How long are the inflate cartridges good for? I looked for an expiration date on the cartridge and couldn't find one. It has a fill date on it. It shows the green color on the valve like it is still good. Thanks for any advise.
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How long are the inflate cartridges good for? I looked for an expiration date on the cartridge and couldn't find one. It has a fill date on it. It shows the green color on the valve like it is still good. Thanks for any advise.
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
Until Joedog spills a beer on them, right Alex?Quote:
Originally Posted by LSL Angler
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.
So are you saying the cartridge should be replaced or the bobbins?Quote:
Originally Posted by kazualobzerver
Pretty sure the bobbins. I'm getting ready to order a recharge kit for one of mine. Had a devil of a time finding the right one. If I can find the website again I will post it.
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Bobbin Mark. My first experience re-arming a cartridge sounded like someone poked the Pillsgury Dough Boy with a sharp object. Like my plumbing jobs typical is buy two to repair one.
Still have the original SOSpenders that I keep the pellets (saline tablets) replaced on a two year cycle. Check the cylinder end for holes/cracks when doing so. Bought my kits from an Amazon seller in Washington state. You can look at mine to see the condition of the pellet, how much green is still showing etc. One of mine did inflate while in the rod locker of my bass boat. Summer humidity and due to illness the locker was not opened up/used. You can look up 're-arm kits' for whatever brand you have. I found plenty of resources. About 30 bucks for the whole kit.
Id reccomend not storing in the boat full time, the changes in temperature and humidity will let the cartridge bleed off over time, some of the newer nicer models have pressure gauges to show the cartridges are still good
I am not sure how a sealed CO/2 cartridge can leak unless it has rusted or corroded. But they are supposed to be dried before storing and stored in a dry compartment.
Here is a pretty good link on checking them
https://1source.basspro.com/index.ph...able-life-vest