Grumble, grumble

[Lobster Boy]

Just checked my safety gear and my distress flares are out of date, date of manufacture Mar 2009. I bought some replacements which I now notice are already a year old. Oh well, I hope I never have to use them. The old ones should start a good bonfire.

Anyone have any idea about regulations for the dates on the yellow bobbins in Mustang automatic-inflation lifejackets? Does anyone ever check? The dates stamped on them don't make any sense (to me). I bought a re-arm kit which says "install before 2015" but gives no clue as to how long you can keep it. I always have enough lifejackets on board so it's not really an issue if I get checked but I wear the inflatable all the time when I'm out. I guess if the bobbin looks OK it should work...

 

[Sculpin]

Just checked my safety gear and my distress flares are out of date, date of manufacture Mar 2009. I bought some replacements which I now notice are already a year old. Oh well, I hope I never have to use them. The old ones should start a good bonfire.

Anyone have any idea about regulations for the dates on the yellow bobbins in Mustang automatic-inflation lifejackets? Does anyone ever check? The dates stamped on them don't make any sense (to me). I bought a re-arm kit which says "install before 2015" but gives no clue as to how long you can keep it. I always have enough lifejackets on board so it's not really an issue if I get checked but I wear the inflatable all the time when I'm out. I guess if the bobbin looks OK it should work...

From the Mustang site.

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recr...bobbin-pack-12?division=recreation&country=23

"We recommend annual maintenance and inspection of your PFD. For recreational use, bobbins should be replaced every three years to avoid inadvertant inflation."

I don't know if that answers your question or not.

 

[Lobster Boy]

Thank you. Yes, I did see that. Bobbin looks OK but I replaced it anyway (and kept the old one as a spare). They are either OK (strong enough to retain the spring mechanism) or spent (after getting wet). I wondered if there was actually any regulations as to their use? I've looked hard but can't find anything, I suppose I was checking because they are date-stamped and I have a bagful of OOD flares