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Liferafts
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Choosing the right
liferaft is never easy. Nowadays there are so many different makes,
models and specifications to choose from. |
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Please Note:-
We do not normally
ship liferafts although we can supply most models to be collected from
Jersey. Please e-mail us with your requirements.
info@bluewatersupplies.com |
Our advice is to think this through very carefully.
No one wants to be in a situation where you have to deploy a raft, but as far as
most people are concerned carrying one is considered a necessity. What
type of raft you choose will depend on many factors.
Realistically,
how long will it be before you are picked up? - If you are
travelling within a group, then you may only need to survive for a couple of
days at the most… if you are taking on the Southern Ocean single handed, you
will probably want to buy the very best you can afford. In these days of
EPIRBS and GPS, you are unlikely to be stranded for more than a week if you are
on a conventional route, in the right season.
Remember… The liferaft is
the last resort…. It is always preferable
to stay with your vessel if at all possible. Also you must not forget that by
putting all your hopes into one raft may not be the best course of action.
It could fail to open on the day, or become trapped by sails or rigging.
You may just have forgotten to undo the little padlock that you only put on when
in a marina. In short, it is advisable to spread your budget to
accommodate two, if not three forms of liferaft or boat. If that terrible
day ever comes, then you should then at least end up with one means of escape,
and preferably two or three. This can be achieved by taking sensible steps
such as securing self buoyant dinghies with hydrostatic releases so that they
will float free if the vessel sinks. Deck stowed inflatable dinghies can
be equipped with lifejacket style hydrostatic inflation devices so that the have
just enough flotation to float free. Storing a survival kit attached to
these boats may end up being your only means of survival. Investing a
little time and effort in a few simple devices may be better in your situation
than spending more for a superior raft.
Liferaft features explained
DOUBLE/INSULATED FLOOR
- Many rafts are available with or without a double floor. For long
distance cruising, it is certainly not worth compromising in this area.
SOLAS/SAFETY KITS
- Various safety kit options are available for most rafts. Choose
carefully, the most expensive may not be the best suited in your situation.
These can normally be supplemented with secondary grab bags.
LIGHTS/STROBES
- Be careful…. It is easy to presume that all rafts come with lights… they
don’t. You have to weigh up whether or not this is a priority for you.
You might decide that you will always have time to set off a flare if something
comes close and remember extra lights mean extra weight in batteries.
NO. OF PERSONS
- Don’t assume that the bigger the raft the better… a large raft with too few
people aboard is unstable… always buy the right sized raft for your usual crew
capacity. If you have a large boat consider more than one raft.
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