Did you test your NEW inflatable PFD by discharging it?

merlin2375 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I know many recommend hopping in the water to make sure it works as it should, just wonder how many of you actually do that?

TrueBlue · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I've tested one of the six we had onboard - which worked fine. Damn sure not going to buy recharging kits for all of them. We do keep extra kits onboard however.

So, didn't vote in your poll - since there's no category for me.

SailorMitch · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

The real question is how often to test them when they are "old"? I visually inspect them but not sure that's enough to ensure that they will work when needd. I have 3 onboard.

Sailormon6 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailorMitch

The real question is how often to test them when they are "old"? I visually inspect them but not sure that's enough to ensure that they will work when needd. I have 3 onboard.

I manually blew up an inflatable waist pouch pfd that was with my boat when I bought it, and it wouldn't hold air. It didn't look like it had ever been used. I don't think you need to jump in the water with them, but you should certainly manually inflate them before you trust them.

T37SOLARE · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Quote:

I've tested one of the six we had onboard - which worked fine. Damn sure not going to buy recharging kits for all of them. We do keep extra kits onboard however.

So, didn't vote in your poll - since there's no category for me.

Ditto.....

KeelHaulin · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Supposedly the inflatable PFD's are to be inspected/certified every 2 years or so; and service life is 10 years. If you look at the inside labeling on them there is a checkoff for each 2 year interval. I don't know what the USCG implications are but the availability of replacement cartridges might not be there after the 8-10 year date for your particular PFD.

I voted Naah; don't test them. I have used the manual inflate tube to test; which saves the cartridge expense.

trantor12020 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

did test...by mistake. so it works ...so gonna buy new pill, cartridge and pin. mistake, costly mistake.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

You really should test inflate them at least once a season, and definitely right after you buy it. If you don't test it, how are you going to know it doesn't leak???

BTW, if you've never used an inflatable PFD... you really should try wearing one and jumping into the water to see how it works. It can be a pretty rude surprise otherwise. Finally, if you want to test one but don't want to "spend the money" then do it when you're about to replace the pill, cartridge and pin... which is usually done annually or ever other year. Don't forget to buy and keep spares aboard.

Faster · #9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Another item here: apparently some of these units are shipped (or stored) with the cylinders NOT COMPLETELY SCREWED IN. A friend dumped a kayak last year wearing a new inflatable, hers didn't go off. We found the loose cylinder afterwards.

So at least check to make sure the cylinder is fully seated in the mechanism.

Idiens · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Ditto the loose cylinder advice. Five on-board and one gets tested when its date stamp expires. If it works, it gets replaced, if it doesn't, they all get replaced.....