Expected life of Zodiac Charter life rafts?

[nigelmercier]

My boat has two Zodiac Charter UK 6 person life rafts XRDC9BZ21C797.

They were provided with the boat in 2000, but manufactured in 1997. Last serviced in 2005 (yes, I know!). They are each stored in a valise in the cockpit lockers.

I rarely carry more than 6 people, so I am considering my options to end up with just one, but there is also the possibility of replacement with a similar unit.

What is the expected life of Zodiac Charter life rafts?

 

[forelle541]

It's worth remembering that all life rafts should take twice the stated loading so one should do you well, on sea survival courses they always pack you in, double loading.

 

[cryan]

They should last a fair old while. Get them serviced and they will tell you what state they are in. A quick email to the manufacturer might give you a definitive answer.

 

[nigelmercier]

They should last a fair old while...

How long is that? Ten years? Twenty?

 

[pcatterall]

How long is that? Ten years? Twenty?

A quality life raft should be good for 20 years if packed well and kept in good conditions below. The perishables and the cylinder will be a different matter of course. I would have one checked and serviced. If that was ok you could have the other one done and sell it as a serviced unit

 

[cryan]

How long is that? Ten years? Twenty?

I would expect them to last 20. But as I said it depends very much on the condition of your individual rafts. Get them serviced but get the service company to let you know if they are serviceable before they do the whole service. That way you will only pay an hours labour for the unpacking if they are past it. Without seeing your rafts it is impossible to say. But if you only got ten years out of them I would be surprised.

 

[KellysEye]

> A quick email to the manufacturer might give you a definitive answer.

Agree, in fact they will give you an answer, all liferafts are lifed subject to service intervals being completed properly.

 

[nigelmercier]

... liferafts are lifed subject to service intervals being completed properly.

I'm sure this is what the manufacturer tells you, but I think they would be better left alone for long like. Unfolding and re-folding must be the worst thing you can do.

 

[nigelmercier]

I've heard back from a service agent in the UK: Generally the leisure liferafts have a 12 year warranty and three yearly service intervals. So theoretically, they can last far longer than this although the service/inspection then becomes annual.

I certainly don't want to have annual servicing, so it looks like replacement is on the cards.