hammar lifejackets

[drawkins]

I understand the hammar mechanism in the lifejacket has to be replaced every 5 years.Is this correct.?
If so how do I know what the expiry date is on jackets bought over the web or indeed in the chandler.Is the information on the packaging or does this help explain the wide variations in the selling prices.?
I am in the market for a couple of jackets but would hate to think I will have to buy the re arming kit in a couple of years.
apologies if this has been dealt with before but I can't find the answer but would appreciate advice.

 

[Dan the man]

I replace mine every year. I would be so annoyed with myself if I fell overboard and it didnt inflate!

Im sure my crewsaver has it written on the cylinder, expiration date, I mean.

 

[Amulet]

Never had a Hammar one - the soluble bobbin ones have their exiry date stamped on them. Presumably Hammar ones are the same. Weakness of the bobbin type is not failure to inflate when you fall in the oggin. It is that they are likely to inflate when you don't want them to. Every expired bobbin I've tested worked fine. I reckon the cheaper rearming makes it worth the risk that it'll go off if you spill your beer.

Cylinders can be checked by weighing them. I believe that if they're not corroded and weigh the right amount they'll work. I do look at the firing pin etc ever time I check them out.

 

[rosie]

The replacement date is marked on the Hammar unit. Check the expiry date with the retailer before purchase - the replacement units are not cheap - around £25!

Dave

 

[drawkins]

Thanks for the replies.
I knew there was an expiry date but how do I ensure I am getting a long date without unpacking the whole unit.
I hope that I would not feel I should replace them every year just to be on the safe side if they were still in date.
I will see what the chandlers say when I order them

 

[Amulet]

I get life jacket spares from these people. They know what they are about and will tell you on the phone the expiry data on rearming kits they are currently supplying. (And given that they are lifejacket specialists, they have enough turnover to mean that they have new stock and long dates.)

 

[alanwilson]

Expiry date

Hammar replacement kits usually come vacuum-packed on a card: you can see the expiry date printed on the mechanism through the plastic sealing the unit to the card, before unsealing it. But that's not a lot of use if you've already bought it on the web. Design life is 5 years, so I'd return it if it has less than say 4 1/2 years to go.

 

[drawkins]

My concern is with purchasing a new lifejacket.not a replacement unit.
I now have the definite answer from the horses mouth,i.e.Crewsaver.

Expiry dates are not on the packaging only on the hammar unit therefore before purchasing the unit must be inspected.,how many buyers do that?

or the chandler trusted to tell you how long he has had the jacket.
that assumes you are concerned with getting a long date

 

[blackbeard]

hammar and lifejackets

....or the chandler trusted to tell you how long he has had the jacket.
that assumes you are concerned with getting a long date

well it should be obvious from looking at the unit (fairly easily visible with a Crewsaver jacket) whether you are getting the 5-years-worth you have paid for, or not.
Incidentally, on Hammar replacements: I've found it worth while to get these from a chandler who does not stock them. Then, when the unit arrives in his shop, it's direct from the factory. If the chandler does stock them, then they could have been on his shelf for quite a while.
Also incidentally: a Hammar equipped jacket is very dependent on a good seal where it fits into the jacket. Another good reason for inflating it (by mouth, or, better, pump) and seeing if it stays inflated overnight.
And. At one time there was a problem with the gas cylinder coming partly unscrewed from the rest of the Hammar unit, in which case it won't work! You can feel the cylinder through the fabric; every so often (or on borrowing one) make sure it's tightly screwed on.