Liferaft servicing

[sutton sailor]

My liferaft is 12 years old 6 man Eurovyinl (canister). The last timeI had it serviced I was present and it was in perfect condition. It looked as if it had been manufactured the day before. Last summer I tried to find someone to service it again, and they all took the attitude that it would almost certainly be unservicable and need to be replaced before they even looked at it. It seemed to me that they were more interested in selling me a new one than servicing mine.

Does anyone know of someone who will be more interested in servicing it than selling me a new liferaft.

I am retired so I would prefer to delivere the raft and be present when it is serviced.

 

[sailorman]

http://www.marine-safety-products.com/
Talk to Graham
Interparcel will collect & deliver for around a tenner

 

[BERT T]

I use Northwest Marine Ltd in Liverpool.

 

[pvb]

I am retired so I would prefer to delivere the raft and be present when it is serviced.

In that case, it would be useful if you indicated your approximate location, if people are to make sensible suggestions.

 

[pcatterall]

I had the same problem. The raft had clearly spent its life 'indoors' judging from the condition of the valise. I was going to chuck it away but thought I would check inside.
I carefully unpacked it and inflated it. The material was still in excellent condition. The bottle was visually fine and the right weight. I repacked it carefully and still use it.
I am as happy to trust my own observations and care as I would be to trust a third party.
I did use to pack my own parachute!!

 

[All_at_Sea]

+1 Northwest marine, brilliant and cheaper than most.

 

[catalac08]

I use Northwest Marine Ltd in Liverpool.

When I indicated to them that I just wanted the raft servicing as I carry everything else in a grab bag and did not wish to replace out of date cans of water etc they lost interest in servicing my liferaft, perhaps because I wished to see it inflated?

 

[duncan99210]

Most of the raft servicing consists of replacing the out of date items...... Otherwise it's a visual check of the raft, check weigh of the CO2 cylinder, inflation using a pump (should then leave it up for 24 hours), deflate and repack. The repacking is an art form in itself but can be aided by the use of a couple of ratchet straps.

 

[nigelmercier]

I carry everything else in a grab bag and did not wish to replace out of date cans of water etc ...

I think it is time that the perishable items were packed in a user accessible compartment, with access to the CO₂ cylinder. IMO the worst thing you can do to a folded inflatable is blow it up and fold it again.

 

[RobBrown]

I have a Eurovinyl/ Ocean Safety 6 man valise & this has been serviced x3 by Norwest Marine. Their prices are more than fair and a reputable company, with many commercial customers, but I don't think they do an attended inflation as a normal component of the service, but you could always ring & ask, or they may be able to take a photo of it inflated? Depots in Liverpool & Immingham:

http://www.norwestmarine.co.uk/

 

[penfold]

I think it is time that the perishable items were packed in a user accessible compartment, with access to the CO₂ cylinder. IMO the worst thing you can do to a folded inflatable is blow it up and fold it again.

But that's exactly what the service wonks do; blow it up, go to lunch, then if it's still inflated after tiffin, repack it in its packaging.

 

[sutton sailor]

Nporthwest Marine

Thanks to all who have replied. I have contacted Northwest marine and they are happy for me to attend when the liferaft is being inflated, so I will get them to service it.

 

[Mrnotming]

Does any owner of the Eurovinyl raft in a hard case know if the two 1/2"strappings on the raft are packaging or should remain in place?The case is blue taped all around.
Thanks.

 

[VicMallows]

I did use to pack my own parachute!!

...and to me that says everything! For ANYTHING safety critical I will always trust my own judgement first and foremost. No one to blame either if the totally unforeseeable does happen.

 

[prv]

Does any owner of the Eurovinyl raft in a hard case know if the two 1/2"strappings on the raft are packaging or should remain in place?The case is blue taped all around.
Thanks.

I've never heard of Eurovinyl specifically, but all the rafts I've known with plastic banding round them are meant to have it there. The inflation force is enough to burst the straps.

Pete

 

[Jim@sea]

My liferaft is 12 years old 6 man Eurovyinl (canister). The last timeI had it serviced I was present and it was in perfect condition. It looked as if it had been manufactured the day before. Last summer I tried to find someone to service it again, and they all took the attitude that it would almost certainly be unservicable and need to be replaced before they even looked at it. It seemed to me that they were more interested in selling me a new one than servicing mine.

Does anyone know of someone who will be more interested in servicing it than selling me a new liferaft.

I am retired so I would prefer to delivere the raft and be present when it is serviced.

I also believe in being present when I am spending my money.

 

[Mrnotming]

Thanks Pete,
Just was worried that inflation pressure would not break these straps!