Would you use them?

[KREW2]

I have two life jackets that are now 10 or 11 years old.
I test them every year by inflating them very hard, and leaving them over night. If in the morning they are still fully inflated I remove the gas cylinder and weigh it.
If all is okay I refold it.
Once again they have passed the test, but I feel I should replace them because of their age.

 

[pvb]

Sounds like they're safe to use, but you're obviously a little concerned. Modern lifejackets are more ergonomically designed and so are more comfortable to wear. That might give you a reason to replace them...

 

[Sailingsaves]

I have two life jackets that are now 10 or 11 years old.
I test them every year by inflating them very hard, and leaving them over night. If in the morning they are still fully inflated I remove the gas cylinder and weigh it.
If all is okay I refold it.
Once again they have passed the test, but I feel I should replace them because of their age.

I would use them. Some of mine are older. You have done a lot of due diligence there; some people do not inflate them to a high enough pressure to test glue, seams etc, but just because I would use them does not mean you should - I place little value on my life and I skimp where others would not.

 

[Stemar]

On mine, the the mechanism has an expiry date. As long as it's in date, I'd be quite happy with your maintenance regime.

I changed some that were 5 years out on a friend's LJs. They all popped when I threw them in a bowl of water, so they would have been fine

 

[LittleSister]

I would use them. I do much the same, and I can't even remember how old my jacket is. (It probably has a date on it, but it's a while since I last checked it.)

 

[PhillM]

I inflate and check every year but every 2 I chuck them in the bath and check they inflate and stay inflated overnight. Then dry out and replace the cylinder. Mine are 5 years old and providing they pass these tests, then I don't see age being an issue.

 

[Daydream believer]

I have two life jackets that are now 10 or 11 years old.
I test them every year by inflating them very hard, and leaving them over night. If in the morning they are still fully inflated I remove the gas cylinder and weigh it.
If all is okay I refold it.
Once again they have passed the test, but I feel I should replace them because of their age.

Coincidence ---I weighed the wife ( but she got heavier, not lighter) & she is getting on a bit & looks a bit grubby. Should I get a younger version??

 

[Thedreamoneday]

Clearly you've been checking them to ensure they still operate as you would want then to but personally I'd update them for a new set as at 10 yes of age eveni f they were at the top end theyve cost you £1.60 pmth to have, so they've served you well.

Invest in some new ones and you won't have any reason to doubt them especially if you find yourself needing them!

 

[dom]

Sounds like they're safe to use, but you're obviously a little concerned. Modern lifejackets are more ergonomically designed and so are more comfortable to wear. That might give you a reason to replace them...

But is that a fact? Commander and Chief reckons the new ones feel a bit heavy on the front bumpers and impart an irritating strain on her neck. She still likes the oldfashioned Crewsaver jobs.

 

[KREW2]

But is that a fact? Commander and Chief reckons the new ones feel a bit heavy on the front bumpers and impart an irritating strain on her neck. She still likes the oldfashioned Crewsaver jobs.

Well, I'm alright Jack, I have one of those new type. As you say they do seem more cumbersome than the old sort.

However I keep three on board in case anyone turns up for racing, and forgets to bring their own, or doesn't own one which is very unusual.
It's two of these that are in question. My concern is that they are not for myself, although I would be quite happy to use one for racing, in fact I find them less inhibiting.
Doing a passage is different as they don't have a built in harness.

 

[Stemar]

Coincidence ---I weighed the wife ( but she got heavier, not lighter) & she is getting on a bit & looks a bit grubby. Should I get a younger version??

Your choice - some of the newer models do have attractive features. However, you should be aware that, while the trade-in allowances may seem generous, they work the other way round to most products. Many people don't seem to realise that until it's too late