I'm looking for a life raft (new 4-6 man) 20 miles off shore max. Considering the several choices which makes are the best economical choices? I'm looking for brand specific from an experienced sailor and prefer US produced.
Life Raft Brand
- Thread starter Parkercr
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http://www.survivalproductsinc.com/nineman.htm
this is what we have on the boat I crew on....
I'd hate to actually have to use it for any length of time. its the lightest, that meets race regs.
are you going offshore cruising?
this is what we have on the boat I crew on....
I'd hate to actually have to use it for any length of time. its the lightest, that meets race regs.
are you going offshore cruising?
Not on "Dove" 606209 she is on an inland lake in Arkansas, I'm in restoring, refitting, and upgrading mode. Hopefully it should be complete by middle of summer after two years. Just want to have all the equipment on board. Crazy it has become an obsession.
We will be going offshore later this year on my daughter's boat "Atratus" 672853 located in Urbana.
if its only a short passage, and you're not racing, I'd rent one from west marine. better quality, and cheaper to rent than own.. (maintenance).
(we did that a few times, but it was big,& heavy) -had to be strapped to the cabin.
the survivor is about the size of a lifesling.
Those rafts need to be checked out every year or 2... not sure on cost, but doubt its cheap.
(we did that a few times, but it was big,& heavy) -had to be strapped to the cabin.
the survivor is about the size of a lifesling.
Those rafts need to be checked out every year or 2... not sure on cost, but doubt its cheap.
There are ADs for these all the times. A lot of folks purchase them and do not want to pay for the re-certification. I think purchasing a previously owned unit would be a good way to go.
Check with Sal's in Alameda, Ca. The sell and certifiy these units. You can also rent them for passages.
Check with Sal's in Alameda, Ca. The sell and certifiy these units. You can also rent them for passages.
Thanks Steve. I saw a few of those on ebay. I was some skitish to invest in a 8 year old LR. Just figured I'd buy a light 4 man to get by for a couple of years. Dove isn't headed to a coast anytime soon. Guess it might be a good idea to find out re-cert expense. Thanks for the name.
FWIW, I just picked up a new Revere Coastal Commander (valise, 6 person) last week. This replaced a 1988 Avon Coastal that finally failed part of the inspection this spring -- glue was finally starting to let go in some small areas and the repacker said that at 25 years it was getting too old to justify repacking one more time.
Good product, but they all have their "life span."
Note that rafts that will satisfy the requirements for Cat. One for ocean racing will cost more money, also.
When all is said, it's always about a compromise between budget and perceived risk...
As for buying a used raft, from a stranger, on eBay... that's no way to insure your life! Please do not do that.
Good product, but they all have their "life span."
Note that rafts that will satisfy the requirements for Cat. One for ocean racing will cost more money, also.
When all is said, it's always about a compromise between budget and perceived risk...
As for buying a used raft, from a stranger, on eBay... that's no way to insure your life! Please do not do that.
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