Hi guys, if I'm remembering correctly, the tablet ones have a 3 year rebuild time with the kit thing and the pressure activated ones are 5 years. Trying to remember from the boat show. The CO2 would be indefinite I imagine unless it leaked or the seal got ugly. Here's a cool link.. http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/DIY-Check-Your-Inflatable-Life-Vest Jazz On Mar 23, 2016 1:34 PM, "Rick Davies" <jdavies104@gmail.com> wrote:
Connie,
My PFDs are also activated by dissolving tablets, but I don't know if I can buy the tablets separately from the CO2. They come in a kit. The assembly has a green ring that's supposed to tell you the tablet's OK. Have to do some further research.
Thanks
Rick M17 #633 Lynne L
On Wednesday, March 23, 2016, Conbert Benneck <chbenneck@gmail.com> wrote:
On 3/23/2016 3:27 PM, Rick Davies wrote:
Hi Rick,
We used to use some German made inflatable PDFs, when we sailed in Europe.
The CO2 cartridge is good for years till the seal is punctured and the CO2 escapes. Then it has to be replaced with a new cartridge with the proper CO2 volume.
I don't know how your PDF is actuated.
On ours, activation was by a tablet that dissolved the second it got wet. That allowed a spring loaded plunger to pierce the CO2 cartridge inflating the PDF.
I only had to replace my tablets each year to make certain that they were fresh, and good for another year of use. (rain / damp weather / might all contribute to slow tablet deterioration, and unintended PDF inflation)
Connie
I have West Marine inflatable PFDs that use water-activated 25g CO2
cylinders. They've had the same cylinders for several years. Should they be replaced from time to time, or are they OK as long as all the indicators are green? Any advice appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick M17 #633 Lynne L