> With any paddle float, do check the inflatable ones for leaks every so often > and also the solids. Foam does break down over time because of exposure to > the sun and the elements, jiust like a PFD loses its buoyancy over time (5 > years?). The nylon covering on both paddle floats and PFDs also suffer UV > and exposure breakdown over time. > --And the latter is, I think, what will happen sooner. I have a few pfds for different waters. The HiFloats are for whitewater primarily. I am now retiring one after something over 10 years. The foam within remains solid, but the outer nylon covering is beginning to fall apart; discoloring or fading in different parts, and it is now very easy to rip the stuff. I am also discarding a Stearns vest I use for casual warmwater paddling in the Pine Barrens of NJ and 6 years of age. Here, the outer cover is in fine shape though there is one area beginning to rip. The foam in this one is failing. As opposed to the HiFloat, the foam is a stack of very thin sheets. Some of these, particularly around the edges, have somehow flattened. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Jun 22 2001 - 07:16:43 PDT
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