Choosing a liferaft.

B

burgundyben

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Now we've got a child as crew it feels that a blown up Avon at the ready with a grab bag probably isn't good enough.

Its only a 31ft boat with limited places to keep what is a relatively heavy and large item.

In my mind accessibility in the event of needing it is crucial.

I could mount a valise on a stillage over the aft cabin roof, such that the rear hatch slides under it, it won't look great (its a Fairey boat and looks are important!!) and will get in the way of the cockpit canopy but this would probably be the best place for accessing it.

An alternative is a valise, kept in the cabin, but lifted into cockpit when underway. Bit of a faff and requires us to always remember to attach the lanyard.

How long do they last?

What are the service intervals?
 
Perhaps an appropriate rescue beacon would be more useful depending on where you sail. Think of the reasons why you would have to abandon ship and reduce those risks first. IMO the best life raft is your boat.
 
When my 31 appeared out of the factory it had a rectangular canister liferaft mounted on the foredeck, it looked quite good and there's plenty of room. Photos of it can be seen on the Owners Club site. The original owner's thoughts were that it was easy to access and any fuel / engine fire would be at the back of the boat so heading to the front was a good idea.
 
Hi, As i have just entered the sea from being in Lochlomond and with 2 kids i bought my first liferaft a Seago 4 man raft, its an entry level raft circa £600 but is rated for coastal & offshore cruising.

I have a 37ft Targa and looked at the option of the canister on the bow rails but decided between cost for a S/S holder and that i'd prefer any liferaft to be at hand nearer the stern/swim platform where we would likely abondon so went for the valise version, its not that big and tbh just a large holdall (26kg)L600 x W300 x H400mm. I intend to keep it in the cabin and take up to the cockpit while underway, it will tuck under the rear seating so will not be in the way.

This model comes with a 12 year warranty and service intervals are every 3 years which i think is pretty resonable, i don't know how long they last but i'm more than happy to buy a new one in 12 years time.
 
pmagowan said:
Perhaps an appropriate rescue beacon would be more useful depending on where you sail. Think of the reasons why you would have to abandon ship and reduce those risks first. IMO the best life raft is your boat.
Click to expand...

I already have PLB's. We hope to be crossing the channel and certainly Lyme Bay, so I think a raft essential.

MystereMarcus said:
When my 31 appeared out of the factory it had a rectangular canister liferaft mounted on the foredeck, it looked quite good and there's plenty of room. Photos of it can be seen on the Owners Club site. The original owner's thoughts were that it was easy to access and any fuel / engine fire would be at the back of the boat so heading to the front was a good idea.
Click to expand...

Can't see that pic, but its an idea I hadn't considered. I like.

Lochlomond said:
This model comes with a 12 year warranty and service intervals are every 3 years which i think is pretty resonable, i don't know how long they last but i'm more than happy to buy a new one in 12 years time.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
 
Lochlomond said:
Hi, As i have just entered the sea from being in Lochlomond and with 2 kids i bought my first liferaft a Seago 4 man raft, its an entry level raft circa £600 but is rated for coastal & offshore cruising.

I have a 37ft Targa and looked at the option of the canister on the bow rails but decided between cost for a S/S holder and that i'd prefer any liferaft to be at hand nearer the stern/swim platform where we would likely abondon so went for the valise version, its not that big and tbh just a large holdall (26kg)L600 x W300 x H400mm. I intend to keep it in the cabin and take up to the cockpit while underway, it will tuck under the rear seating so will not be in the way.

This model comes with a 12 year warranty and service intervals are every 3 years which i think is pretty resonable, i don't know how long they last but i'm more than happy to buy a new one in 12 years time.
Click to expand...

Just looking at that seago in the force 4 catalogue, it was the PBO best buy. They have an offer on too http://www.force4.co.uk/seago-offshore-liferaft-4-man-valise.html#.Vw6RoFQrLcs
 
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Ben I have a pal in Hamble who has a very decent 6 man valise in his garage from his Princess V42. This was tested annually by Ocean Safety with full internal pack, but he hasn't used it the past year since he bought his Windy.

I can put you in touch with him if you're interested, as it will go for a good price I am sure.
 
I use Plastimo, well built rafts.
IIRC sealed in a bag inside a canister so 5 years before first service.
Various types open rafts, single floors to inflatable floors full canopy ocean rafts etc.
Valises are a PITA to stow, get a canister either stow in cockpit or on transom.
 
I've decided to put a 4 man cannister on the foredeck, its where Double Century wore hers in the London - Monte Carlo race, so good provenance for a H31 to have it there.
 
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