How To Wash A Mares Airtrim Bcd

[cs]

Hi there,

I just bought a Mares Vector 1000 AT Plus but haven't got a chance to use it. Since this is an airtrim BCD, I'm not sure how to wash it after each dive. I read through the User's Guide but it didn't give much details on how to wash the BCD. For those who own this type of BCD, please teach me how to wash it, step by step, so that my BCD will be in good condition?

Unlike other BCDs with inflation/deflation hose, my BCD only has one rapid exhaust valve. For washing, the sales person told me to open the valve and put fresh water in it and shake it from side to side to circulate the water. Is it a correct way to do it? I try to open the valve but it seems tight and is very hard to open. I'm worry that I might broke it. Please tell me how to do it.

Please also let me know whether a valve cord is breakable and can be disconnected from the exhaust valve if pull hard enough. It seems like I have to pull the cord everytime I want to release sea water out from the BCD.

Thank you.

 

[Jay_SMART_Diver]

I had a Vector AT Just wash it like normal on the outside and yes you can unscrew the one manual dump valve to get the inside clean (righty tighty lefty loosey) it shouldn't take much effort to open the valve with the cord for venting but the valve itself unscrews.

 

[cs]

Dear Jay,

Thanks for the advice. I managed to open the valve and it has a spring and a cover inside. Since there is only one exhaust valve, I assume this is the one. So I just pump water through the hole and shake it from side to side. Is it correct? Shall I leave the valve open when drying my BCD or shall I screw it?

The valve doesn't seem strong to me. I'm worry that everything will come out one day especially the valve if I often screw and unscrew it. Maybe I shall reduce the frequency of washing it. How often do you wash your BCD? After each dive?

Thank you.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

cs, I replied to you over in the Mares forum