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.
