liferaft servicing questions

[simon_sluggett]

I have just aquired a liferaft ,plastimo 6 man valise type which must need servicing.

A.Where can I do this in solent area.

B.Its an offshore one will this cost more to service. I only do costal sailing is this suitable. Can I ask for a lower spec service?

C.As it needs servicing could I try it out in a pool or lake to get some idea how they work. Would this wreck it or make it cost more to service.

D. Is there a DIY kit available , like lifejackets, or is it too technical?

Cheers all!!!

 

[TigaWave]

I don't think it would be a great idea to try it, as you want it opened and packed in a controlled environment (dry air)

It is worth going to the testing/packing company so that you know exactly what you have, take some photographs so that you and the crew can see where the entrance is what it looks like etc....and go through what is packed so that you know what to look for if you ever have to use it , again I took photos of all the kit and had it available for safety briefing.

Sorry I cant help for testing companies in your area but there are many here that will know.

In the time its taken to write this you probably already have an answer!

 

[Piers]

Try John Baker from Nationwide - 07885 631 066

 

[MoodySabre]

You could try Messenger Marine at Emsworth. There must be loads of firms down that way.

The local service people to me (Basildon) will arrange for you to be there when they inflate the liferaft so that you can see what happens and what is in there. Perhaps other firms will too.

 

[Talbot]

Ron Hale in Portsmouth does liferaft serviceing and they are very happy to allow you to see the beast inflated.

If you want to try a liferaft in a pool, fo a survival course.

 

[franky]

Excellent one day course at Southampton Water Activities Centre.You get very wet,use a lot of energy and at the end of the day realise that it is very hard work to get into a liferaft from the water.Good luck hope you never have to use it.

 

[dulcibella]

I second Messenger marine, who do an excellent job.

 

[BlueChip]

We use Suffolk Sailing to service our Plastimo. Before the last service was due I asked them if they had any objection to me inflating it- they said to go ahead but not to use the gas canister and to cut the polythene inner close to the heat seal at the end so it can be resealed, they can be reused three or four times which saves you money.
We opened the raft up in our lounge, cut the bag, removed the gas bottle and inflated it with a pump. After 6 years it was in pristine condition inside. Its a 4 man liferaft and with 4 of us in it - it was cosy to say the least but it was useful to see what was included in the pack and where everything was stowed. I left it inflated for 24 hours to check for leaks, deflated it and drove it up to Suffolk Sailing at Ipswich.
They are really helful people and are quite happy for you to watch your own raft being serviced. I have no connection with them except as a very satisfied customer of some years and would highly recomend them.

 

[BAtoo]

Suffolk Liferaft are very good; I believe they do a south coast collection. They will service it - well restock it - to whatever level you need.