Liferafts - Soft Pack or Hard Case?

[tianti]

We're just getting equipment ready for our departure in April 08 and I'd like to get some input from those more experienced. We have a 37' Bavaria, if you can forward your opinions, articles etc on which raft makes sense, I'd welcome the input. Thanks TnT!

[Talbot]

liferaft is no good unless it is immediately accessible for all crew to launch. This demands a cannister rather than a valise, and a stowage place where even a young member of the crew can release it into the water. (which means that those stowages on the deck under the boom are a poor compromise, unless you can all lift the liferaft up in bad sea states!)

stowage down below or in a deep locker are a total no-no might just as well not have one.

BTW a Bav is a nice boat for coastal sailing, and especially in light airs, but would not be my choice in bad weather.

[rsn48]

Passive or Active Life Boat

http://www.boats.com/content/boat-articles.jsp?contentid=1288

An argument for Active Life boat

http://www.johnsboatstuff.com/Articles/self.htm

What to look for in a life raft

http://www.andrews.com/kysc/bt/liferaft.htm

Another: What to look for in a life raft

http://www.oceannavigator.com/print.php?a=5210

This article includes the following:

“Finally, in order to preserve the integrity and security of your raft so it is fully operational when you need it, it must be contained in a strong, water-resistant (this does not mean submersible) container or valise. The debate over rigid container vs. soft valise has been around for quite some time. Hard containers offer maximum durability, protection and ease of deployment (at higher expense); while valises provide ease of storage (beyond the reach of thieves) along with a reduction in weight. The valise is also less expensive than the rigid container. However, the raft is only as good as your ability to deploy it. If you cannot get it out of the sail locker or lazarette because it’s buried under gear, then it’s of little value.
Alternatively, if your deck-mounted canister is stolen while in port, it too will be of little use to you in an abandon-ship scenario. When mounting options and deck space permit, my preference is for the hard-mounted canister. Bear in mind, neither of these containment systems is waterproof. I have observed water damage to both canister- and valise-packed rafts. “