it then yes use the cylinder to inflate for test. Yes loosening of cylinder is a worry. However removing the cylinder and inspecting the seal is a good idea. It is quite obvious if the seal has been broken. ie cylinder empty. So check tightness is a good idea often.
Things are different here at our club to UK. Every one can swim. Water is not cold. So LJs not often worn but must be carried on support boats. ol'will

 

[Gixer]

So I decided not to inflate my Lifejacket and just buy some new auto inflator cartridges and service myself.
while onboard today I did find my old manual Crewsaver which must be 20 odd years old. I haven’t used it in at least 10 years and been shoved in a locker since then. The bottle was rusty but I thought what the hell.

Worked perfectly.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

So I decided not to inflate my Lifejacket and just buy some new auto inflator cartridges and service myself.
while onboard today I did find my old manual Crewsaver which must be 20 odd years old. I haven’t used it in at least 10 years and been shoved in a locker since then. The bottle was rusty but I thought what the hell.

Worked perfectly.

I did the same, but wasn't brave enough to try it myself.

Apols for the orientation, it's something Sony cameras (used to?) do and I haven't found a proper fix.

 

[Gixer]

I did the same, but wasn't brave enough to try it myself.

That videos really cute, the first thing my son said was ’can I let mine off?’
Its good for them to see and experience, me also…

 

[Beneteau381]

I’m going to service my lifejacket shortly, watched plenty of videos and happy with how to do it.

When checking the badder everyone seems to inflate using to tube. Why not just pull the cord? I’ve never let a lifejacket off before and am dying to do it ?

Why waste the bottle? If its not rusty you just weigh it to check it is the same as what is printed on the side! Just inflate with apump preferably so cleanish air goes in, change the re arm mechanism, re assemble and writeinyour log book what you have done

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I was under the impression that repeated inflation using the gas cylinder might shorten the life of the bladder; that inflating it via the top-up tube was kinder and less liable to cause damage. I was also under the impression that inflation by mouth was to be avoided, so as not to introduce moisture into the bladder.

 

[Bilgediver]

Seago have a very neat nitrile rubber band that effectively prevents the cylinder's rotation.

It is used with a plastic backing moulding which is a loose fit around the valve connection to the bladder. These are available as spares. I agree with others that RT Supplies is a good source.
I look after a number of life jackets of different makes and it is interesting seeing the faults that develope. We are a rowing club abd one problem for us is that the rowing action can cause the hands to brush against the lifejackets. This leads to the inflate toggle getting light tugs. Usually the needle just pierces the gas valve sufficiently to let gas escape but not hard enough to force it home in the bottle. What happens is a partial slow inflation accomanied by an amusing sound. This of course will break the green clip so indicate it has happened .

I very very rarely find a loose bottle and only on new lifejackets straight from the factory.

These bottles do not come in any sort of packing that can be left in place,. However orange webbed sleeves are available to slip over the bottles which in certain makes of lifejacket reduce the rate of corosion so extend the life. Some Kru this makes a difference whereas in Seago with the Velcro closure corrosion is not a problem. I have also fitted loose fitting handle bar rubber and just shrunk the ends to hold the sleeves in place.

I have seen sme cylinders being condemned after less than two years where others last 10 years and still look pristine and wiegh above the min. stamped on the respective cylinder.

I use some cylinders removed from life jackets for demo purposes in our premises to show members what to expect and also demonstrate how anything other than a sharp tug may not resut in full inflation. Renminding them of a cabin crew demo on a plane helps where the importance of this tug is highlighted.. Members are frequently surprised at the rapid inflation and the loud noise . Also surprised at the frozen bottle .

The inexpensive electronic kithen scales from the supermarkets are fine for weighing the bottles .