Inflatable PFD

[belairbrian]

Re: Inflatable PFD

I have the Mustang auto/manuals. Son and I always were them. really don't notice them.

being a divemaster I spend so much time in a SCUBA BCD the Inflatable PFDs are nothing.

I was in Academy Sports a couple of weeks ago and they had the Mustang Manual/Autos on sale for $69.

 

[jkust]

Re: Inflatable PFD

My wife got me a couple auto inflatables from Cabelas several years ago. They inflate when they get below 4 inches of water if I recall. We only wear them when the water is cold early or late season or when I'm alone on the boat and the conditions are rough. I believe that after this many years it is time to replace the rearm kit at something along the lines of $30 per vest. I think it was boating magazine that did a very good head to head comparison on a bunch of the models in a comprehensive fashion. http://www.boatingmag.com/gear/safety gear/boatinglab-tests-auto-inflatable-pfds?page=0,1

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Inflatable PFD

... I believe that after this many years it is time to replace the rearm kit at something along the lines of $30 per vest. ...

Save your money.

The Pill/Bobbin is a compressed salt capsule.
If it goes bad the salt will disintegrate and the vest will inflate prematurely.

The cylinder is filled with liquid CO2 and is good forever as long as it doesn't leak.
The side of the cylinder is printed with the minimum weight.
Just weigh it. If it's heavy enough your good!

My 24 gram cylinder is marked "Minimum Weight 122.0 g"
I just weighted it at 124g. Passed!

 

[jkust]

Re: Inflatable PFD

Save your money.

The Pill/Bobbin is a compressed salt capsule.
If it goes bad the salt will disintegrate and the vest will inflate prematurely.

The cylinder is filled with liquid CO2 and is good forever as long as it doesn't leak.
The side of the cylinder is printed with the minimum weight.
Just weigh it. If it's heavy enough your good!

My 24 gram cylinder is marked "Minimum Weight 122.0 g"
I just weighted it at 124g. Passed!

Thanks, good to know. Thinking the recommendation that they be switched out every few years is like the 3000 oil change myth but in this case if you are wrong, the consequenses are much worse.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Inflatable PFD

Save your money.

The Pill/Bobbin is a compressed salt capsule.
If it goes bad the salt will disintegrate and the vest will inflate prematurely.

Newer 'smart' models that inflate only after being immersed to a certain depth (a few inches) work differently, Unclewilly.

http://www.crittersinflatable.com/pdf/InflatablePFDsTheSequel.pdf

The third accepted mechanism is the CM Hammar inflator used in the Mustang hydrostatic PFD
(shown in this photo). The Hammar automatic system is activated by water pressure and
has a hydrostatic valve in place of a bobbin or pill. When submerged in at least 4 inches of
water, the hydrostatic valve activates, and the CO2 cylinder pierced allowing the air to
inflate the PFD bladder. This type PFD is not affected by getting wet inside a boat (unless
the boat sinks☺). Also unlike the other two systems, the CO2 cylinder is positioned inside
of the bladder. What these PFD’s do have in common with the other two systems is a
manual override and oral inflation capability. Once used, or every five years, the complete
inflator and CO2 cylinder must be replaced to rearm this type PFD.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Inflatable PFD

... Newer 'smart' models that inflate only after being immersed to a certain depth (a few inches) work differently, ...

Thanks for the link.
I suspected it was marketing trying to make it sound better.
I see that the Hydrostatic Actuators truly ARE Hydrostatic!

That said, and despite the fact that I am a Technobuff, I would argue that the Pill/Bobbin Actuators would still be my choice.
The Pill/Bobbin actuators will tend to malfunction with a premature inflation.
I see this as preferable to the hydrostatic actuator failing to inflate when needed.

I can understand the manufacturer recommendation of installing a new Re-Arm kit every few years.
Beside producing a periodic income for them, the average user, sad to say , does not have the capacity to inspect the Bobbin and weigh the cartridge.
Along with inspecting the Active components, at least once a year, inflate it with the manual inflation tube to insure it can still hold pressure.
Blow it up and let it sit for a few hours. If there is a leak, now is the time to find out.

And for everyone, Even if you have an inflatable PFD, be sure to carry an inherently Buoyant one also.
If the weather gets rough swap out your Type 5 for a Type 1,2,or 3.
Wearing the Type 5 is infinitely better than not wearing a PFD at all.
But always keep in the back of your head that a type 1,2 or 3, unlike a type 5, will float just fine with a big tear in them and they don't develop leaks.

And legally, The Inflatable only counts as a PFD when you are wearing it.
Keep a type 3 or better on board for each person and treat the Inflatable as a luxury item.