My PFD is old, but in good condtion, when should I consider replacing it?
A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), like any other equipment, eventually gets old and worn and must be replaced.When should you replace PFD’s? Broken zippers and frayed webbing’s are frequent indicators of a worn-out device. Less obvious is the cover fabric of a PFD, which has been weakened by extensive exposureto sunlight. Most PFD’s are covered wth nylon or polyester fabrics. These materials are plastics, and like many plastics,they can start to break down after extended exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight. A weak cover could split open and allow the flotation material inside to be lost. PFD’s should be replaced if the cover has been torn or badly faded. Compare fabric color where it’s protected, under a body strap for example,to wherethe fabric is exposed. Another simple test is to pinch the fabric between thumb and forefinger of each hand and try to tear it. If the fabric cover can be torn this way,the PFD should definately be destroyed and discarded. You may also wan
