Non-inflating Inflatable vest?

Northeaster · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009

I purchased a Stearns automatic / manual inflatable approx 2 years ago, at Hamilton Marine, Searsport, Me. I have worn it often while sailing, often in windy / rough conditions.
It has never been inflated, or dropped in water.
This spring I noticed that the pill indicator was red, although the manual pull, and co2 bottle indicators were green. As it had never been inflated, I assumed that it would still inflate with the manual pull.

Finally, I decide to test the manual pull, and when, to my surprise, it did NOT inflate, I checked the CO2 bottle. It had a small puncture hole in it!

Maybe I am missing something, but....

How could the CO2 bottle have a puncture hole in it, without inflating the lifevest????

As I paid approx $200 for this vest, I am extremely disappointed that it did not inflate!

I guess that humidity caused the pill to eat away, and finally disappear. But why did this not cause it to inflate?

Submitted this question to Stearns! Still awaiting a response!!

scottyt · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009

it could have been a bad co2, or check the seal where the co2 mates to. if it was loose the auto could have fired but did not get a full sized puncture and then it leaked out around the threads on the co2 instead of inflating.

Northeaster · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009

Yes, I suppose it could have leaked out some, after misfiring from the pill "melting" over time, from the humidity.

There was a pin-size hole in the end of the Co2. I guess I assumed that, since it had never inflated, that it must not have went-off / fired.
I guess I was wrong.

Northeaster · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009

Sent Coleman / Stearns another email after hearing nothing back from them in 3 weeks!!!!

Flybyknight · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009

North,
I hate to sound cynical as I have the same vest, but I wonder if the vest was demo'd at the retail establishment, or may be it was a return, and some low life packed it used?
Thank you for the thread. I am going to check my CO2 cylinder.
Dick

damies · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009

Our local laws require that inflatable PFDs (Life jackets) must serviced (ie cylinder replaced) every year.

I would recommend you check your local regs, you may be required to do the same. The reason for this requirement is to try and prevent your situation, I jacket not inflating when you need it to.

Personally I opted for the old fashion kind, but that's a personal choice.

Dave.

night0wl · #7 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009

I keep a spare C02 cartridge in a pocket on every one of my inflatable PFD's. Dont know how effective it would be to change out the cartrdige while treading water...but better than nothing, and for $20 per, cheap insurance.

JiffyLube · #8 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009

Yep, the directions say test the unit every year...but I haven't tested in two years. I do take out the CO2 bottle and look it over, but nothing more than that...I should really test the bottle. When I do test it I'm going to take the pill out, because so far I haven't been able to find replacement pills.

Where do you guys get those replacement pills?

knuterikt · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009

I newer trust a new inflatable PFD - even if ot comes in a sealed package.

The check is easy to perform and I do it before I start to use an new one and then every year.

Procedure:
Open the PFD
unscrew the CO2 bottle, the gross weigth is stamped on the bottle - I use a digital kitchen weight to controll.
Check the "pill" that it has not been triggered, normaly they should have a replace by date stamped on it.
Manualy inflate - leave inflated over night, should not loose air.
Check the it for wear and tear

Assemble and pack (follow packing instructions)

Quote:

Yes, I suppose it could have leaked out some, after misfiring from the pill "melting" over time, from the humidity.

It has been found that the CO2 bottles can become partly unscrewed during use, in that case the PFD will not inflate..

JomsViking · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009

I'm pretty sure it would be easier to blow it up using the mouth piece than replacing the canister while in the drink.
Spare cartridges and bobbins (tablets) are a great thing to have, but they should be kept in a dry and cool place if possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by night0wl

I keep a spare C02 cartridge in a pocket on every one of my inflatable PFD's. Dont know how effective it would be to change out the cartrdige while treading water...but better than nothing, and for $20 per, cheap insurance.