My avon dinghy (Rover 280) valise has disintegrated after 3 years. Any one else had problems? Have contacted Avon who say mine is an isolated incident.
No experience with the liferafts and obviously don't know the precise details of your case, but with the best will in the world, any company will occasionally produce a Friday afternoon special. There's no quality control system in the world that will never let an odd isolated fault through. It's a real bummer when you find out the hard way, but that's life. Fortunately, you're still here to complain.
What matters is how problem is dealt with now. If Avon are unhelpful, talk to the seller, because your contract is with them. The Sale of Goods Act requires that things should be of merchantable quality and fit for purpose. Goods must also be reasonably durable, so I suggest you use some of those terms if they tell you it's out of warranty. If they're not interested, talk to Trading Standards.