Liferaft Service ?

[Moody Mike]

Originally Posted by sonar

I may well have the same problem about to happen.

I have a 1967 RFD 4 man raft all made in rubber not like the modern materials. Still looks like new.
Packed every other year and covered in french chalk stops any of the rubber sticking together...
The recharge bottle top is not made any more and I may well have to find a new system to inflate it myself. Maybe a replacement bottle and top and a conversion piece to the raft it's self.

Shock Horror to many but As for servicing I have always done them myself.

Like to see the yacht clubs or TAFE (adult education in Australia) run a course on serviceing your own liferaft. It cant be that difficult. The dive or gas industry do cylinder checks. The contents are off the shelf items . We all have a vacum to inflate & deflate . Even if an aproved checker had to sign off your work it would still be more cost effective than the current system. Plus more people would have an up to date serviced liferaft and wouldnt that be safer?
Mike

[Ribbit]

Originally Posted by capecuddy

Check out Givens Life Rafts if you are in the market for a replacement. 55 lb valise model for 4 people. You've got to see the design, which was done by NASA for its astronauts returning. Just Google Givens raft.

I'd certainly do a thorough check of who presently owns Givens before parting with any money.

eta: Sorry just saw the date of the original. Still valid advice if they are still around.