Inflatable pfd question

[fromthelogo]

I have an auto inflate Onyx pfd that I got from BPS. I’ve heard you should replace the wafer and CO2 cartridge annually. If the CO2 indicator on the mechanism is still green (indicating sufficient pressure) and the wafer hasn’t caused the unit to inflate, what is the reason to routinely  replacing these parts? 

[Glenn]

While not the same brand, this video explains it.

 

 

[A-Jay]

Some answers here ~ 

https://www.onyxoutdoor.com/life-jacket-faqs

 

"How often do i need to replace my yellow bobbin?

there is no deterioration.  Bobbins that are exposed to high humidity, high heat, or vibration may need to be replaced more often.

Some of the Onyx Inflatable Life Jackets will have a three-year shelf life, and others will have a five-year shelf life.  A manufacture date code is stamped on all Onyx bobbins.  See the examples below to determine the manufacture date and when your bobbin should be replaced.

3-Year Bobbin Replacement example:

Month    Day

NOVXX

Year Manufacturer

XXHR

5-Year Bobbin Replacement example:

Manufacture Date:

103120

Expiration Date:
EX10/25"

 

A-Jay

[fromthelogo]

Thanks for the replies. 

[Deleted account]

On such a critical item, I'd stay with the recommended PMS, the cartridges won't go "bad" unless they are defective (have a leak) and they seldom do, they can be checked by weight, but it would suck to fall in and not have it deploy.

[MickD]

This video does not advocate annual replacement of either the bobbin or the cylinder.  If one were planning to replace annually then the right way to test  it would be to expose it to water and watch it inflate, then inspect to make sure it didn't deflate.  That is not what she is saying.

 

I had an auto inflatable pfd that was many years old in a compartment of my boat that got flooded by rain getting through a leaky cover and it inflated properly and stayed inflated until I picked up the boat days later.  

 

I think her advice to replace only if there is doubt about the condition makes good sense.  As someone else said, CO2 cartridges are very reliable and unlikely to lose their charge.  I've never heard of it happening.  I used to have them on my bike and they never failed.

 

The  old adage of "if it isn't broken don't fix it" is good advice, tempered with good judgment and annual inspection as advocated in the video.  When you tamper with the system there is the possibility that you'll screw it up.  

[Way2slow]

A couple I have, have the yellow bobbins.  When I buy replacements, they have an expiration date on the package, and may have one on the bobbin, never looked.  If you get some from fresh stock, they are usually good for two or three years.  I bought some off ebay that expired five months from the date I received them, was not happy with that deal.  Forget and leave it in a compartment on the boat one hot humid day and you don't have to worry it.  You just replace it and the cylinder where it let go.

It's not that expensive just to buy a pack of bobbins and they are not difficult to replace.  I put more value in their working if needed than saving a few pennies not keeping them up to date.

[fromthelogo]

It’s not that I am adverse to the cost of the re-arming kit, it’s the engineer in me that wants to know why it needs to be done. I’m starting to think that it is the white material in the yellow disc that starts to degrade from humidity and could cause a premature inflation?

[MickD]

9 hours ago, fromthelogo said:

I’m starting to think that it is the white material in the yellow disc that starts to degrade from humidity and could cause a premature inflation?

I think the point the woman in the video makes in recommending inspection is that if the degradation has started it will be visible.  I believe humidity/time is the issue.  I don't know if it's the white or the yellow, but she mentions that it will be apparent if it's been degraded.  If it loses its integrity the pfd will inflate.

[Way2slow]

Those little bobbins are a whole lot cheaper to replace than a cylinder.  The ones I have with the bobbin have 38-gram cylinders.  They are hard to find and not cheap when you do.  I've got cylinders over 15 years old that still weigh 150 grams, the same weight as a new one, so nothing has leaked out.  Those will last a long time as long as you take care of the bobbins and your 10-year-old granddaughter doesn't jump in the swimming pool with it on, thinking it's a life vest because she sees you wearing it all the time in the boat.  It also scares the crap out of them when it goes off.

[dickenscpa]

If you're about to change out the cartridge and throw the old one away anyway, jump in a pool and let it go off on you once. The only way I can explain it is it's "different." You can't swim your normal way when it deploys. Doesn't hurt to make a test run so that surprise isn't under duress.