Liferaft life

[30boat]

I have a canister Lifeguard 6 man raft from 1992.It's been regularly serviced and is always kept below unless on passage.I'm worrying that it may becoming a bit too long in the tooth.What's the normal lifespan for these things?
What's a good quality brand that won't cost the earth that I should buy when time comes?

 

[cryan]

15-20 years. However if your getting it serviced every year or two then the service guys should tell you if its beyond servicable repair, ie, the rubber and seals are deteriorating.

 

[FullCircle]

Seago - good design, canister too tight for contents. MD has fallen out with practically all Liferaft Service centres

Therefore: Avoid Seago.

 

[nigelmercier]

I've just been down this route, I've opted for a Viking RescYou. I would have gone for the Pro version, but it wont fit in the cockpit locker (and I don't want a bloody canister on my deck).

 

[[10753]]

Lifeguard is top stuff - should last well. I have 25 year old hyperlon lifeguard dinghy which is still going strong having been used most weekends. Sometimes its worth buying top quality in the first place.

Agree with above, reputable service centre will advise when raft is no longer serviceable.

 

[Strikeliner]

Liferaft Life

Lifeguard is top stuff - should last well. I have 25 year old hyperlon lifeguard dinghy which is still going strong having been used most weekends. Sometimes its worth buying top quality in the first place.

Agree with above, reputable service centre will advise when raft is no longer serviceable.

Liferafts are not made of Hypalon

 

[30boat]

Liferafts are not made of Hypalon

I think I'll be at the next service next year to take a look for myself.I know Lifeguard is good quality so it may have a good few years in it yet.

 

[penfold]

Liferafts are not made of Hypalon

Some liferafts are not made of hypalon(or the generic equivalent); some are.

 

[Strikeliner]

Some liferafts are not made of hypalon(or the generic equivalent); some are.

Sorry but there are no leisure liferafts that are made of Hypalon. The Lifeguard that is the subject of the OP at 22 years old will not be vacuum bagged. 22 years is a fineold age and it is now in its twighlight years.
It will be due annual servicing so beware of paying large sums one year only to have it fail the next.