Old Life jacket advice

[Sans Bateau]

I have two old auto inflation lifejackets, they are around 15 or more years old but when tested last stayed inflated for at least 24 hours, before I deflated them. So could well be perfectly serviceable.

I dont need them, but because of their age I feel a degree of responsibility in passing them on, at that age should they be scrapped? I'd be happy to give them to someone who could make use of them though. However, I'd hate to think if someone took them and they didnt work in an emergency.

 

[Billjratt]

Two views: If they're not good enough for you (because you've replaced them) why should they be good for someone else?
On the other hand, if the new owner is as diligent in his maintenance as you appear to have been, it's likely he'll find a problem before it finds him.
I've noticed problems with webbing/attachments rather than air-tightness, and the test inflation has to be good and high in order to simulate the pressures involved in keeping someone afloat.

 

[Laurie]

Or someone new to boating on a very limited budget might indeed be grateful for working lifejackets until they have the money for newer jackets. Rightly or wrongly they may have chosen to go without, otherwise..........

 

[JustMelfort]

This may be relevant:

http://www.secumar.com/secumar/php/main.php?lang=e&group=php&seite=news&id=18

Clearly it depends on what the specific manufacturer recommends, but 10 years does seem reasonable for such a critical piece of equipment.

If they were mine, I'd cut a hole in them and bin them as I wouldn't want to pass them on unless they were properly serviced - which is probably not cost effective.

 

[Sans Bateau]

This may be relevant:

http://www.secumar.com/secumar/php/main.php?lang=e&group=php&seite=news&id=18

Clearly it depends on what the specific manufacturer recommends, but 10 years does seem reasonable for such a critical piece of equipment.

If they were mine, I'd cut a hole in them and bin them as I wouldn't want to pass them on unless they were properly serviced - which is probably not cost effective.

That is generally my thoughts, but then lauries thoughts creep in, I would not want to rob someone on a tight budget.

 

[awol]

If they are old, scuffed, fraying at the edges, you should definitely use them in preference to your new ones. The RNLI are quite adamant that "lifejackets are useless unless worn".

 

[yoda]

I don't see anything wrong with a life jacket of this age. If the operating mechanism is replaced (normally quite simple, the bladder holds up (already tested) and the straps and buckles are in good nick (and not been left in sunlight or long periods) then there would be little to be concerned about. Mine was older that 10 years when I sent it back to Crewsaver (on a recall) and all they did while servicing it was to replace one defective clip. The appearance of the outer stoll is of little concern as it is just there to protect the bladder etc.

Yoda

 

[prv]

I'm with Yoda - and Laurie. A life jacket is a fairly simple piece of kit really, and it's hard to think of a creeping problem which would appear due to age yet remain undetectable to a thorough examination and a test inflation.

On the other hand, in the past I've been that person who was given the use of an old boat without any associated gear, and set off without lifejackets due to the cost of new ones. We'd have happily taken your old ones if they'd been available.

Pete

 

[Searush]

My lightweight BOAC non-autos still seem OK when tested. But I doubt that the mechanisms would work if pulled. Now when did BOAC go off air? 1960's was it? But then why would they wear out in a locker?


Before anyone gets all high & mighty, I do have modern autos with harness * crotch straps for every crew member. My point is that they can last quite a long time & still be serviceable. It depends how they are used, stored & checked.

 

[Sans Bateau]

OK, I'll put a post in the 'for sale' area. As I said they will be free.

Thanks for the help in making my mind up, I'm sure that you all understand, I did not want to throw away something that someone starting out or on a budget could use, however I would not want to pass on something that should really be ditched.

To be honest, I would be quite happy using them as a LJ, certainly better than no Jacket at all!

 

[FishyInverness]

Might be worth suggesting to whoever takes them to contact the RNLI and book one of their free Sea Safety checks, that way the Lifejackets will get a once over from the RNLI inspector as well as other kit on the receiver's vessel.

just a thought

 

[Jabs]

Check It!

On a similar vein, some years ago, I was given a 'new' lifejacket. It was a functional item given by the manufacturer as a sample. It had all the goodies, light, whistle, crotch strap, harness and spray hood.

I wore it confidently for a couple of years and then decided that I should give it a bit of a check.

Imagine my horror when I discovered that the cylinder fitted was a used one!

So, the moral of the story is, if someone gives you such a piece of kit, check it!

Tony.

 

[Boathook]

I have two old auto inflation lifejackets, they are around 15 or more years old but when tested last stayed inflated for at least 24 hours, before I deflated them. So could well be perfectly serviceable.

I dont need them, but because of their age I feel a degree of responsibility in passing them on, at that age should they be scrapped? I'd be happy to give them to someone who could make use of them though. However, I'd hate to think if someone took them and they didnt work in an emergency.

I have some Avon LJ's on board that must be 35 years old. They are inflated each winter for 24 hours and seem to hold pressure better than much newer ones. As they have been kept in the dark and dry they seem ok with no cracking of the bladder material, etc. These are kept as reserves for 'just in case' as they are uncomfortable to wear