liferaft servicing

[tyce]

i am gonna treat myself to a liferaft.
i am looking at the bottom end ones, e.g. plastimo / xm.
anyone know if servicing costs differ and any opinions on the cheap ones

 

[mhouse]

Its worth considering if there is a local agent who is certificated to service your chosen make, otherwise budget for postage.

I was quoted about £100 for an ocean safety service. Then told after the service that they did not include for any parts that needed replacing eg flares

 

[FullCircle]

Look at the designs closely for what you get, and getting in /out etc.
Servicing much of a much on coastal/offshore, ISAF much more expensive.

I have Seago 6 man Offshore cannister, very pleased with it overall, and have added a few bits to the kit towards ISAF standard.
No adverse comments like Whaddyabuyonovthemfor? from the local servicing folk.

 

[Piers]

Call John at Nationwide - he knows everything about liferafts and is always very helpful. 07885 631 066.

I am not associated with Nationwide in any way, etc etc, apart from being a satisfied customer.

 

[poter]

In France - I have just had a Plastimo 6 man Valise liferaft completley serviced & also had a few bits added

cost Eu 530. (£ 357)

This was the first time that it had been serviced in 7 years so there was quite a bit of kit replaced, but no problems with Agents for Plastimo they seem to be everywhere in the Med.

Just a quick thought on suitability, I have a liferaft for insurance & as "Absolute last resort" option, stay with the boat seems to be the best/accepted method of survival, so the life raft is only there for hopefully a few hours. The one thing I do have is a very good Icom hand held radio, essential in my opinion.

poter