CO2 Replacement on PFD

[Slayer]

I am leaving for Marathon Keys tomorrow to help deliver a C&C42 to Charleston, SC. It will be an open water sail. Bringing my own PFD that is about two years old. I have only used it once or twice though, because I use a lighter one when coastal sailing around here.

How often should the C02 charge be replaced.

[knuterikt]

There is a gross weight stamped on the CO2 bottle, the bottle should be put on a weight as part of the regular inspection of the pfd.
This inspection should be done at least every 6 months.

You should also inflate the west using the blow tube and let it stay inflated over night to check for leaks.

Make sure you screw the bottle tight and re pack the according to manufacturers instruction.

If it is a automated release on this pfd, the release "tablet" should be replaced according to instructions.

[sailpower]

Mine is about 20 years old (manual). I tested it last month with the original cannister and it worked fine.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Slayer

I am leaving for Marathon Keys tomorrow to help deliver a C&C42 to Charleston, SC. It will be an open water sail. Bringing my own PFD that is about two years old. I have only used it once or twice though, because I use a lighter one when coastal sailing around here.

How often should the C02 charge be replaced.

The issue is not the CO2 cartridge, it's the bobbin in the hammer/firing pin assembly. Depending upon the manufacturer you should be able to obtain replacement bobbins from Defender or West Marine. I suggest you replace the bobbin just to be on the safe side. Take the old one and pitch it in a glass of water. If it fizzes up and desolves it would have been fine but they are quite cheap and better safe than sorry. We test/replace ours annually.

IF you do not have an EPIRB, contact BoatUS (I'm sure you're a member right?) and have them FedEx a unit to you before you depart. File a "Float Plan" with BoatUS and leave a copy with your wife/girlfriend/next of kin or whomever is your shoreside contact, just to be on the safe side. Marathon to Charleston's an easy run as long as the winds don't turn on you.