Advice for a newbie on a bigger boat. Regal, Sealine, Bayliner or..

[adhdan]

Aluminium works in salt or freshwater.

Id read alu needs wire brushing frequently to keep it active

 

[jon and michie]

When we were ever underway we had ours placed on the aft seat with a stainless steel strop one end connected to the painter line of the raft the other was connected to the water ski lug.
if it was ever required it was a case of just throwing it aft overboard and the painter would deploy.
and that is where you may get problems ie someone who is not strong enough to lift and throw the life raft - bearing in mind you maybe still at the helm on the radio to the coast guard

 

[colhel]

If this is a one-off sea voyage then I’d rent the liferaft for the duration.

My thoughts too as the OP is heading for inland waters. Must admit I don't carry one generally but if I'm doing a longish coastal trip I'll have the dinghy inflated on the swim platform. I did take a liferaft when we crossed the Channel and carried it on the seat above the aft cabin.
Edit: worth considering the service schedule for a life raft too if opting to buy

 

[adhdan]

The Nimbus is mine , getting haulage company to bring it back in the next week or 2 .

Thanks for the replies everyone

Dan

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Well done, be good to see some pictures once you get out on the water

 

[jon and michie]

Well done - Hopefully it will be a great season with plenty of sunshine.

 

[bowler]

Id read alu needs wire brushing frequently to keep it active

Indeed. Alu anode after 12 months in fresh water!

 

[Momac]

What anodes should i fit? boat will be on freshwater almost all the time, if i had to guess id say 10days in salt a year. Is magnesium ok in salt for a few days here and there?

I have used Aluminium anodes several years and had no issues . Same use as you propose
They generally last a couple of years (its an outdrive boat in my case).