liferafts

[Charlie]

took the laft raft in from the boat that I bought. Didn't think it was in good shape but thought I might be able to have it fixed. It took alot of force just to inflate it. The rope had to be wrapped around a stick and the rope cut into the stick before the liferaft actually inflated. Then there was a problem with one of the rings in the life raft. Anyway as it turns out the liferaft is not worth getting fixed. the dealer offered me a new one for $3690 a nice Zodiac 6 man raft with nice features. is that a reasonable price?

[seafox]

Thats the price of a four man Zodiac in NZ so with the exchange it must be close.

[GordMay]

Zodiac 6 Man Class Ocean Liferaft is $4275.00 USD at Defender.
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|320549|81609|322483&id=180000

[Charlie]

Thanks Seafox and Gordmay:

When I went to the defender site and put the raft in the shopping cart the actual price was $3425. Now I need to decide whether to go with a local vender. I'm leaning toward going with the local vendor.

[Jon D]

I personally would look at a different brand. Zodiac does not have the best reputation as far as life rafts go. Winslow, Switlik, Givens are clearly high quality rafts....

[Alan Wheeler]

I have an RFD. Never opened it to see what it is like. But I have had a very good look over the switlik. I really liked it. But then, I have seen no other to compare it too. But I especially like the concept of the water ballast to help keep the raft upright. I can only presume the concept works in reality.

[Euro Cruiser]

Concur with Jon. Zodiac has a history of raft failures that have cost lives and do not deserve a seaman's business.

Jack

[seafox]

If you do a search on google (I think it is in this forum too) there is a story about a new Hanse that was racing off Ireland. It lost it's rudder and sunk. They deployed a fairly new Zodiac and it failed to inflate.

[Weyalan]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

I have an RFD. Never opened it to see what it is like. But I have had a very good look over the switlik. I really liked it. But then, I have seen no other to compare it too. But I especially like the concept of the water ballast to help keep the raft upright. I can only presume the concept works in reality.

For what it is worth, all inflatable liferafts have water ballast... it is a strict requirement of the regulations governing the design and manufacture of all such appliances. There are rules stipulating the number of gallons of water ballast per person and guidelines as to where it should be located.

[btrayfors]

I researched all available liferafts a few years ago and decided that the Winslow brand was tops. It's been top-rated by lots of folks. I found an almost new one on eBay, had it inspected and packed for 3-years by Winslow. Their service was GREAT.

There was an 8-person raft, almost new, on eBay a couple of weeks ago which didn't sell, as the bidding only got to $2,000. You might contact the owner: eBay Motors: Winslow Mac 8 Person Liferaft (item 280066160272 end time Jan-11-07 12:30:00 PST)

Another 6-person raft went for about 2,000 in great condition.

Bill

[Viking Sailor]

Winslow sometimes sell used liferafts - give them a call. If you want a new raft try negotiating a deal at a boat show.

paul

[Charlie]

thanks very much for the info. It is curious about zodiac. the one that I looked at had a lot of features that I liked. I will follow up on the ebay item Bill. Don't know about wanting a new or used just want one that works.

[Jentine]

Charlie,

You had a used liferaft and look where that got you. Buy the new one from the local dealer. It may be a few bucks more, but you have satisfaction in the knowledge that if everything is not right, you know where he is. Defender is a PIA when it comes to warranty work. It is always the manufacturer's responsibility to correct any ills.

[Pete the Cat]

Whatever liferaft you buy or carry, I have a suggestion for y'all. I have an Avon I carry that I have had repacked several times. Only the last time, the packer suggested that I come and watch the thing inflate and see what I had. So I did it. I STRONGLY suggest that you go and at least look at your liferaft at the packer (if they will not let you do this, get another packer). To certify them, they have to leave them inflated for a few days. I can see now that--if I had had to use it-- I would have had a very difficult time understanding what things are in it, what they look like (you would not recognize the inflation pump from the bailing pump), and how to use them. It was a humbling experience after carrying the thing around for 10 years to realize I was so ill-equipped to use it. I am not a fan of Zodiac anything, but Winslow once had a terrible reputation which I am confident is past. I saw a zodiac used at a US Sailing Safety and Sea seminar and it did not appear to me to be any more poorly constructed than the rest of them. FWIW

[GordMay]

U.S. Coast Guard “Boating Safety” Recalls:
Office of Boating Safety Alerts
Including:
VIKING “RescYou” liferafts: Office of Boating Safety Alerts
SWITLIK “Valves”: Office of Boating Safety Alerts
and more ...