03-30-2023, 07:44 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-30-2023, 08:06 PM by Boatloadakids.)
Snowing outside so not much to do but prepare for the day I can get out on the water. Years past I have usually had a cat or two on the contest board by mid-March. 
I have 4-5 auto-inflatable PFDs that use the CO2 cartridges with the yellow bobbins. I have not replaced them form 3-4 years. Do they need to be replaced? It seems like I have read of other BFTers (Jim) who change or update their cartridges regularly. The window on the PFDs still shows green and instructions say to replace if window shows red. I fish alone often, and I am never without my PFD. I don't want to drown; should i replace the cartridges just for the sake of security and safety? At about $28 each the cost is significant but well worth a life saved.
The new cartridges come with a dated bobbin that is labeled as good for three years from the date of manufacture. Packaging states that all bobbins are "fresh" when sold. I can get a three-pack of bobbins for $28, three new cartridges with bobbins for about $110. Any suggestions? Better to be safe (alive?) with new cartridges or just buying new bobbins? How often so some of you BKTers change or update your auto-inflatable PFDs?
Love the snow but enough already!
Lynn aka BLK
I have 4-5 auto-inflatable PFDs that use the CO2 cartridges with the yellow bobbins. I have not replaced them form 3-4 years. Do they need to be replaced? It seems like I have read of other BFTers (Jim) who change or update their cartridges regularly. The window on the PFDs still shows green and instructions say to replace if window shows red. I fish alone often, and I am never without my PFD. I don't want to drown; should i replace the cartridges just for the sake of security and safety? At about $28 each the cost is significant but well worth a life saved.
The new cartridges come with a dated bobbin that is labeled as good for three years from the date of manufacture. Packaging states that all bobbins are "fresh" when sold. I can get a three-pack of bobbins for $28, three new cartridges with bobbins for about $110. Any suggestions? Better to be safe (alive?) with new cartridges or just buying new bobbins? How often so some of you BKTers change or update your auto-inflatable PFDs?
Love the snow but enough already!
Lynn aka BLK