Liferaft servicing

[John_N]

Winter lay-up is here for most of us and it's time to get down to all those refit jobs (Resolution- don't leave them till the last minute and start next season with only half of them done!).
One item that concerns me is the liferaft. Having previously witnessed the servicing by an authorised agent (for which the relevant certificate was issued) it strikes me that they get their money easily and and I would rather it was in my pocket than theirs. Their exorbitant charges are bumped up by the unnecessary replacement of minor items of equipment.
How easy is it for the task to be carried out by a reasonably competent boat owner used to managing most other maintenance jobs? I feel that the most difficult part would probably be ensuring that all the air had been extracted so that it could be successfully repacked into its valise!
I would greatly appreciate advice from any members who have attempted this task.

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[StephenSails]

They only replace items when they expire or do not function properly.

You wont have the correct tools or know how to do it, I used to service rafts for a living.

Service centres only replace items that have expired, or do not work.

I think when you take in to account the overheads of running a business and the seasonality of the business you will find that its not a big money making scam!

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[Shakey]

How do you get hold of the correct tools then?

As for not knowing how to do it, I'd say the analogy is packing your own parachute (i.e. it's your own fault if it doesn't work when you need it.)

<hr width=100% size=1>It could have been worse - it could have been me.

 

[StephenSails]

Some of them you can cobble toghther, the rest come from the manufactuerer. You will probably need a hydraulic press, compressor, vacumn pump, heat sealer, precise electronic scales as well. I would not want to pack my own parachute if others where going to possibly need it one day.

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[owen]

check on pbo forum for same question i asked recently

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[Cornishman]

Well said (or written!) I used to help repack 20 man liferafts every week for the sea survival courses at Plymouth School of Maritime Studies, and even though we did not put in survival packs for this purpose it was still a struggle, and we did have a vacuum pump. I wouldn't advise anybody who has no experience of it to do their own. It won't carry a certificate, either.
It is surprising how many people conveniently forget the business overheads when it comes to paying for a professional service. They can always watch the service being carried out, and question every move if they are not happy, if it is being done by a proper servicing station.

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[John_N]

OK folks, I get the message. Thanks Stephen and Mike for your input. I appreciate that specialist equipment is required for checking the gas cylinder etc., and I am aware that the costs of running a business amount to much more than the hourly wages of the employees.
I'll just have to bite the bullet and not compromise on safety. Can anyone recommend a service agent in the West Country who is reliable and not too expensive?

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