It's a shame that you didn't tell/show people about the date on the Bobbin since you had it out. Needs to be changed out 3 years from the date on the Bobbin. This creates a problem when you purchase online and you receive old stock.
Thanks for the reminder, Dave. You're correct: The date on the side of the bobbin indicates the date of manufacture. Bobbins are generally good for up to four years depending on the environment the jacket is being used in. (Follow manufacturer recommendations.) In humid locations, the bobbin should be changed out more frequently -- probably every two years. Same goes for inflatables used in a commercial marine environment. This specific video was meant to cover repacking and rearming specifically, but I believe we cover the topic of expiration dates in a separate video on yearly inspections that will be coming out soon.
Hmmm... That's interesting. Most inflatables can be rearmed, repacked, and reused. How old is the jacket? If it's older, a rearm kit may no longer be available. If it's not so old, let me know what model it is and I'll look it up and/or ask around.
I wait to screw in the CO2 cartridge until the last step. That way if I mess up installing the bobbin it doesn't fire the cartridge by accident. The cartridge is expensive!
