Buying new flares

[Stig]

My flares have just gone out of date and I need to replace them.

What expiry date should I expect on flares that I purchase before the coming season and how can I check that I am being offered the "newest" stock by a chandler?

 

[AIDY]

4 years - to approx 2011/12

 

[tedsmith]

Maybe you could get in touch with Pains Wessex and ask them?

I did that with International Paint once and found the batch of paint I'd been sold was a little old to say the least (at top price too). Very nice company. Nice paint too - easy to apply - but it should be at the prices they charge - don't you just love the smell of paint and yacht varnish?

Do you keep all your old flares?
I do, and think I should wrap them up in cling film with some dessicant. But I should check that they don't deteriorate to a dangerous level with age really (I have some which ran out in 2000 and some in Dec 2007)

 

[exfinnsailor]

We have a friend in the RNLI his advice is buy new and keep the first out of date ones on board .. seperate .. In an emergency they will probably work .. He also keeps the previous set as well .. At open days they do use some out of date flares .. No problems .. What have you got to loose .. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[jimi]

I must admit when I replace I don't get a full new offshore pack but keep the old ones and get a new set of inshore.

 

[Stig]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Yes - will definitely keep the old ones but have to have the full "in date" offshore set for racing inspections.

My concern is to ensure I get the maximum time before expiry out of the new set. I think I will have to shop around to check what expiry dates are available from my local chandleries.

.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Here's an inswinger from the ourfield - save the money and get an EPIRB if you don't have one.

PWG

 

[Stig]

[ QUOTE ]
Here's an inswinger from the ourfield - save the money and get an EPIRB if you don't have one.

PWG

[/ QUOTE ]

When it comes to safety saving money is not a consideration! How much is a life worth?

.

 

[lw395]

I've heard its illegal to have out of date flares aboard in french waters. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

I've carried the old set as well up to now.
Cheers,
Chris

 

[captainslarty]

Avoid France is the best bet.

 

[franky]

The carrying of out of date flares is illegal if you a FRENCH registered boat.UK can carry out of date.

 

[Drascomber]

The RYA legal folk told me recently that have been unable to get confirmation from the French that they will not apply their rules to UK flagged yachts. So unless you comply with ALL their Bl-**! safety rules you risk a 1,500 euro fine.

Some of their rules are sensible but like all blanket rules there are situations their application would be ridiculous.

Bl-**! French