Thread: Self Inflate life jackets

Be careful when you purchase self Inflate, I was told that moisture will inflate them. It might just be on the cheaper ones but you never know.

I don't think the cylinders expire. The little "pills" that dissolve to trigger the vest do have dates, but I think that has more to do with the natural humidity in the air degrading them.

The expiration date is on the little donut shaped "Bobbin" part that you replace.

Mark. I don't know what brand you have but these Leland bobbins fit a lot of them.

https://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-PF.../dp/B002O76J66

If you replace the bobbins before they expire you will probably never have an Accidental inflate. This way you don't have to by the rearm kit. I usually keep a re arm kit just in case.

USCG states they should be replace every 3-4 years and every 2 years if used commercially

Originally Posted by LSL Angler

How long are the inflate cartridges good for?

Until Joedog spills a beer on them, right Alex?

I've had mine 12 years. Only incident with them was when a BIG gust of wind on Stockton blew one out of my Champion. It inflated instantly. Rearm kit was expensive for no more than it is.

2 years is what I hear for conservative approach, 3-4 optimal. Some have a green and yellow tab indicator. I know a recent example that one didn't inflate when the owner was thrown from a boat, spooky. Has me re-thinking.

Originally Posted by kazualobzerver

2 years is what I hear for conservative approach, 3-4 optimal. Some have a green and yellow tab indicator. I know a recent example that one didn't inflate when the owner was thrown from a boat, spooky. Has me re-thinking.

So are you saying the cartridge should be replaced or the bobbins?