Lifejacket Servicing

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roblpm

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I have 1 Spinlock Deckvest (2 years old) and 4 Kru Sport Pros (1 year old).

They obviously need servicing (especially as my kids wear 2 of the Kru Sport Pros!)

Now I could send them off to a service centre. But somehow this doesn't feel right. I am responsible for all the safety on my boat. And if I ever go further afield then I ought to be confident in repacking, rearming etc. So I would rather learn to do it myself.

Spinlock seem to have a load of videos on youtube for repacking etc. But I can't see anything for Ocean Safety.

Obviously the manufacturers want to do it themselves to make money and cover their arses. But I thought sailing was about being self reliant.

So

a) Guides to servicing the above? Seems like the repacking is crucial.
b) Should I get them done professionally?
c) Both a and b??
d) Has anyone ever tried an autoinflate in the bath?? I would like to try! So I am confident with the whole process! And I am sure the kids would enjoy it!

Cheers

Rob
 
I've got a Crewsaver 180N (as recommended by the rnli man at Sib)
Velcro fastening. After I'd had it for a year, I decided to inspect it. Just check it holds pressure and visually check seams and fittings and bottle. I don't replace the firing mechanism every year.
They probably would inflate in a bath but it would be more instructive to do it in a swimming pool.
The cover on mine is held closed by Velcro but I wish I'd got the zipped version. Folding and packing is pretty tricky and never looks as neat as when you first get them.
I used to keep my old ones unpacked during the winter so that the creases straighten out but don't know whether that's really necessary. I don't expect easy jet bother although they probably replace them more often than me.
 
Each winter I service all seven lifejackets - four Crewsaver (Hammar), one XM manual, one Kru Sport Pro (UML), and one kids' Crewsaver (UML).

The steps I do:

1. Open up the jackets and wash them in the shower. For the UML autos, remove the auto heads first. The Hammar autos won't go off in a shower (but might in a bath!). Hang up and dry.
2. Unscrew and weigh the cylinders on the non-Hammar jackets, comparing against the stamped weight. The Crewsaver Hammar bottles have a plastic fitting glued on so the stamped weight isn't accurate, but I check the firing indicator on said fitting.
3. Inspect cylinders for rust.
4. Check the dates on the auto mechanisms and the lights and replace any that need it (actually I have a separate list of all safety kit expiry dates, so I know in advance what needs replacing and have the parts to hand).
5. Use a dinghy footpump to inflate the jacket firmly, and leave for 24 hours. With the Hammar jackets in particular, it's important to do this step after any that involve disturbing the inflator mechanism. The manufacturers say that you can inflate by mouth, it won't harm the bladder as with older jacket materials, but I prefer to keep the inside dry anyway.
6. Check jackets are still as firm as they were. Deflate fully, suck out remaining air, replace the cap on the oral tube.
7. Inspect all straps, stitching, etc and the general surface of the bladder and state of the jacket.
8. Test the light.
9. Repack.

The Kru Sport Pro looks a bit intimidating to repack compared to other jackets (a PBO review described the open uninflated jacket as a "pile of day-glo roadkill") but in fact it's a lot easier than it looks. Just pay a little attention to how it was packed as you unfold it, and it will go back together fine. In fact the hardest bit I find with that jacket is repacking the sprayhood neatly.

I've not tried auto-inflating a jacket. I pulled the ripcord on an expired Hammar once to see what it felt like, then regretted having to buy a new bottle as well as just the auto cap :). I sometimes set off expired inflator caps on their own in the sink, they've always gone pop as expected, even the ten-years-expired one on a second-hand jacket.

Pete
 
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Our local RNLI run LJ servicing days, just turn up and they inspect, test and make recommendations.
They do it for their own stuff so have all the kit.

Well worth it for tenner donation, they don't ask for money but it would be rude not to.
 
Vara said:
They do it for their own stuff so have all the kit.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity, what "kit" do they use? The only things I use are a footpump for inflation testing and the little key for Hammar units that comes with the rearm kits.

An RNLI event seems like a good way to learn, but presumably they can't leave the jackets inflated for very long for the leak test? Of course a major leak will be visible immediately, but Crewsaver do specify "at least overnight" in their servicing instructions.

Pete
 
I do the same as PRV, with the addition of painting the gas cylinders with Hamerite smooth silver paint to prevent rust.
I have also fitted a "patch" of adhesive dacron sail repair tape on the bladder of each LJ in the area where the cylinder makes contact with the material; this to prevent abrasion if there was ever rust forming on the cylinders.
 
Just to add, if you've not opened the Kru Sport Pro before it may not be obvious how. The opening end of the zip is at the bottom, tucked up inside the case. Put your finger in through the small hole just after the apparent end of the zip, and you'll be able to pull the loose end down and out. Then unzip it normally.

Pete
 
As an alternative to testing a life jacket in the bath.......
Years ago when I did the RYA sea survival course I took my own life jacket along, which needed a service anyway, and jumped in the pool wearing it. I was reassured when it inflated quickly and fully, and a little concerned regarding how difficult it is to get into a life raft while wearing it. If you have the time, and can get to a course locally I'd recommend it. If your kids are older, and enjoy swimming, I'm sure they would enjoy it too - it's half and half practical and classroom; the downside is it will get expensive on course fees and re-arming kits!
 
