Lifeboat Dilemma

[lavenderbeard]

We are crossing the Pacific from Central America and I wanted to buy one of these http://www.liferafts.co.uk/ Liferaft
However on valentines day I was presented with http://www.oceanfamily.net/index.php Zippy (see 14th Feb).

What would you do??

 

[pvb]

I'd buy a liferaft!

 

[Sans Bateau]

Buy a liferaft.

 

[michael_w]

What dilemma?

Buy a liferaft, what price do you put on your family?

 

[Salty John]

We did a three year cruise without a liferaft and then a slightly shorter cruise with a liferaft.
Not having a liferaft focuses your attention on ensuring, as far as is practicable, that your boat will remain afloat in all circumstances.
Having a liferaft is additional insurance but you have to be aware that it isn't a substitute for your boat and it is most definitely a last resort. You should reflect on the fact that people have died abandoning perfectly good boats for the perceived security (!) of a liferaft.
And then buy a liferaft if you can afford it.
What you must NOT do is bodge together some quaint little cover for your dinghy and delude yourself into thinking it might serve as a liferaft for in that direction lies false security - a most dangerous mindset.
My opinion, of course, and worth what it cost you!

 

[Gwylan]

Complete no brainer - get the life raft now!

 

[lavenderbeard]

I have my doubts about the Captain's sanity (plus the safety of his wife and kids) as a friend offered them one for free!! I dont think having a dingy fastened over the escape hatch on the childrens cabin is the smartest of ideas either.
and to quote saltyjohn "My opinion, of course, and worth what it cost you!"
Great line.

 

[Troutbridge]

Idiots! There was a debate about this subject on the Cruiser and sailors forum. I just can't believe that anybody would contemplate a long trip without a liferaft.

 

[lavenderbeard]

Well I seem to be with the majority then! I had this post removed from another site as the moderator thought I was making it up to sell photos!

 

[Marsupial]

Absolutely barking – get a life


raft

 

[LadyJessie]

One of the clearest 'no brainers' I have ever seen: do not try to cross an ocean without a liferaft.

 

[srm]

As a survival course instructor I describe a liferaft as "a kiddies paddling pool with a tent on it". When you see yours inflated you may feel this is an overgenerous description. Yes, I carry a liferaft, but do my best to ensure its never needed.

I seem to remember reading a survival story where the family finished up in a dinghy after the liferaft disintigrated, obvious realy, take both.