Liferaft advice please!

[Exiles]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your amazing answers to my “How can I stop my boat from sinking?” post. I have a follow up questions now about safety equipment since I am going to buy a liferaft this month.

On my previous transatlantic crossings I used various types of liferafts, but due to the higher latitude environment I am looking for a liferaft that is more robust can take heavy weather, protect from exposure and comes with or can be packaged with survival suits.

I look forward to your suggestions!!!!

Please check out our remote voyage we would like your feed back at

www.belzebub2.com

Thanks

 

[Tim R.]

No personal experience but looks like an interesting boat.

http://www.portlandpudgy.com/

 

[Alex Dare]

Not sure I understand. Seems to me you wouldn't want the survival suits packed in the life raft. You'd want them someplace accessible on board where you you could put them on before going in the water or getting in a life raft.
My knowledge may be a bit old but Viking, Switlik and the upper end Avons were considered some of the better rafts. Look for something offshore rated with dual tubes, ballast pockets, hydrostatic release and sturdy canopy.

 

[Exiles]

Apparently I have been told that you want exposure suits on board but also in the liferaft just in case there was no time to put them on.

It seems thick inflatable floors is also desirable.Thanks!

 

[Alex Dare]

rafts

haven't heard that one but it does make sense. Pack too much stuff in them and they won't fit in the canister. Yes on the inflatable floor!