Life Raft Brand?

[Geoff54]

Thanks to everyone; lots of good advice.

Originally Posted by jeremiason

My advice is look for one that is self righting. I believe any SOLAS rated off-shore raft is self righting.

Based on my research so far, I don't think that this is true so (or course) I had to track it down .....

"The stability of liferafts capable of accommodating 25 persons or less when in the inverted position shall be such that they can be righted in a sea-way and in calm water by one person. Liferafts in excess of 25 persons capacity shall have righting facilities. The righting position of the liferaft shall be suitably marked and have a non-skid surface."

My impression is that most inflatable life rafts are not self righting.

[Geoff54]

BTW, I kept reading and rigid liferafts are required to be self-righting - but how many of us carry a rigid raft?

[NorthPacific]

So it is put up time. I found the perfect raft, but can not get it to North America. Need an offshore raft that I can afford. Revere? anyone heard of them. Sailnet are selling them.

[jeremiason]

Practical Sailor Review of Life Rafts

Six-Man Life Raft Test - Practical Sailor Article

[NorthPacific]

Looking for information on the Revere, the top end rafts are expensive

[Thames 4 Blood]

Interesting Youtube Vid from Yaching Monthly Mag. Bit dated but worth a decca!

Six ISO 9650 liferafts tested by Yachting Monthly - YouTube

[HopCar]

We are working with Revere to have some great prices on their products during the Miami International Boat show starting next week. I'd love the chance to quote on them if someone is interested.
Here is a link to their website: REVERE | reveresurvival.com | Manufacturer of Survival Equipment Since 1936

Revere has been around a long time. I have one of their catalogs from the 1940's.
Their primary business until recently was commercial lifeboat equipment. They were located in New York but have moved to Jacksonville.

[NorthPacific]

Originally Posted by HopCar

We are working with Revere to have some great prices on their products during the Miami International Boat show starting next week. I'd love the chance to quote on them if someone is interested.
Here is a link to their website: REVERE | reveresurvival.com | Manufacturer of Survival Equipment Since 1936

Revere has been around a long time. I have one of their catalogs from the 1940's.
Their primary business until recently was commercial lifeboat equipment. They were located in New York but have moved to Jacksonville.

Where are the rafts manufactured? Will you pay my gas money if I pop down and buy one?

[hellosailor]

"Is there any value in a 2nd EPIRB?"
Well, ignoring the fact that AC had a somewhat embarrassing recal some years ago when one of their models showed a test light but actually was not transmitting? Oops, yes, sometimes EPRIBs are defective. If you are buying a new one, look for one that can send actual test messages to confirm the entire unit is actually working.

And there's still a reason to buy two. If your EPIRB is packed in the raft, you can be sure it will be there if you need to enter the raft from the water. Anything you need to carry with you, may be lost. But if it is packed in the raft and there's only one...you can't get to it without deploying the raft.

So ignoring reliability, yes, there's reason to own two of them. Two sets of SOLAS-rated flares, etc. as well, for the same reason.

[NorthPacific]

Are Epirbs outdated tech?

Personal Location devices that can be worn by crew, are they a better emergency beacon?

[HopCar]

"Where are the rafts manufactured? Will you pay my gas money if I pop down and buy one? "

North Pacific, Won't pay your gas but I'll give you a boat show ticket! That looks like a pretty long drive for you. Maybe we should just ship you one.
Your question got me wondering where they are made as well. I always assumed they were made in the USA. I looked at one we have in stock and there is no " Made in China" mark on it, just Revere's Jacksonville Florida address.

"Personal Location devices that can be worn by crew, are they a better emergency beacon?"
I don't think they are better, but a compliment to an EPIRB. The EPIRB will float up right and transmit for at least 48 hours. The small PLB's will transmit for about half that time and would need to be held up right with the antenna out of the water. They float but not up right. If I was going offshore I'd buy an EPIRB first and then a PLB to go on my life jacket if the budget allowed.

[NorthPacific]

Ok Mr HoCar I will bite!

Give me a quote for a 4 man canister. Shipped to BC (but not by UPS)

Cheers

[HopCar]

Here is a link to their website: REVERE | reveresurvival.com | Manufacturer of Survival Equipment Since 1936
Let me know which model you're interested in and I'll see what we can do. I expect the freight to be a killer. We'd have them drop ship it to you from Jacksonville.

[NorthPacific]

YA, Not cheap is freight!

Offshore 4 man Canister Commander

Please

[Matt Johnson]

Would love a price on the 45-OE4V. Im in St Augustine, but without a car and would need it shipped here too. I could have someone run me up to Jacksonville if I could get it right from them.

Thanks,

Matt