Gedimin
Member
Just bought a new re-arm kit for an automatic lifejacket. "Replace by" date is 11.2025, just 1.5 years away from now. Is it fair or shall I return it to the retailer? All other lifejackets I have had initially 3 years on them.
That's a brilliant recommendation! Just checked the kit I need and they show "April 2027 or later". That's a huge difference!No that’s not good at all. Buy from RT supplies as they show the dates on the website before ordering.
UML MK5 Auto Lifejacket Rearming Kit - RT Supplies Ltd
Reminded me to check all my lifejackets - says 2025 on the capsule so OK. But how important is the date on the cylinder? If has not been pierced, is corrosion free, weighs correctly, is it okay to use for another year? - it's dated 02/2021.
Its you life, or that of your crew. Expiry dates and safety factors are sometimes not legislated but are based on the anticipated life determined by the manufacturer who might determine the life based on worst case scenario and or their own test protocols. If the manufacturer defines a date - they do so for a reason (and I'm not so cynical to think they offer a short life to increase sales (as if you take may advice in the final para - it will terminate sales).Reminded me to check all my lifejackets - says 2025 on the capsule so OK. But how important is the date on the cylinder? If has not been pierced, is corrosion free, weighs correctly, is it okay to use for another year? - it's dated 02/2021.
I would just not buy from that retailer again, I would expect them to have “in-date” stock.The retailer did remind me that in the future to ensure that when you order online that you specify that you want the latest expiry date available from the manufacturer.
Name and shame, its a safety item.I would just not buy from that retailer again, I would expect them to have “in-date” stock.
I see no evidence they are CE rated (other than Chinese Export).Slight thread drift :
I have been on the lookout for more LJ's as the Racing Rule requires one for each person on board etc. I normally sail as a 2 - 3 person total ... so 3 is not enough ...
I was intrigued by these :
Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket Professional Swimming Fishing Life Vest | eBay
Like YOU - initial thoughts are - Yeh Yeh Yeh ... but then I thought - for the price - lets see .. and they are supplied by an Estonian Dealer - which means they have to satisfy CE rating .. which actually meets the LYC Rules ..
Two LJ's arrived and I have to say that I've given them a really thorough going over and I can find no fault .. they do come without CO2 cylinders though ... luckily having ordered 4 - that will have them RTU.
Only thing I don't like is the large LIFEJACKET lettering down one cover !
Before anyone shoots me and claims I don't care about safety - you cannot be further from the truth ... I bought to see what they are ... 50 quid is not going to break my b***s .... !!
I see no evidence they are CE rated (other than Chinese Export).
And you are right; why not see. I would download the CE standard and compare as much as possible. And I would test inflate them.
If not, you are better off using non-inflatable jackets. They really are quite good, just out of fashion.
If not, you are better off using non-inflatable jackets. They really are quite good, just out of fashion.