Liferaft Servicing

[Nicolas]

I inherited a 6man liferaft with full history and service
Previous owner serviced it once a year, which I've been told is the recomendation

I just would like to know practically, how often do people have theirs serviced, sailing in the Solent & Channel crossing ???

 

[pandroid]

Ours has a three yearly service, in accordance with manufacturer's reccomendation. The annual 'check' seems to only be reccomended if you race seriously - I think its a RORC requirement.

 

[ccscott49]

If the manufacturer says every year, do it every year. But I would look at servicing costs, then look at the price of a three year service interval raft, do a quick calculation and sell the ! year raft! Failing that, when you get it serviced, see what they replaced and see if you want to stretch it over to two or three years between services. It's yours and your crews lives. There's always rental to consider aswell for the short season.

 

[yoda]

I'll probably get slated on the forum but mine has had 3 services in 22 years. Just replaced the gas cylinder flares etc, total cost inc £30 transport £190. I do however treat it with respect and make great eforts to keep it dry.

Yoda

 

[snowleopard]

3 year service - ouch

took mine to a service depot in the canaries. it only needed an 'inspection' as it was a year old and vacuum-packed. they charged over £100, opened the sealed bag, changed the sticker which said NEXT SERVICE 2003 for one saying NEXT SERVICE 2002, and as a final insult told me that as they weren't approved agents for that brand of raft, the warranty was now void.

and i only did it because the ARC required an annual certificate.

 

[qsiv]

Yep - mine gets an annual RORC check - they've upped the anti this year, and despite having the cylinder pressure tested (which cost a small fortune), I may yet have to buy a new liferaft as the current one probably wont meet the new regs.

My previous boat had two 4 man rafts rather than 1 8 - I used to service one every year.

 

[jimboaw]

Re: 3 year service - ouch

took my 1986 raft to a US Coastguard approved service outlet for its 3 year inspection. They claimed to have found "Seam failure". Raft condemned and destroyed. No appeal, No Corpse. just a bill! Guess what, I don't carry a raft anymore but am buying a 406 epirb.

 

[Piers]

Try calling John Strickland-Baker on 01925 245788. He's a great enthusiast with extensive knowledge. He has a liferaft company but never deals out B*Sh*.

Piers du Pré
www.playdeau.com