Life-raft stowage

[Rigger]

I'm trying to decide where to stow my new life-raft (6 man cannister).I would prefer to stow it on the pushpit rather than the deck,but as this already holds the out board on a bracket and assorted safety clobber,is this not a lot of strain on the bases,leading to risk of loosening and leaks?If I do mount it there is it best facing outwards for ease of launching,but more exposed,or inwards where it is more protected but more in the way?

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[chasroberts]

Hi Jim

Always a difficult question but a couple of things you should probably consider before making a final decision.

If the 6 man cannister is attached to the pushpit then the weight and consequent strain on fittings is an obvious consideration. Bear in mind also that taking a large sea over the stern will be quite likely to push those fittings to the limit or beyond. The last thing you want to lose over the side would be your liferatft!

Will you or another member of the crew be able to easily release the cannister in from it's intended location in all sea conditions bearing in mind their age, physical abilities etc? Will this mean leaving the cockpit, and other similar considerations.

Not much help with your query I admit but the location of the liferaft is, I believe, of paramount importance and if the 'best' location taking everything into account means that you lose a bit of deck space then so be it, IMHO.

Good luck with your choice and I hope you never have to use it in anger!

Best Regards
Chas Roberts

<hr width=100% size=1>Semper in excretum sum. Sole profundum variat!

 

[samuel]

I have put mine in the cockpit under the mainsheet track. It just fits in across the footwell on 4 No chocks( 31 Foot boat, Hanse 311). I reckon a big sea should not carry it away. I would not have to go on deck to release it & ican release the stern pushpit wire & shove it over the back. If it does come loose during ordinary sailing I will know immediately. I have to step over the mainsheet track so I can step over the liferaft OK.
Also if it is on deck I suspect it will drop sideways onto the gap between cabin sides & the rail. I would then have to get it up over the rail whilst sitting on the cabin. knowing me I would probably go over first.
I reckon it should be easier to abandon ship over the stern
One further point is that it is not on show to all & sundry when on the mooring week after week

<hr width=100% size=1>Justisla

 

[pyrojames]

I stow mine in the front of the cockpit as well, under a dedicated teak grating. Having lost a life raft off the stern cabin top in the southern ocean, I can't see that a deck mounting is especially good, and a pushpit mounting is the worst possible option, IMHO.

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