auto inflatable PFDs on eBay

trapeze · Post by **trapeze** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 3:29 pm

I am thinking about buying one of two harness / auto inflatable PFDs on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... AMEWA%3AIT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4000-Off ... 4614023931

These prices are very low, am I missing something?

Any preference between the two?

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 4:39 pm

Don't know about cheap, but I don't beileve a reputable outfit would state "We assume no responsibility for sealed items."

trapeze · Post by **trapeze** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 6:14 pm

Despite my concerns about the vendor, I purchased the "Sentinel Automatic Inflatable Vest with Harness #3741196"

I have been wanting a PFD like this for some time now. I think I will wear it more often then I do my present PFD.

At $109.00 with shipping, it is a far cry from the best price of $279.00 I found elsewhere. The price difference makes me wonder what the catch is, I guess Ill find out.

The vendor has a 99.3% positive feedback on 22383 sales. They have also sold a bunch of these PFDs as well as the "4000 Offshore Sailing Inflatable PFD Harness 6830269" with all good feedback. This gave me the confidence to take a chance.

I should have it on Tuesday, Ill report back then.

Scott

Tom Spohn · Post by **Tom Spohn** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 9:24 am

We have the Mustang inflatable PFDs which we bought at a boat show, and really like them. Once in the San Juans the Admiral stepped from the dock to the dinghy which she thought I was holding for her. As the dink slid from the dock and she demonstrated a beautiful split she went into the 50 degree water. I am happy to report that the vest inflated right away and she was floating before the rest of us realized what had happened. The PFD actually stayed inflated for about two days afterwards and she continued to wear it for the rest of the trip.

Now to get to my point: When I returned to Seattle I had a heck of time getting a re-arm capsule for the vest. I finally did find a place and have several re-arm capsules on board for the next time she decides to "test" the PFD. I would strongly recommend making sure you can get the re-arm capsules before proceding with the purchase or since you have already bought it, make sure you get the capsules to keep on board with your safety stuff.

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:03 am

At Tom's earlier recommendation of the Mustangs, we bought two of the Mustangs w/harness from the old Sailnet. They're a little longer than the similar SOSpenders. We also got three of the rearm kits (with the intention of testing one) which we keep in the orange waterproof emergency box with the flares. On the auto-inflating models, the bobbins, including those in the rearm kits, must be replaced every three years. Unfortunately, and unless I'm mistaken, the bobbins aren't separately available, requiring us to purchase four rearm kits every three years.

--
Moe

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:11 am

With my West Marine SOSpenders, there is a pocket for a spare CO2 cartridge, and converter piece to allow you to convert from automatic to manual operation. Then you can always switch over without fullly rearming on the theory manual is better than none at all.

aya16 · Post by **aya16** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:22 pm

We bought these and they seem ok in the price dept.

also we inflated the vests and left them that way over night to check them. We didnt use the inflater we manualy blew them up.

we also tend to use them, not like the other pfd's we have on board. we use them cause they cost so much. Karen wears hers all the time, she knows I wont throw her arss over board knowing it costs 30 bucks to rearm the vest.

Captain Steve · Post by **Captain Steve** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:02 pm

the difference is the type of inflater mechanism. I bought two of the 4000 model.

trapeze · Post by **trapeze** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 5:31 pm

Captain Steve,

Please help educate me. How are the Sentinel and the 4000 different? What are the pros and cons?

Scott

Captain Steve · Post by **Captain Steve** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 5:41 pm

As Chip stated the 4000, has a device to make it manual only( handy if you had to awim to something and did NOT want to waste the activation of the cartridge) and the inflater device is the newest iteriation. Less false activations and a nice indicator visible thru a clear window. West Marine catolog as a piece on each type.

Night Sailor · Post by **Night Sailor** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 8:59 pm

Those handy little bobbins will activate the auto inflatable vest when it gets wet with any kind of water.. rain, spray, drips from a cold drink... so be aware and alert your guests. Go swimming in something else. Save the auto inflate for when the boom knocks in in the head and you go over unconscious to the world.

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 5:43 am

Night Sailor wrote:Those handy little bobbins will activate the auto inflatable vest when it gets wet with any kind of water.. rain, spray, drips from a cold drink...

That is simply not the case, at least with the one I have. I've worn mine through several downpours, and nearly continuous splashing into the cockpit when bucking heavy seas, and it's never inflated at the wrong time when I was wearing it. On the other hand, when I went into the water in a freak dinghy capsize, it want off with quite a bang and I only swallowed a quart or so of lake water.

The only time it's gone off not as designed was once while it was hanging from a hook in the cabin while tied up at the dock, sometime during the week between two weekend sails. I blame that on my own negligence for not changing the bobbin since new (over two years ) when the manual recommends once a year maximum. The bobbins tend to deteriorate, especially in the very damp climate of a closed up boat and will eventually failsafe. I checked the one on the mate's PFD and that one obviously was ready to go as well. I don't forget to change them any more; a replacement bobbin costs about $4, a replacement CO2 cartridge $15.

trapeze · Post by **trapeze** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:38 pm

I received my Auto inflatable PFD in the mail today. I am pleased with it. It is an SOSpenders brand sold by West Marine. Spcifically SOSpenders 38AS HAR I cannot find it on the west marine site, so it must be old stock. The bobbin has a date of September 05, so I have 7 months before a change. The manual states that the co2 is good for three years, the bobbin is good for a year and replaceable separately from the co2. It has a very clear sight window with a green indicater showing it is armed and ready. It has a pull handle for the option to activate it before hitting the water as well as a tube to blow it up by mouth, if needed. It came with a whistle too. The harness looks sturdy and the hardware is heavy stainless. As far as I can tell it is brand new..

The west marine site states :

The Coast Guard requires that water-activated "automatic" inflatables with non-1F inflators have to be worn to be counted in the vessel's inventory of life jackets. The most recent models with 1F inflators, so-called "stowables", don't have to be worn to be counted as inventory. However, this misses the point of inflatable PDSs which are so convenient that you'll wear them while on the water.

The SOSpenders 38AS HAR has a 1F inflator.

I feel like I saved over $100.00 The wife is happy to know that I will wear this more often then the ones I have now

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

auto inflatable PFDs on eBay

auto inflatable PFDs on eBay

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