Re-arming inflatables
 

Is it even worth the trouble? I had an inflatable open up just from humidity. Looks like it would be a PIA to re-arm them. I think the re-arm kit costs about 1/3 of the original cost of the whole thing.

I think the re-arm kit for my auto inflating vests runs about 30 bucks. My vests cost me about $180/ea.
I would do it if it where me. You never know if you or a passenger where to get thrown from the boat and go unconscious. I would have peace of mind knowing that if that happened the vest would inflate and keep their head up out of the water till help arrived. Have you ever tried to tread water and manually blow the vest up? Not an easy task IMO.

The kit comes with a new CO2 cartridge and pill for the trigger, quick and easy, I would do it.

Thanks, I usually use regular vests anyway. I was going through all my gear yesterday and was reminded about the inflatable that needed re-armed. I use the inflatables as spares now.

My inflatables needed to be re-armed this spring......I bought the kits and did them myself very easily......way easier then I thought......and i even blew them up before re-arming them to make sure they were all in good shape.........

if you use the inflatables with the hydrostatic inflators they wont discharge from Humidity or from just getting wet ...they have to be submergered 4" to inflate ....we use the Mustang Brand ....only thing about the inflatables or most the vest the dont have the crouch Straps ....in any ejection with speed they will probably be ripped off .......m

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recre...nflatable-pfds

if they are not reloaded, they should be off boat. they are no longer a lifesaving device, CO2 cylinder has to be good. manually inflating doesn't work to consider lifepreserver, normally you need it; do to incident and may not be able to blow-up. guys that have them normally get reload kits from fishing superstores, normally at season sale.

:hijack: Damn SPAMMERS!!!!

In the past I had life jackets onboard but had not worn one. I bought inflatable jackets for this season and plan to wear them full-time along with using the kill switch cord. We all drive fast boats. Why take unnecessary chances?

As far as arming goes if you can put the skinny end of the CO2 into the receptacle and give it a 1/4 turn you can rearm your life jacket. I'm planning on keeping a spare CO2 onboard.

Don't mean hijack the tread, But does anyone change out the CO2 cartrige because it might have leaked out over time?

I have successfully recharged and repacked them in under 5 minutes and Im well..me. so if i can do it you shouldnt have a problem.

Weigh them the cartridge should say how much it weighs when full.