Mustang Vest

[FisherMike]

I've had this Mustang Auto/Manual Life Vest for a few years now and the other day the inevitable happened. The wife. Never mind. It got inflated and now needs some work. The thing of it is, is she didn't put the hole in it. When it inflated there is a very small rub hole that accrued after I armed the thing a few years ago. Does anyone know if this can be patched? It's very small but I don't know about patching this type material.

[Ranger R61]

try contacting the manufacturer

[Lowellhturner]

Agreed; contact the manufacturer. If it is made from standard neoprene coated nylon (same as used by the US military for life vests and a heavier grade for life rafts), they will likely tell you if the hole is within 2" of a seam it is considered unrepairable. If not, go to an outdoor sporting store; most will have "patch kits". Follow directions and after allowing it to set to dry TEST it, normally by manually inflating it and allow to set for 12 hrs. If it`s still rigid, you`re good to go. If not would just buy a new 1. REMEMBER, your LIFE may depend on it for more than 30 minutes, and if there is ANY doubt, TOSS it and buy a new 1. You`re worth it! BTW, was an aviation life support equipment tech (Parachute Rigger) in the USN for 7 1/2 yrs...taped the helmet Tom Cruise borrowed in "Top Gun"; ironically it was an "illegal" helmet, not being 80% WHITE reflective tape...how appropriate !

[FisherMike]

I believe your rite. I just hate to toss over a hundred bucks and never get to use it. Although I'm glad I didn't. I'm pretty sure it's neoprene coated nylon but not 100% sure.

[Lowellhturner]

Know that in the Inflatable Shop (life preservers, life rafts, floatation bags, ect) if the hole was less than 2" from a seam, it was very difficult to patch correctly. The 1 time we tried, we took extra care, and it STILL leaked. As far as "tossing' it, look at it THIS way: what`s your LIFE worth, especially to your family? As much as it costs, FUNERALS are even more EXPENSIVE...buy a new 1, please !