On Tue, 13 May 2008 16:07:42 -0400, jeff <jeff@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>salty@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
wrote:
>> On Tue, 13 May 2008 12:55:03 -0400, "Roger Long"
>> <strider@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>>
>>> I have a shrink wrapped Orion flare and distress kit with an October
2007
>>> expiration date. Is there any reason I can't just open it up and
replace
>>> the pyrotechnics? Surely the whistles, signal mirrror, etc. are going
to be
>>> just as good a decade or so from now as they are today.
>>>
>>> I would keep the old flares in an appropriate container "just in
case". I
>>> know someone who blew a finger off shooting off an expired flare New
Years
>>> Eve but it was very old. I wouldn't keep the expired ones more than a
date
>>> cycle.
>>
>> Just replace the pyrotechnics. You can keep the older ones as spares
>> for a few more years, but make sure to keep them in a separate
>> container, preferably not the same place as the good ones, and clearly
>> mark that container as expired. If you are boarded for an inspection
>> (which isn't that likely for a sailboat, but it happens)
>
>Oddly I was never inspected even though I've been cruising out of Boston
>for 35 years. Then two years ago we were stopped on our "after launch
>harbor crossing." Then last year we were stopped in Pea Soup fog (I
>mean, can't see the bow of the boat fog) off ****tland for another
>inspection. It was truly bizarre since the oldest Coastie seemed to be
>19 and they seemed terrified of being out in the fog and rather
>embarrassed by the whole thing!
>
>> you are
>> better off if they don't even know about the expired ones. Some
>> coasties feel that expired flares on board are just as much a
>> violation as no flares. Don't ask - don't tell.
>
>I have a second box labeled "Expired Pyrotechnics" which was approved by
>both of the above mentioned boarding parties.
Usually, when a sailboat gets boarded, it's so some old Coastie can train
a new
one. That can be real trouble if the old bull is looking to impress his
young
charge. Generally they ignore sailboats because it's assumed, whether
right or
wrong, that sailors tend to be better educated and observant about the
regs than
powerboaters.
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