Old Liferaft.

phatcat1

phatcat1

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We have a Lifeguard Liferaft that is probably 7-8 years old. It is a 4 man valise and it is a year or two overdue for a service (last one was 2011 I think).

We are planning to buy a new canister liferaft so we can mount it on the stern and free up some locker space.

Is there any value in a raft such as this? does anyone know of any companies that buy old rafts or should I just bin it?
 
+1 put it on the for sale forum here or on ebay. I have sold a couple of older LR's this way. As bert49 says, they can fetch a few hundred quid towards your new one.
 
A Lifeguard liferaft should be quite a good one, and it also makes a small package that can fit into a small boat. (So you are not going to free up very much space.) Being small and light, it will be quite easy to launch.
Service interval should be 3 years I think, at least until 10 years old. After some point (12 years I think, but check) you are into annual servicing which puts the average annual cost of ownership up considerably.
If it's only 7 or 8 years old, and still in good condition, I would hang on to it. It will probably have just a RORC pack so stuff some goodies into a grab bag.
Mine (manufactured 2000) is now into annual servicing which leaves me with some difficult choices. Currently it fits into a cockpit locker and can be very easily got out of said locker, can be lifted with just one hand. A cheap liferaft wouldn't fit and would also be heavier (the cheaper material needs to be thicker and heavier to be strong enough, apparently), and a liferaft ideal for my small boat would be somewhat expensive. And a valise raft, wherever put, would be more than a little in the way.
 
Why not have your Lifeguard Liferaft put into a canister when it is next serviced. 7-8 years old is quite young for a Lifeguard which were made to a very high spec.
You could talk to Suffolk Marine Safety who are not too far from you. I have no connection with this company, just a satisfied customer!
Regards
Steve.
 
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