Any point in keeping it?

RutlandMike

RutlandMike

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www.sam2.us
Buried in one of my lockers when I bought the boat is a four person life raft that says it was last serviced in 1997. It hasn't been opened but looks a lot older than that. Is there any point in keeping it? I'm not likely to use it on the Thames realistically and don't know what service parts are usually replaced/paid for.
 
Depends really, what make is it? Assume that if buried in a locker its in a valise (bag) rather than a canister (GRP)
Is there a model no / makers name?
 
I think Seago - I haven't got around to emptying the locker sufficiently to get it out. It's in a canister with the join taped up (red tape) and nylon bands (light blue) crimped around it. Any ideas?
 
Take it with you next time you go camping.

Great instant tent...

But only if you are drunk....

And then only to have fun towng it around behind the car.....

heh heh

Jack Iron
 
Open it up by hand, if it looks clean and dry and the fabric isn't perished then its probably worth having it serviced - Suffolk Sailing are good people to useand they are quite happy to take an 'open' raft. If its vacuum bag sealed and you open it, be sure to slice the end of the bag close to the heat seal, they are made oversize so they can be resealed a number of times and that alone saves £30 or so for a replacement bag
The raft will be worth much more when serviced on eBay than not
 
Thanks guys - never having had to use one, does it explode like an air bag when I open the container or do you need to pull a rip-cord or summink? Forgive my ignorance pleae.
 
you have to pull a rip cord.It can be as much as 10metres long.If you see a rope / cord coming from the valise or container DO NOT PULL IT!!!.
You say you are on the Thames if near to Dartford take it to Seaweather services (01322 275513) they can have a look at it for you and advise.It migt be worth keeping it and offering it to other boaters if they are crossing the Estuary or going further.
 
My grandfather (Old Archie) was once helping load some gear onto a friend's boat, well below the level of the quay. One item was a lovely, new liferaft. Being a careful soul, Old Archie saw a 'painter' and held it tightly when passing the raft to his friend on board. Well, the raft fell into the cockpit and Archie tugged on the painter to make sure it didn't go overboard. The result was a perfectly inflated liferaft overhanging the cockpit. Surprisingly, they remained friends for many long years!
 
[ QUOTE ]
If you see a rope / cord coming from the valise or container DO NOT PULL IT!!!.

[/ QUOTE ] Especially while it is still in the locker!
 
If it was last serviced in 1997, then its probably in reasonable condition.

Might be worth taking it to a life raft servicing man, and get his opinion as to whether is worth servicing again.

I had my Ebay bought liferaft serviced, t cost a lot more than expected and advertised. The advertised cost was only about £70, but because it needed lots of replacement goods, the final cost was over £300.

But I do now have a fully serviced in date life raft, which I hope never to use.

If you inflate it yourself, you might well damege bits repacking it. Get a man who knows to look at it.
 
Thanks all - been away for a few days. Useful advice! Will respond to interested parties when I dig it out of the locker.
 
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