Anybody want an out of date liferaft for practice?

[MoodySabre]

I’ve taken mine off as it’s a few years passed the service date and I’m not doing trips to Europe any longer. It’s in a very tatty canister.
Years ago a group of did MoB recovery practice a couple of times and launched a liferaft to see it happen.
Available Leigh-on-Sea to Bradwell area for a couple of weeks before I ditch it.

 

[tillergirl]

You caused me to chuckle Roger. I inherited exactly the same from Sea Dog and I was wondering how to get rid of it. Before towards the end of the season that year I planned to suggest exactly the same, maybe getting rid of it 'exploded' might be easier. But, hey, good news, before I could offer that, the great theft occurred and they also stole the antient liferaft.

 

[Blueboatman]

I gave mine to the local lifeboat station and it was received with enthusiasm.

They have a full size, full weight, deadweight manequin ‘bloke’ and along with an unopened life raft for on-the-water practise morning this seemed to be useful.

(We also got a tour of the new boat with its fabulous design details and systems )

Give them a call?

 

[DanTribe]

one was donated at my boatyard and a couple of young lads decided it would be fun to sleep in it tied up to the pontoon.
I think they lasted a couple of hours!

 

[seivadnehpets]

There's one of these with the bilge keeler I'm buying, next service due next year, and I should have it serviced then to instill crew with confidence, even though I wouldn't fancy stepping in to the bloody thing.
But it makes me think of cruising without a tender, does anyone do that? My thinking is, in sheltered tidal waters I can dry out and walk ashore, and have the self inflating orange wonder for emergencies.
I'm not retired, so my cruises should be quick and I intend to sail with crew, and overnight where necessary rather than looking for harbours at the end of each day, and with marinas as intended destinations.

 

[DanTribe]

Cruising without a tender is possible but would seriously restrict your options and you would miss out on some beautiful spots.
Having said that, I cruised Netherlands for 5 weeks last year and only used the dinghy twice. If you are relying on drying out, take a step ladder.

 

[seivadnehpets]

Cruising without a tender is possible but would seriously restrict your options and you would miss out on some beautiful spots.
Having said that, I cruised Netherlands for 5 weeks last year and only used the dinghy twice. If you are relying on drying out, take a step ladder.

Thanks for the tip Dan,
If I had more time, I'd want to see all the places in between, but I think when I first go a distance it will be a dash across, and a dash back.
I may change my mind though....

 

[MoodySabre]

There's one of these with the bilge keeler I'm buying, next service due next year, and I should have it serviced then to instill crew with confidence, even though I wouldn't fancy stepping in to the bloody thing.

I did the practical bit of a sea survival course. This involved jumping in a swimming pool in full wets and boots and LJ. A liferaft was launched and we took it in turns for four at a time getting in it. It is extremely difficult and unpleasant. A thing to be avoided in a swimming pool but in a seaway the boat would need to be sinking - that's why they "step up into a liferaft". Things would need to get desperate but I suppose that's the reason you carry one.

 

[elliotmc]

Sea cadets would probably love it for training and messing around in and I expect would be pleased to pick it up.