Thanks folks. Some great tips there. I am going to do this myself. I really want to be able to do all this stuff myself otherwise I am going to have to work forever to pay other people to do it!
 
prv said:
Just to add, if you've not opened the Kru Sport Pro before it may not be obvious how. The opening end of the zip is at the bottom, tucked up inside the case. Put your finger in through the small hole just after the apparent end of the zip, and you'll be able to pull the loose end down and out. Then unzip it normally.

Pete
Click to expand...
Two things about the Kru:
1. You have to have it serviced by an approved centre to have the 5-year warranty.
2. The inspection and packing instructions state that the correct way to open the zip is to peel it apart from the yellow section, and specifically say that you should not unzip it. Once it is fully separated you take the slider up to the top for repacking.
 
andygc said:
2. The inspection and packing instructions state that the correct way to open the zip is to peel it apart from the yellow section, and specifically say that you should not unzip it.
Click to expand...

That's interesting. Do they say why? I can't imagine it makes any difference, so perhaps they just think that way is easier?

Pete
 
prv said:
That's interesting. Do they say why? I can't imagine it makes any difference, so perhaps they just think that way is easier?

Pete
Click to expand...

I was going to make the same point about unzipping. My lifejackets came with a little warning card when I bought them several years ago. I thought that it might be due to the fact that the yellow "bursting" teeth were just wedges with no interlocking parts and looked bulkier. I assumed that pulling the zip back over them might catch inside the slider and perhaps deform it. I think that the shape of the slider might favour pulling downwards rather than upwards. Unable to check this at present.

I always service them pretty much as mentioned earlier and haven't had any problems. Just do them one at a time and undo the next one just before folding up the first to remind yourself of the way it was packed.

I also have a couple of rather old spare lifejackets which are only on the boat in case some official decides that I need one per imaginary crew. The cylinders on these started to corrode many years ago and so I bought replacement CO2 units. However, I decided to clean and paint the old ones before wrapping in cling film as a test. They haven't shown any signs of rust or sticking to the bladder. Easy to do, just laid them down with bottoms about 2cm apart and rolled them to in cling film before twisting them (a bit like sausage skins) and cutting apart. I still have the new cylinders in their original packaging ready to fit but the old ones lose no weight and show no sign of rust. These old crewsaver lifejackets still stay fully inflated for at least 4-5 days on each annual test.
 
prv said:
That's interesting. Do they say why? I can't imagine it makes any difference, so perhaps they just think that way is easier?

Pete
Click to expand...
I don't think it gave a reason. The leaflet was prepared by YKK (who make the zips) rather than Ocean Safety, and bundled with the other paperwork. I put the leaflet somewhere safe, but now I can't remember where that is ...... If I find it I'll let you know if it says any more.
 
andrewbroadbent said:
As an alternative to testing a life jacket in the bath.......
Years ago when I did the RYA sea survival course I took my own life jacket along, which needed a service anyway, and jumped in the pool wearing it. I was reassured when it inflated quickly and fully, and a little concerned regarding how difficult it is to get into a life raft while wearing it. If you have the time, and can get to a course locally I'd recommend it. If your kids are older, and enjoy swimming, I'm sure they would enjoy it too - it's half and half practical and classroom; the downside is it will get expensive on course fees and re-arming kits!
Click to expand...

+1 Very much so. I was surprised at how much my Spinlock strangled me and made all manoeuvres difficult, until I released a little air from the inflated bladder. Also showed the absolute necessity for good crutch straps.
 
Well much to everyones amusement as I was getting fed up with all the Christmas stuff I hopped in the bath with a kru sport pro on. Obviously not as good as the swimming pool or rya sea safety course but instructive none the less. The missus was impressed with quick inflation and the kids were reassured that there wasn't a big bang as I have warned them about. I have never seen a life jacket autoinflate so glad i now have!

Anyway now to try and get it back together!!
 
roblpm said:
Well much to everyones amusement as I was getting fed up with all the Christmas stuff I hopped in the bath with a kru sport pro on. Obviously not as good as the swimming pool or rya sea safety course but instructive none the less. The missus was impressed with quick inflation and the kids were reassured that there wasn't a big bang as I have warned them about. I have never seen a life jacket autoinflate so glad i now have!
Click to expand...

Always good to try these things out :encouragement:

I keep meaning to have a "man overboard day" with my usual crew, towards the end of the season when the water's warmest. We'd try out lifejackets, the Jon Buoy, lifting people back on board, etc. Cost a bit in rearm kits but probably well worth doing. I just never quite get round to organising it...

Pete
 
prv said:
Always good to try these things out :encouragement:

I keep meaning to have a "man overboard day" with my usual crew, towards the end of the season when the water's warmest. We'd try out lifejackets, the Jon Buoy, lifting people back on board, etc. Cost a bit in rearm kits but probably well worth doing. I just never quite get round to organising it...

Pete
Click to expand...

And I am not sure the Forth is ever warm enough to try it out. One of our crew did go for a swim when we went to st kilda, he didn't stay in long though!!
 
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