Liferaft Video Poll

Will the terrorist threat stop you from flying?

  • Yes

    Votes: 0 0.0%

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Re: Hm, stepping on to liferaft (quite long)

The Vikings are not actually Hypalon Andy (full explanation above.)

Yes I have had several issues with Hypalon in the past and I am very disappointed in the long term quality.

Vikings are rubberised material which I dont think can be heat sealed ??????????

Have a search on the PBO forum for lists of complaints on perished dinghies.


I know PVC ones can look tatty after a year or two but under the grime the PVC comes back like new in my experience.


I will now retire from this post.
I have explained why I did not choose Viking.
It is upto each individual to make their own choice.

If any experts or Gludy comes back and says I am wrong I openly accept I am not an expert, I tried to educate myself before I made my decision but could have cocked up .
 
Re: Hm, stepping on to liferaft (quite long)

Yes, did read what you wrote, and know you're retiring, but...

as the link I posted & fairly common knowledge shows - nothing is pukka hypalon - Hypalon gives nice shiny hard-wearing ( allegedly) coating over a fabric, backed with usu neoprene to keep the air in. Costs a bunch, likely for more than just the amount dupont charge for the hypalon bit. And if done right, air retention should be every bit as good - but clearly not with your Avons - which is disturbing.
 
Re: Hm, stepping on to liferaft (quite long)

Viking say...


[ QUOTE ]
The basic material of VIKING liferafts is a strong webbing covered with natural rubber. One of the extremely advantageous features of rubber is its elasticity. In fact, natural rubbers represents one of the most elastic materials in the market.

Elasticity also means flexibility which improves reliability in an emergency causing the liferaft to be exposed to quite heavy loads.

During numerous tests made in the right element, the flexibility of the liferaft has proved crucial to its functioning when deployed at extremely low temperatures, when being boarded and when being loaded in rough sea.

[/ QUOTE ]
 
Re: Hm, changing the words a bit. (not long)

Just two points:
1. We were trained to jump onto the raft arse first, don't know if this has changed.
2. And perhaps a little cruel: who amongst us has recent experience to show that you don't necessarily get what you pay for?
 
Re: Hm, changing the words a bit. (not long)

Oferfuksake: anyone working as a commercial fisherman on a registered fishing vessel is required to hold certificates in first aid at sea, firefighting at sea, sea survival and safety awareness. If I have crewmen without these my boat may be impounded and prevented from going to sea.
The Western Sea Fish training association undertakes these training schemes: yes, they are limited compared with those at the Robert Gordon institute, but may be more than many leisure seafairers have undertaken. We had liferafts for many years before training came in , and we were very surprised when we found that they are not so simple to use, along with other life saving methods. The first man lifted off the Cecil Japan, ashore in Hell's Mouth, lost his life because he reached for the helicopter door sill, and fell out of the strop. We have done helicopter training, with a real live helicopter. Lives have been saved because of this training.
 
Re: Hm, changing the words a bit. (not long)

Sorry, to answer your question, we were trained to jump arse first onto the raft canopy, and also to right the raft after entering the water. Yes, in a pool in easy conditions. as I say, not to compare with other more rigorous training schemes, but more than a lot of people have done.
 
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