XM auto lifejacket & annual check

[sabresailor]

Have justed had a look at my XM quickfit auto life jacket - a few questions

- the gas cyclinder is dated may 98 - how long do these things last / when should it be replaced?

- I notice it also says service anually - do folks actually do this?

- also it says "replace automatic bobbin inflator anually - again do folks do this + where do I get spare gas cyclinders & 'bobbins' from.

Cheers

Mike

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[poter]

Hi,
I am sure most of the big Chandlers run a rearm service for all the popular makes of jackets, its not difficult to do yourself, but if you are not too sure, why not take the jacket up to the London Boat Show, and get one of the exhibitors to do it for you. As far as service, I would suggest that the thing to check would be the stitching and making sure the D rings and harness attachments are all secure, but again I am sure one of the big manufactures will have a rep at the show, buy him a beer & ask the question.

Poter.


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[SteveA]

Mike,

I think replacing the 'bobbin' if this is the dissolving pill is a good idea I've had a couple go off at home while being stored - which is a bit of a shock. Apparently they will slowly dissolve over time so changing them every year or two is a good idea. I don't know if you can get them separately from the full rearming kit.
Other checks are to do a visual and to get the cylinder weighed.

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[whisper]

I also inflate mine manually once a year and leave over night to check for leaks. The visual check on the firing mechanism is easy to do, as is the check on the integrity of the seal on the gas bottle. Replacements/ rearming kits readily available at chandleries - cost in region of £15 to £20. I think soluble "tablets/bobbins" are available separately but haven't seen any on the shelves lately.

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[OzGirl]

We do similar but pull the red toggle to inflate, then chuck the old cylinder and bits away. Might seem extravigant but after a years 'use' we're happier changing all the gubbins on something our lives might depend on.

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[john_morris_uk]

Normally servicing would include inspecting for abrasion and stitching faults, inflating the lifejacket and leaving overnight to check airtight intergrity, check window in auto mechanism that it hasn't been fired etc. The gas bottles should be checked for corrosion and they usually have their weight stamped on them. An accurate kitchen scales that can measure to half a gram or so will tell you if the cylinder is still charged. Why waste money on a new cylinder if the one present is uncorroded and full? If the manufacturer says replace the bobbin then you can't argue... but no knowledge on this as all my lifejackets have HAMAR auto inflate mechanisms. Hope this helps.

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