While we are on this subject, do NOT use an inflatable PFD in an airplane with 
the auto-inflator active. If the plane ends up in the water, you will become a 
large inflated obstacle trapping everyone in line for the door behind you.
Joe Della Barba


From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 2:38 PM
To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER <cscheaf...@comcast.net>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: CO2 cartridge Re: Inflatable PFDs

Totally agree Shawn.  But it is possible to test the bladder without.

Chuck S
On 01/07/2025 12:43 PM EST Shawn Wright via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:


A great guide, but one thing I would suggest is to use the pump to inflate as 
well as deflate, to avoid adding moisture and bacteria by blowing into it which 
may lead to mildew over time.

--
Shawn Wright
shawngwri...@gmail.com<mailto:shawngwri...@gmail.com>



On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 9:10 PM CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:
My oldest inflatable PFDs were made in 2002 and their CO2 cartridges were 
replaced in 2007.  I was thinking I had to replace the CO2 bottles and was 
temtped to pull the rip cords but learned some things last week from other boat 
owners.  You can save some real money by not pulling the PFD rip-cord.

I learned you don't need to replace the cartridge if it weighes more than the 
minimum gross weight stamped on the bottle.  (Because it will weigh less if any 
gas leaked out.)  And you can test the bladder by just blowing through the 
mouth tube until it's firm and waiting overnight to be sure it holds the 
pressure.  It's best to deflate the thing using an air matress compressor or a 
portable air compressor, cause you want to remove all the air before repacking. 
  You do need to replace the bobbins, because they have an expiration date 
stamped on them.  But CO2 bottles have no expiration date.  Weigh them on a 
digital food scale and write the weight and date on a tape label each year.  
Replace any bottles showing corrosion or damage.  Keep the bobbins up to date.  
 Do the pressure test for 12 or 24 hrs once a year and you'll be assured your 
PFD will work when needed and save $ as well.

So here it is January and there is 8 inches of snow on my boat and I'm home 
testing the PFDs and checking off one more thing that's needed before sailing 
season.

Hope sharing this helps others,
Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R Annapolis


On 01/06/2025 6:32 PM EST Bill Coleman via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:


Exactly!
That's what we did -
https://youtu.be/wfq30jP_58k

Bill Coleman
Entrada, Erie PA

On Fri, Jan 3, 2025 at 9:41 AM Novabraid via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:
If I have expired bobbins and antique CO2 cartridges and I’m wondering if the 
bladder on my PFD has leaks, why not pull the cord and inflate the PFD and 
check for leaks?  You’re going to replace the bobbins and cartridges anyway so 
save yourself the hassle of trying to blow the PFD up manually (which is likely 
to underinflate the bladder to start with) and check for leakage.
And Charlie, you won’t get far looking online for Landmark.. the company is 
Landfall Navigation in Stamford CT. 
www.landfallnavigation.com<http://www.landfallnavigation.com> .  Another source 
would be Life raft and Survival in Tiverton, RI. Life Jackets, Safety Vests & 
PFDs – Life Raft and Survival Equipment, 
Inc.<https://www.lrse.com/collections/life-jackets>
Chuck Gilchrest
s/v Half Magic
1983 LF 35
Padanaram, MA
From: Steve Mallett via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>>
Sent: Friday, January 3, 2025 5:04 AM
To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>>
Cc: Steve Mallett <steve.mallet...@gmail.com<mailto:steve.mallet...@gmail.com>>
Subject: Stus-List Re: CO2 cartridge Re: Inflatable PFDs


On Fri, Jan 3, 2025, 2:30 a.m. CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:
Hey guys,
I'll check Landmark.  I'm just wary that companies sell safety equipment that 
is outdated.

I recently (today) learned that it's possible to recertify your CO2 cartridges 
yourself, and keep and reuse them indefinitely saving $$$$$.  You simply need 
to weigh the cartridge using a digital scale like a food scale and record the 
weight and date on the CO2 cylinder. My 38 gram CO2 bottles were marked, 
Minimum Gross Weight of 149 grams and the actual weight came to 153 grams and 
157 grams.  I used two different scales to confirm my test.

I have four inflatable PFDs.  I pulled the CO2 bottles and three look brand new 
though they were made in 2003 and 2007.  I will replace the corroded one, even 
though it passed the weight test.  I weighed the others individually and used a 
piece of rigging tape and a sharpie to record the weight in grams and the date, 
when they were checked.   I've been told they need to be checked annually, and 
this method meets that criteria.

The water activated "bobbin" is different.  It has an expiration date printed 
on it and most Coast Guard inspections will want that current and I might keep 
a spare CO2 and bobbin, onboard in a ziplocked sandwich bag if I were planning 
a trip to Bermuda.

If you want to be more assured and safety minded, you can open the PFDs further 
and manually blow up the bladder as best you can and wait 24 hours to test for 
leaks.  Then squeeze out all the air, rearm them, and refold them back into 
their jackets and return them to service.   I may do that tomorrow as there's 
no sense depending on a PFD or buying a new CO2 cartridge if it can't maintain 
pressure?

Hope this helps others,
Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute, 1989 34R, Annapolis


On 01/02/2025 4:11 PM EST Richard Bush via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:


Chuck, great question, I need some too!

Richard
1985 C&C 37 CB; Mile 596, Ohio River
Richard N. Bush Law Offices
2950 Breckenridge 
Lane<https://www.google.com/maps/search/2950+Breckenridge+Lane?entry=gmail&source=g>,
 Suite Nine
Louisville, Kentucky 40220
(502) 584-7255


On Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 02:20:19 PM EST, CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:


Hey guys,
Where is the best place to buy CO2 cartridges for inflatable PFDs?

Thanks,
Chuck
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active.  Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at:  
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray  All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active. Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at: 
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active.  Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at:  
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray  All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active.  Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at:  
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray  All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active. Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at: 
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active.  Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at:  
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray  All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active. Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at: 
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep 
it active.  Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at:  
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray  All contributions are greatly 
appreciated.

Reply via email to