Buying flares (not a fashion statement)

Viking

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Thinking about buying some new 'in date' flares. I believe they have a 4-5year 'dated' life. Yes I know they do last longer, but I noticed in a recent sailing mag. that someone got fined by 'Johnny foreigner' So making the IN DATE a 'legal' matter. Therefore if a flare as a 4-5year 'legal' life. To pay the FULL price there must be a SELL by date, which I believe is NOT stamped on the flare.
 
From my experience, all Pains Wessex Flares have both the Manufacture date and the expiry date indelibly marked on each flare. I believe that all flares which confom to SOLAS requirements need the 'sellby date' clearly marked. Beware of dodgy Johnny Foreigner cheapies.
 
I've got Hanson Icarus flares and they have an expiry date on them. Can't remember if they have a manufacture date on them, but I suppose the answer is simple: insist the chandlery get new ones for you with the latest possible expiry dates on them. (Must admit I thought it was 3 years life).

However, although expired last year my old flares worked very well at a flares demo evening. (Yes, hand held only. But v impressive the way the steel casing became white hot!)
 
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Quite a bit in YM about this. Synopsis..Johnny Foreigner can't fine Brit. registered boat with Brit skipper on board for such issue.

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That was always my understanding of the rules as well. Entitled to a refund but it won't be easy.
 
thanks.... so where does one with contacts in the marine industry get trade price flares from /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif currently looking for some more the PW site recommends colsalt in southampton as a dealer
 
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