Manufacturer: Stearns Inc.

Product Name: West Marine Inflator Pumps

Manufacturer Part Number: 5330717

Units: About 1,400

Importer: Stearns Inc., of St. Cloud, Minn. (Note: The original importer Sevylor Inc., was recently acquired by Stearns Inc.)

Hazard: The inflator pumps can explode during use, ejecting sharp plastic parts and posing a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Stearns has received three reports of pumps exploding. One consumer reported lacerations and two fractured ribs. Two other consumers received minor lacerations to the face and chest.

Description: The recalled inflator pump has a blue body with a flack handle, hose, and pressure gage. The pump is 5-inches (12.7 cm) high and weighs about 3 pounds. West Marine is printed on a white sticker on the top of the pump housing. A second label contains a “caution” statement along with Ho Lee Co., Ltd. and UL listing information. The manufacturer’s model number HB-183BG and the date code 1203 are also on the label.

Sold at: West Marine & BoatU.S. stores and through direct sales nationwide from August 2003 through January 2007 for about $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers are asked to return their inflator pump to nearest West Marine or BoatU.S. store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information consumers can contact West Marine or BoatU.S. at (800) 262-8464 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.westmarine.com.

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Safety Recall Flyer: Safety Recall PDF (827K)

Additional Information: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission PDF (49K)