Liferaft in a storage box?

[Ross D]

I currently have my liferaft in a vailse as an alternative to a canister I was wondering about fitting a storage box onto the stern deck and keeping the liferaft inside?

I thought about one of these (the box at the bottom of the page):

http://www.solentplastics.co.uk/marine-storage-boxes-kegs/

This would then mean I could keep the liferaft inside, with the grab bag, spare flares, fire extinguisher etc all above decks, and it can be securely locked when not at sea.

They are pretty expensive but only around the same price as a liferaft cradle.

Any thoughts?

 

[fisherman]

We had a simple home made ply/grp box with loose over-fitting lid. You could make a lovely varnished teak one if you wanted....

Nidaplas is useful instead of ply, foam core sheet, very flexible, goes rigid when GRP'd both sides, extensively used for decks and wheelhouses. About £29 for 10mm, 8x4ft.

My 'Lloyds locker' is a B&Q waterproof plastic box with clip down lid, must be something similar that suits.

 

[VicS]

Any thoughts?

If this is going to be permanently on deck be sure it is made of UV resistant material.

 

[pcatterall]

I considered making a locker like that which would double as a seat. It would have to right up the pushpit and I was concerned about the risk from a large following sea.
How would a locker of this size be fastened down? More bolts through the deck I guess?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Are the locks and hinges marine grade?

Personally, I think they are too ugly to go on deck but what do I know?

 

[Lady Campanula]

Liferaft in a storage box?

I've looking to do much the same, for the Arimar raft I have is in an awkwardly-shaped GRP container. I'll be after finding a weatherproof container that better fits the space I have - but costing rather less than £108+....