Convert cannister liferaft to valise??

[prv]

getting into a raft off a wildly pitching stern doesn't sound ideal

Do remember that your deck ought to be approximately level with the water at this point - if it isn't, then it's not time to abandon ship yet. Hopefully this would mean that deck and raft are at least pitching together on the same wave.

Pete

 

[Tranona]

Do remember that your deck ought to be approximately level with the water at this point - if it isn't, then it's not time to abandon ship yet. Hopefully this would mean that deck and raft are at least pitching together on the same wave.

Pete

Unfortunately the reports of actual deployments do not generally support that except in the rare cases of a slowly sinking boat. Most describe chaotic situations with the raft blowing away, inflating upside down (or not inflating at all) or crew already in the water.

The image of stepping off the sinking boat into a liferaft bobbing alongside is very far from the reality, although this can happen, for example where the raft is used to aid rescue by helicopter or other ship before the boat founders.

 

[Robert Wilson]

All of the above threads make me realise that apart from the feel-good-factor-that-I-have-a-liferaft, and possible insurance benefits, the chances of me successfully actually using either a canister or valise liferaft and getting away with it are slim, to say the least!

My very recent thoughts were that if I could ugrade to a valise and still retain my canister I would get the local coastguard (he's a very capable boatman etc) to run a local "Safety Day" for the few sailors around here, using my redundant life-raft for a drill, with flare use, MOB etc.
The Emergency Drill as you mention sounds a most worthwhile interim idea too.

Thank you.

 

[prv]

Unfortunately the reports of actual deployments do not generally support that except in the rare cases of a slowly sinking boat. Most describe chaotic situations with the raft blowing away, inflating upside down (or not inflating at all) or crew already in the water.

Yep, no question about that. Just saying that if you are going to climb into a floating raft direct from the boat, they should be on a level rather than scrambling down high topsides.

Crew in the water after a collision or a knockdown and flooding seems like the most likely scenario to me in which a raft is actually useful. For that you need a hydrostatic release as it's likely to happen before you can do anything about it.

Pete

 

[wotayottie]

I suppose there is no ideal place and I agree, from a pitching stern sounds a nightmare - as does attempting to get to a pitching foredeck then manouevre a heavy, cumbersome cannister, whilst possibly injured and definitely scared-s**tless!

No choice really. I struggle to lift my raft over the guardrails and onto the deck in front of the sprayhood even when tied to a pontoon. Doubt I would do at all weel at the same exercise at sea even propelled by fear. So I will move it to the stern outside the pushpit where it can drop into the water. Problems getting in from a pitching stern? Maybe I would have to jump into the drink and climb aboard the raft. But thats the same issue wherever the raft itself is stowed on the boat

 

[prv]

No choice really. I struggle to lift my raft over the guardrails and onto the deck in front of the sprayhood even when tied to a pontoon. Doubt I would do at all weel at the same exercise at sea even propelled by fear.

I've always assumed that if it's rough, the problem is keeping things on the boat, not getting them off. Surely a slippery fibreglass cannister on a slippery fibreglass deck will just scoot down to the leeward side and under the guardrail the moment you release the strap?

Gravity-drop off the transom would be good in a fire in calm water, though.

Pete

 

[Robert Wilson]

I've always assumed that if it's rough, the problem is keeping things on the boat, not getting them off. Surely a slippery fibreglass cannister on a slippery fibreglass deck will just scoot down to the leeward side and under the guardrail the moment you release the strap?

Gravity-drop off the transom would be good in a fire in calm water, though.

Pete

Don't confuse me any more!!

My thoughts were just as you say, for when the canister was located on the foredeck or cabin roof (though both inconvenient as first posted).
I now reckon, as my guard rails are fixed with pelican shackles, I can more easily, and safely, heave a valise raft over the side, without the chance of the painter becoming entangled with guard-rails, shrouds etc.
I hope I never find out which is the best solution.