[C320-list] aerial flares - interesting fact

[Chris Burti]

I did the same test two years ago. All tested flares were over five
years out of date. I carefully inspected every tested flares and
separated them into three arbitrary groups. First group showed no
degradation whatsoever. Second group showed tarnished or oxidized base,
but no degradation of the shell tube. Third group showed degradation of
the tube.

No failures in first group of ten. Second group of five had one failure
as described by Alan. Third group of seven all failed but one. Two of
those did as Alan described, the rest were duds. The one that fired
appeared weak

I used a portable propane torch to 'neutralize' all flares prior to
disposal (fire department).

Now I only keep flares that appear as new, in a container marked
EXPIRED. I'm thinking of getting a metal ammunition can. In the event
of an 'incident', the hot metal slag generated would burn through my
current plastic cases in no time if the flares didn't.
Thanks, Chris Burti From: Alan Goodman
Sent: 6/12/2013 4:39 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] aerial flares - interesting fact
As part of my Spring launch, I did my annual safety check.  Life
jacket inflating cylinder expiration, boat registration and other
documentation aboard and current, fire extinguisher inspection, first
aid kit inspection and restock, etc.    I also checked the expiration
of my 'visual distress signals' (CG parlance for flares).  While I
replace at the beginning of each boating season any flares that have
expired since the end of the prior season or will expire before end of
this season, I keep the expired flares in a separate storage container
as back up/extras.  Last week I decided I could only carry around so
many back ups/extras so I culled out the oldest 12 GA Olin aerial
flares and brought them home to test.  (disclaimer, home is 25 miles
from the closest body of navigable water)   Keep in mind these back
up/extras were properly stored in the boat and not exposed to any
rain, water splash, salt air air (thanks to being in MI), etc.    I
fired four (4) flares, each with an expiration date of June 2010.
(first cock hammer, then pull trigger)  All four launched upon the
first shot, however none of the flares 'lit up'.  No tracer arc, just
a thud down range 7 seconds after firing confirming the tracer charge
landing intact.  (FYI, the entire plastic shell remains in the gun,
only the tracer charge flies)  I surmise the firing pin on the hammer
ignites the launching charge and, when working properly, the launching
charge then ignites the tracer charge.  Perhaps the tracer charge
'went bad' during the approximately 6 year time period since
manufacture?   Point is, don't rely upon expired flares ...  forget
about the possible CG citation  ...  imagine the consequences if you
need to seriously attract attention.  My curiosity having been
aroused, I will take home and test some 12 gauge flares that expired
in March 2013 along with several night and smoke hand helds with
various expiration dates and report back to the forum.  If you can
conduct tests on your surplus back ups and report on the forum, this
might provide some interesting information.