Chrisb Posted June 30, 2021 Report Share Posted June 30, 2021 Life jackets have a manufacture date on them. Do they expire or are they good forever if in good condition? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smerchly Posted June 30, 2021 Report Share Posted June 30, 2021 I don't think they expire . My life jackets are kept inside when the boat is parked . Some will break down faster if they get lots of sun , use and abuse . If the mnr checks your jacket and finds a rip ,tear or badly worn ,you could be charged .... so I would say a well kept jacket is safe to wear for years . ( just my op) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
мормышка Posted June 30, 2021 Report Share Posted June 30, 2021 Your boater's manual to get your boater's card will say something. I remember it was one of the questions on the test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verado Posted June 30, 2021 Report Share Posted June 30, 2021 I think you are right. As long as your jackets are in good condition with no rips, tears, missing buckles etc. they are deemed legal. You also must make sure you have the proper size for everyone on board. I had a couple of 300lb plus fishing buddies that my life-jackets would not come close to fitting. I told them if they wanted to continue coming with me, they had to invest in a proper jacket. As you are probably aware, the newer style light inflatable jackets only count as jackets if they are being worn. There are some regulations that sneak up on you though. I noticed my boat registration paper (which you must have in the boat) for the boat I bought in 2014, expires soon. With all my previous boats they were lifetime. I have not yet looked at the procedure for renewing it but I would not be surprised if there is a cost attached. On a different note, I just received my new PAL, renewed for about the 5th time. This is the license that allows you to possess and carry a firearm and must be in your possession at all times when carrying, using, or transporting a firearm, regardless of the sport. Not too long ago I noticed that along with the license itself, you must also carry the paper it comes with that states the conditions, such as restricted, non-restricted etc. One is not legal without the other. NiagaraRiverFisher 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisb Posted July 1, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2021 Thanks. The reason I asked is because my neighbour is clearing house to sell and they had a bunch of old life jackets. I wasn't sure if they would still be valid to use. I fish alone a lot and always wear my inflatable the whole time. I also require passengers to wear a jacket whenever I have the main engine running. If we anchor or are trolling on the small motor they can remove them. smerchly and Tyler0420 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smelt_Fishy Posted July 1, 2021 Report Share Posted July 1, 2021 I had to renew my boat registration in the last year or two. Process was pretty simple. Can't recall if I actually had to pay anything though. I know I had to take a picture of the boat and email it to them though. verado 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.