Buying a liferaft for one Summer

[webcraft]

Wanting to do a bit of offshore cruising this Summer in the Vega. For pottering round the W Coast I am happy to take my chances with the never serviced 4-man 20 year old Seago valise living in the cockpit locker, but if we head for Norway this Summer I would like something more dependable.

Am thinking of buying a Seago new for £800 and selling at less than one year old for £600. This seems reasonable to me, and works out cheaper than any hire fee.

Good idea, or is there a better way? I woul certainly buy a one year old raft for that price, but I have never seen one come up so maybe there is a good reason for not doing this?

— W

 

[Beneteau381]

Wanting to do a bit of offshore cruising this Summer in the Vega. For pottering round the W Coast I am happy to take my chances with the never serviced 4-man 20 year old Seago valise living in the cockpit locker, but if we head for Norway this Summer I would like something more dependable.

Am thinking of buying a Seago new for £800 and selling at less than one year old for £600. This seems reasonable to me, and works out cheaper than any hire fee.

Good idea, or is there a better way? I woul certainly buy a one year old raft for that price, but I have never seen one come up so maybe there is a good reason for not doing this?

— W

I did a study for PBO, he never printed it. Basically it’s cheaper to buy a new one and flog it near the first service, then buy another one. So your idea is sound. There used to be a dealer in Portmadoc who would rent you one by the way

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Don’t buy one as probability suggests you won’t need it. As you very likely have a dinghy and EPIRB or PLB, you are covered for a vanishingly small risk. Cost recovery appears to be important, so buying new and selling on is a false economy for the actual risk. I believe you are an ex RYA instructor, so you have the skills, that reduce risk even further, plus you are experienced in long distance sailing, and you have an unserviced life raft. You have all you need.

 

[Sea Change]

I'm sure when I looked in to this, I could get a few months hire for similar cost to the £200 depreciation you are expecting. It might come down to what is easiest. From memory I was looking at hiring from somewhere in Aberdeen.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Put out feelers to borrow one locally for a short period. Someone who has one might appreciate a few quid while they don't need it.

 

[[70521]]

Rental is always an option.

 

[Refueler]

I think the rent of one for the period needed is my choice ... buying and then selling is option - but the saving I believe may not be worth it.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

If you want a second hand one that has been on a deck for a week but needs a service, I am tripping over the bloody thing. Free to a good cause.

 

[seeSimon]

Beware "just renting" can be much easier said than done, in my experience.

Depending on local agents, location relative to boat, and issues (ie overrun penalties) if not returned on schedule. Eg weatherbound?
Not all carriers will take "live" rafts. Some see them as hazardous...which is not entirely unreasonable.

 

[Tamar]

I hire mine, 10 man, £475 a year. Suffolk marine, delivery to the boat and picked up included

 

[seeSimon]

I hire mine, 10 man, £475 a year. Suffolk marine, delivery to the boat and picked up included

I take your point.
Rather easier "per season" than per voyage/trip/race, which is what I had in mind.

Stowage. Do you use a valise type, stowed below?

 

[Tamar]

I take your point.
Rather easier "per season" than per voyage/trip/race, which is what I had in mind.

Stowage. Do you use a valise type, stowed below?

In a cradle on deck