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Old 26-11-2017, 17:37   #16
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Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Charleston, SC
Boat: Avon D560 18'
Posts: 117
Re: Choosing a life raft.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Emouchet View Post
Because there is no enforcement by a 3rd party verification organization.


"ISO 9650 is self-regulating: legally, no one has to test whether a liferaft meets the standard. As a consumer, you are simply expected to take the manufacturer’s word that it does."
That's most recreational / leisure products in the world.

If you want a "tested" raft, you will need to buy a commercial SOLAS / USCG approved raft. They have a 1 year service interval and cost about double for the same features.

Most manufacturers do their due diligence to ensure compliance with ISO.
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Old 26-11-2017, 23:32   #17
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Boat: None at present--between vessels. Ex Piver Loadstar 12.5 metres
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Re: Choosing a life raft.

As well as a life raft (get a good one) the Polycraft Dinghy we use is also SOLAS approved as a life raft in that it is foam filled and qualifies as a flotation device with its side ropes fitted. One can tow it with your inflatable ife raft with the bungs unscrewed and it is self-draining. If you board it--a good idea if the sea permits, you simply replace the bungs.

Ours is fitted with a bimini--something useful if the sun gets hot. The bimini is lashed firmly down when the dinghy is hoisted and lashed on the deck. Take out the bungs--it acts as a bin to store ropes etc. Rows like a dream--outboard up to ten horsepower--I use 3.5 and it does fine. VERY stable--almost as good as a Zodiac without the failing seams. It does not need servicing either--and it has a locker so that emergency supplies can be left aboard if needed. It will carry two adults and a child easily with the rest of the equipment--so I would have it IN ADDITION to an inflatable raft. The one that does not require inflation is less likely to fail.

So--think about this type if you are coastal cruising. Mine is safety yellow for this reason. Easily seen from an aircraft. White is popular but almost impossible to see among wave crests. Blue is also pretty but just plain silly for a survival craft.,.

https://www.polycraft.com.au/model-r...00-tuff-tender
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Old 27-11-2017, 04:28   #18
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Re: Choosing a life raft.

The weight of the raft and where/how you store it is something to be considered. With a two person crew, if one person is injured, then the other will need to deploy.
In strong winds, the crew weight helps keep the raft in the water (along with the waterbags on the bottom). Two people in a 4man would be better than two up in a 6man.
There use to be an advertisement slogan for a lift raft supplier "when you are down to your last chance, make sure it is a good one"
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Old 04-12-2017, 09:23   #19
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Re: Choosing a life raft.

In addition to the other good suggestions, you may wish to consider an EPRIB that has replaceable batteries. Typically ACR says a V4 or even the ones with the non replaceable batteries last over 48 hours at -4 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a second battery you can get close to five or six days of signalling. This is important if rescue is delayed.

Some people are moving to non sinkable dinghies/boat configured as a life raft. The thinking is that all of the great survival stores, with few exceptions, required the survivors to sail their way to safety. Granted these are extreme cases, but then it doesn't take much for a situation to worsen and become extreme. Most don't do this since most call for help and wait for rescue. If you;re gong to say coastal then it is unlikely you'll need this. If you are passage making then you may wish to consider this as an option.
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Old 04-12-2017, 16:09   #20
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Re: Choosing a life raft.

Thankyou so much guys.
I have a lot to consider and will keep you all updated.
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Old 04-12-2017, 19:59   #21
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Re: Choosing a life raft.

Mike Banks, sure so like your choice. Kills 2 birds with one stone. Only problem with me is the weight being 75 kilos. That is pretty hefty thing to move around when the poop hits the fan. In an emergency situation, Mike, how do you deploy if you are injured or boat is somehow in weird position to the water... laying sideways on the reef etc ? Thanks.
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