lifejacket life

[blackbeard]

How long does a lifejacket (150 N variety) last?
I have an old (about 15 years) Crewsaver lifejacket that's been around a bit and seen a fair amount of use; I have just checked it and it looks good as new. Well, tatty but serviceable. I inflated same and it was still inflated hard a day or so later.
Two others still seem OK after about 7 years, and again have passed the inflation test.
Do they deteriorate with age? I'm reluctant to buy a new one if I don't need to.
Also, do the gas bottles deteriorate, or do they remain OK provided they are clean, uncorroded, with intact seal and of the correct weight?
I accept that auto inflation mechanisms and lights (you do fit them, don't you?) are "lifed" and need replacing when their time is up.
(Conversely I have had 2 Crewsaver lifejackets which were "retired" after a much shorter life span - but outside guarantee period - due to visible chafe (against clothing I think). One of them, when checked, failed the inflation test. Is this sort of thing common?)

 

[Searush]

I have half a dozen lightweight BOAC aircraft auto-inflateables that have been on board for a few years. A couple are showing signs of age, light wiring corroded, fading etc, but they must be at least 33 years old as BOAC became BA in 1974.

You are carrying out reasonable checks - if it was your life would you trust them? After that thread about we must all wear life jackets even when cooking, crapping or sleeping, the last thing I need is "Sell by dates" on lifejackets! make your own decision - trust your own judgement.

 

[Spars]

[ QUOTE ]
I have half a dozen lightweight BOAC aircraft auto-inflateables that have been on board for a few years. A couple are showing signs of age, light wiring corroded, fading etc, but they must be at least 33 years old as BOAC became BA in 1974.

[/ QUOTE ]
I bet the parachutes are Knackered tho', but seriously if they stay inflated the jacket must be OK and maybe the MCA can advise on the gas cyl.

 

[srevir]

Om the subject of chafe

My habit until about a year ago was to wear my harness looped around the back of my neck, under the back and sides of the jacket and tucked under the lifejacket at the bottom.

Harness is one of those elasticated types so all very neat and tidy yet ready to hand when needed and no dangly bits to get caught up - except when, about this time last year I checked inflation and found that there was a pinhole in the bladder which corresponds exactly with the wear points on the bottom of the jacket that had been rubbing against the harness material.

So off to the boat show to be told, very sensibly, by one of the RNLI guys not to be so stupid as to even think about trying to repair it. One expensive Crewsaver later I no-longer wear the harness that way.

Have a great xmas

 

[Ruffles]

Was the original lifejacket a crewsaver? There have been a number of postings on these forums about wear at the shoulders. Other makes tend to use an inner bladder which avoids this problem. I have two which stay inflated ok but are showing signs of wear. Bit disappointing considering how infrequently we wear them /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[MikeCC]

There has been an advisory notice about some older Crewsvaer auto release mechamisms that should be replaced. Best to contact them to establsih if yours is affected.

Personally I would say after 15 years you've had good money's worth from a lifejacket.