Life Jacket

I was wondering, does anybody know if life jackets ever wear out and lose their buoyancy???

For your PFD to work, it has to be kept in good condition. So be sure to always air-dry it thoroughly before storing. Check it often for mildew, leaks, insecure straps, or hardened stuffing. Don't crush the PFD with heavy weight and avoid contact with oil or grease-these cause some PFD materials to deteriorate and lose buoyancy.If badly faded or torn replace. If you replace it destroy it don't keep as a spare or give to anyone else.

Yes, they do lose buoyancy over time, but only slightly. Unless they get mashed as mickfish pointed out a PFD should still be serviceable even when its too shabby looking to be worn in public. I find that the adjusting straps or stitching breaking down seem to be the first signs that it's time to go shopping.
-Sean

Don't crush the PFD with heavy weight and avoid contact with oil or grease-these cause some PFD materials to deteriorate and lose buoyancy.If badly faded or torn replace. If you replace it destroy it don't keep as a spare or give to anyone else.

good tip Mike  

If in doubt replace it if you can afford it.
Its definately the single most important part of your equipment.
Plus there are such sweet ones that come out each year!

Thanks for all of the replies. I have taken pretty good care of my life jacket, tho I have had it for almost 6 years now. And yes they do have some very cool ones that come out every year.

just in case you are interested Cabela's has in my opinion one of the best PFD's for the price. I have a Kokatat Outfit but like the Stolquist vests much better. Not to mention it was have the price. I really like the fact that it has a high back and doesn't clump up and ride the jacket high. I just bought another one.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/category-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21276&id=cat601116&navCount=3&parentId=cat601116&navAction=push&returnPage=&returnQueryString=&cmCat=MainCatcat21276&

I believe the coastgaurd regs require the life jacket to have all the tags in them and all seams be good. When the seams start coming loose or the tags get unreadable, they write tickets.

Hey Pondsurf,

You mentioned the stolquist vest that is in the link above. It mentions one size fits most all?? Does it have enough adjustment ?? I am only 5' 10" and 195# but don't like to be cramped. What do you think??

  EX-KMA628                                                 Thanks    TomB

more info on care tips.....


http://www.topkayaker.net/Articles/Instruction/PFDCare.html

TomB,
I am 6' 205lbs it is totally great for me. Many more ajustments than my Kokatat PFD. You can really customize it. I can't imagine anyone not liking this one.
Brent

Hey Brent,

I appreciate the information, thanks.. I recently sold an old aluminum boat and 10hp Merc and have been replacing and adding to my equipment list. A new life-vest is one of my last expenses.

                                                             TomB