Liferaft tape?

[mikemcgregor]

The sealing tape on my liferaft had become very brittle due to being exposed to the sun. Is it a special type or will something like duct tape suffice?
I am aware that if it sticks too strongly to the hard plastic cover it may not inflate properly.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[sarabande]

the adhesive and substrate for normal duct tape will 'crystallise' in UV. Not good.

I'd give silage tape a try, but you would have to check how the LR would inflate as silage tape is pretty strong.

 

[mikemcgregor]

the adhesive and substrate for normal duct tape will 'crystallise' in UV. Not good.

I'd give silage tape a try, but you would have to check how the LR would inflate as silage tape is pretty strong.

Thanks for your suggestion. Will look at silage tape.

 

[Nick_H]

Liferafts are often banded with fabric strapping, and I think I've even seen some with metal straps, so the opening force must be quite significant. If you're using the tape to seal the joint between the two shells (as opposed to wrapping multiple layers of tape around the raft) then intuitively I can't see any type of tape, however strong, stopping the raft from opening, though I'd add a disclaimer that I don't know this for sure so you must of course make your own decision. By way of example though, you can buy car jacks that work by inflating a small airbag from the exhaust, which is a good demonstration of the force an inflating bag can exert.

 

[mikemcgregor]

Liferafts are often banded with fabric strapping, and I think I've even seen some with metal straps, so the opening force must be quite significant. If you're using the tape to seal the joint between the two shells (as opposed to wrapping multiple layers of tape around the raft) then intuitively I can't see any type of tape, however strong, stopping the raft from opening, though I'd add a disclaimer that I don't know this for sure so you must of course make your own decision. By way of example though, you can buy car jacks that work by inflating a small airbag from the exhaust, which is a good demonstration of the force an inflating bag can exert.

Yes I am just going to tape the joint between the two canister shells. A friend suggested wide electrical tape so may give that a go.

 

[henryf]

If the tape has deteriorated then I'm guessing the liferaft is probably out of service? Send it in to be re-serviced and the tape will be replaced with the correct product. I would hate to think of you stranded in an emergency. We all hope never to use life rafts but when we do need them.......

I suspect the weak link in the banding you've seen is the joint.

Henry

 

[mikemcgregor]

Thanks for those wise words Henry.

 

[henryf]

Thanks for those wise words Henry.

We have to do all the stuff like life raft servicing by law due to the commercial nature of our boat (it is coded) and whilst it's a bit of a pain and you do sometimes feel you're wasting money (£120 each for a pair of inflatable radar reflectors ) it is reassuring to know everything is in order.

We have a check list covering everything from safety equipment to stop cocks which we regularly work through. I'm sure most of the stuff we have will never be used in anger but it definitely adds to the enjoyment knowing all the ducks are lined up. I would also say that getting my commercially endorsed Yachtamster licence means I enjoy my time on the water more knowing what I'm doing is correct rather than assuming.

I hope you didn't think me patronising but not everyone realises life rafts, like life jackets and a lot of other equipment have a service / replace by date.

Keep smiling

Henry