testing a pfd? Hello, After getting rescued when my kayak became a submarine and the PFD self inflatedl, I have installed a new gas cylinder, but after going through this experience...

gene so Loc: Las Vegas, New Mexico

Hello,

After getting rescued when my kayak became a submarine and the PFD self inflatedl, I have installed a new gas cylinder, but after going through this experience once and being determined not to have it happen again; I am faced with this reality. How do you go about testing this device to make sure the cylinder/mechanism will work again another time?

Seems pretty important to me.

Gene So

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Gene only way I know of is to pull the cord or jump in. That's the problem with self inflating pfd's. Wish they'd make a comfortable regular pfd

D Tong Loc: San Francisco,Ca

That’s a very strong point I have a couple of those PFD’s I haven’t had to use one yet thank goodness but that’s a thought I’m sure is on everyone’s mind when using them is will it work the manufacturer should have them state that they are 100% on product

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

gene so wrote:

Hello,

After getting rescued when my kayak became a submarine and the PFD self inflatedl, I have installed a new gas cylinder, but after going through this experience once and being determined not to have it happen again; I am faced with this reality. How do you go about testing this device to make sure the cylinder/mechanism will work again another time?

Seems pretty important to me.

Gene So

Gene, is it self inflating plus a manual option of blowing it up? Really no way that i am aware of for checking. Back up plan is to have manual source.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

plumbob wrote:

Gene, is it self inflating plus a manual option of blowing it up? Really no way that i am aware of for checking. Back up plan is to have manual source.

Plum some are that way but useless if you're out cold. I got auto for that purpose. I had my auto for many yrs. Found out it worked by accident. I always put it back in the bag. Except one ting I threw it in livewell which I use for storage. Not sure what happened but when I opened it nx time it had inflated. Some how pull the cord. One thing I don't think many realize is they only hold the charge for so long. The reason for blow to to keep it inflated. New clyinder in it now. Hope it works. 👍👍

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Grizzly 17 wrote:

Plum some are that way but useless if you're out c... (show quote)

True on the out cold scenario Griz, i think there main purpose is a back up.

On yours it sounds like the live well got water in it from use of the boat. I know my Sea Pro always had water in it unless i put the drain plug in.

bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma

gene so wrote:

Hello,

After getting rescued when my kayak became a submarine and the PFD self inflatedl, I have installed a new gas cylinder, but after going through this experience once and being determined not to have it happen again; I am faced with this reality. How do you go about testing this device to make sure the cylinder/mechanism will work again another time?

Seems pretty important to me.

Gene So

I bought a self inflating pdf. It self inflated twice by having it on in the rain.a light drizzle. I bought new cylinders both times. No more. I use a regular life jacket. It's not as comfortable but it works, wet ot dry.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

plumbob wrote:

True on the out cold scenario Griz, i think there main purpose is a back up.

On yours it sounds like the live well got water in it from use of the boat. I know my Sea Pro always had water in it unless i put the drain plug in.

No water Plum. I sealed it top n bottom long ago. This happened in the driveway n I cover the boat. I know several guys that accidentally pulled the cord. A manual pull isn't much good in that case

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

bottomcoon wrote:

I bought a self inflating pdf. It self inflated twice by having it on in the rain.a light drizzle. I bought new cylinders both times. No more. I use a regular life jacket. It's not as comfortable but it works, wet ot dry.

That's one I've never experienced. I know one guy that put his in storage locker wet. It inflated.

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

¿Does anyone use a "low-tech": inch- an inch &1/2 thick; "foam rubber" style "ski-vest"?... I have been thinking that I'd try one out, if I ever "get to feeling froggy enough" to jump on a boat again. Seems like a man would be more comfortable, this time of year, especially; with one of those on.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Able man. I never had one on. If you ever read about pfd's you'll find out what type you can where on different vessels. Not all pfd legal in all watercraft. I don't most people read all the regs on pfd usage. I didn't for a long time

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

Yeah, Grizz, me either... I suppose I "was up on" all those reg.'s; 40-ish years ago, when still working back decks and WANTING to be working in the wheelhouse... I can't recall. I'm thinking that I'm going to be ✓ing into that... I'm doubtful that a "ski-belt" would satisfy the law, (but it MIGHT); BUT, I'm thinking that a vest might.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Able Man wrote:

Yeah, Grizz, me either... I suppose I "was up on" all those reg.'s; 40-ish years ago, when still working back decks and WANTING to be working in the wheelhouse... I can't recall. I'm thinking that I'm going to be ✓ing into that... I'm doubtful that a "ski-belt" would satisfy the law, (but it MIGHT); BUT, I'm thinking that a vest might.

I know a guy that had the fanny pk style pad. I have 2 myself. A game warden way going to give him a ticket for not having a proper pad. He asked why since it was Coast guard approved n legal.
Warden was wrong in that case. Not sure why the rules n regs have to be so hard to interpret at times 👍

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Grizzly 17 wrote:

I know a guy that had the fanny pk style pad. I have 2 myself. A game warden way going to give him a ticket for not having a proper pad. He asked why since it was Coast guard approved n legal.
Warden was wrong in that case. Not sure why the rules n regs have to be so hard to interpret at times 👍

I'm pretty sure to be considered a legal PFD, it must turn over an unconscious wearer, face up and keep your head above water. I don't think a fanny pack can do that.

Larry M Loc: North Clairmount, San Diego

Able Man wrote:

Yeah, Grizz, me either... I suppose I "was up on" all those reg.'s; 40-ish years ago, when still working back decks and WANTING to be working in the wheelhouse... I can't recall. I'm thinking that I'm going to be ✓ing into that... I'm doubtful that a "ski-belt" would satisfy the law, (but it MIGHT); BUT, I'm thinking that a vest might.

Only thing bad about the ski vest is the color not being orange. Hard to spot you in the ocean with a blue vest.
Also the orange vest is made to hold your head upright.