UV, as with all things in life, it's a cost/benefit issue.
I have a simple life vest and although I'm not an expert I think I can safely render an opinion as to whether it will save my life or not, when I do a service myself. Besides, servicing the vest myself will teach me something about its operation and that can only improve my chances of survival if something goes seriously wrong. So because of this, I'd rather spend my 25 euros (or more) on something else. Up to date charts for instance, or a route which takes me more inland than originally planned.
My life is worth a lot more than the cost of a service. However, I don't see that a "professional" service will make a 100% difference with an "amateur" service. Too many ifs and buts: Your assumption is that I will ditch somewhere in the next year and that a professionally serviced life vest will inflate and save my life, while the vest I serviced myself will not inflate so I will drown. I don't see it that black and white.
stevef: Good point. I will use a hand pump from now on. Although I don't think it will make much difference - how often do we blow up air matresses orally without any ill effects to the matress? In fact, the manufacturers instructions tell me that for its annual (or more often) test, you should inflate orally.
Last edited by BackPacker; 4th July 2007 at 07:46.
Reason: Read the manufacturers instructions for servicing.