the Confusing land of life rafts

[PSutchek]

So... is there a list of approved life rafts for the single handed transpac ? i need to get on top of this one and have it for my 6 day cruise...

i ask .. nobody tells ... its like a black magic and a guess type of thing...

i am ONE person,,,shouldn't almost anything rated for crossing an ocean work ? where are the guildlines we as potential transpackers are supposed to adhere to ???

thanks , P

 

[BobJ]

The key is the certification. The SHTP SER states: "The raft shall be SOLAS, ISAF, ISO 9650-1 or ORC approved." For example, ISO 9650-1 is for offshore; ISO 9650-2 is for coastal use and won't qualify. The smallest approved rafts are 4-person and weigh 75-85 lbs, so expect that. Your main choice is the container: A valise container is soft and lighter, but less durable than a hard container which you could store on deck. On your boat, you'd probably get one in a valise and store it below.

Life rafts are expensive so most of us rent them for the SHTP. Sal's Inflatables in Alameda is the closest place to do that, and Sal will know which ones qualify. Figure out where you'll store it (write down the dimensions) and then pay a visit to Sal and look at your options.

 

[JimQuanci]

As you sort out your liferaft costs...
Maybe an uncertain option...
I have two Winslow Ultralight ORC rafts... 4 person (54 lbs) and 6 person (65 lbs)... both recently expired... repacks are a bit uncertain cost... $1200-$2000. And shipping to LA for the repack is $80 ish.
Happy to loan to anyone that wants them.
I might even split the repack cost with you.

Cheers
JimQ
415-640-4461

 

[jamottep]

So ... CaB's life raft is a Plastimo. The last service station on the West Coast stopped servicing them. It expires(d?) 11/24 so I'm without a certified life raft. I'm still exploring options.
The thing that's puzzling is that these offshore ISO life rafts go for about $1500 new in France, which was about the cost to service mine here on the West Coast in 2020. Something's fishy with the cost of life rafts up here ...

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[Critter]

I have a Revere Regatta 4-man valise raft, current until 2026. Revere's website says it weighs 64 lb; I thought it was a bit less than that. I'll lend it out for the SHTP if you make the shipping painless for me from and back here in East Podunk, SoCal.

Jim Quanci: any advice on packaging for shipping? That crate for the last SHTP was pretty slick.

Max

 

[Daydreamer]

So ... CaB's life raft is a Plastimo. The last service station on the West Coast stopped servicing them. It expires(d?) 11/24 so I'm without a certified life raft. I'm still exploring options.
The thing that's puzzling is that these offshore ISO life rafts go for about $1500 new in France, which was about the cost to service mine here on the West Coast in 2020. Something's fishy with the cost of life rafts up here ...

Survival racks - Comptoir Nautique

Survival racks ᐅ Best deals at Comptoir Nautique ⭐ Payment in 3 or 4 installments ✓ Best price guaranteed ⚡ Fast delivery

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Rafts are expensive here. So is repacking.
Depending on cost of shipping it might be just as well to buy a new one.