Sep17
I’m starting to do some long-term research on liferafts and part one of that process for me is to survey what’s out there and what the features are. My basic criteria to even make it into my list are:
- 4 Person
- Offshore
- Valise packed
My checkmark of features is pretty loosey goosey just going by what I see in the marketing brochures which sometimes don’t make it 100% clear what’s extra and what’s in “plus” versions of that raft. My general feeling is all the liferafts have the basics covered. The decision points to me look like:
- Usability – Do they actually work well. Need to look at Practical Sailor for that
- Survival Goodies. Do I want them to be supplied by the manufacturer or do I want to pack in some minimal items and also have a ditch bag.
- Servicing – What is the required service interval? (3 years seems the norm) and where do they have service centers?
- Double Floors and Walls – Do I plan on being in this thing in the cold for days?
- Price – At some point the price just ends up going beyond our budget.
No thoughts yes as to what I‘m going to buy, but here’s the raw spreadsheet.
There is also the possibility of looking into used and factory refurbished models. I’ve not looked into that all yet.
Hi Patrick,
Two things -
Try the number at http://www.plastimousa.com/overstock.htm for leads on cheaper rafts. The number may be good even if the page is out of date.
I have been told canister is a better idea than valise – trying to drag a bulky valise upstairs from inside during a crisis can be a problem – better to have it easily accessible on deck, but suit yourself.
Cheers,
Allan
Thanks for the link Allan, as for the valise vs. canister. Valise stored in the cockpit lazarette, (on topa) to me is the better route for the following reasons:
1) Cheaper
2) Lighter – You have to throw that thing in the water. Your hydrostatic release only works when the boat is already underwater and gone. When it does release it has to clear all of your rigging given that I have a ketch, not likely.
3) Protected from weather
4) Protected from theft
For all those reasons we’re going to go with the valise in the lazarette stored int he lazaretter in such a manner that is always on top, or the side and can be pulled right out.