Life Expectancy of a Life Raft

[Gina Marie]

After reading the reply's on Life rafts, where to store them, what style to buy. I have a simple question. My 87 came with a 8 man Avon life raft. My next project is to review its competency.

There is a date on the unit stamper 12/96. No other certification exisits.

Could some one tell me what is my next move.

It is a canister style and was installed on the bow deck and since it has a long cord hanging from its side I am assuming there is an air cartidge.

If I have this unit recertified what is the life expectancy of a 18 year old raft.

What other issues should I look for???

 

[solanderi]

Most likely you should contact the company to find out where you need to bring it to be inspected, recertified etc. If there is a kit inside the raft w/ flashlights, cyalumes, MRE's, water etc you can bet none of that stuff is any good. Also the inflation system is another perishable as well. Tell us what you find out,
Greg

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Gina, that Avon liferaft is not old. All of the perishables like water, seasickness tablets, flares etc. are out of date. The co/2 bottle will require hydrostatic check and the firing head will need checking. Those Avon rafts, while way too heavy, are great rafts. I have inspected ones from the 70s. Plan on about $700 to inspect and re-pack you raft. Have it done every 3 years from now on. A GOOD liferaft is a great addition to a boat. A liferaft that doesn't work is the worst thing you can carry. If you don't have a liferaft and the boat starts sinking, you all don life jackets and deal with the subsequent problems. If you waste time with a liferaft that does not work, you are probably dead. A properly cared for liferaft that IS NOT mounted on a cradle in the salt spray and sun, will last 30 or more years. that is why I keep asking everyone to keep their liferaft in a soft valise and in a flybridge locker. It will also be accessable when needed.

 

[Nonchalant1]

Just send it in to Avon. They can tell you if it's good or not. They'll recertify it for 1 year, and won't recertify if it's not good. If possible, send it to the Avon factory, not just a local "authorized service center" so you'll know you're getting quality recertification.

Doug Shuman

 

[StratPlan61]

Just a reminder but all of you probably already know, . . . . the last USCG Boarding Officer inspecting my boat advised me, "while there is no requirement for me to carry a life raft - if I have one on-board it must be 'current for certification' or it can be cited as a safety equipment violation. These guys were great and didn't cite me, although mine was overdue for repacking/certification. Needless to say, I have dragged it home and am contemplating sending it out for a repacking.

Bear'
1984 61 MY Strategic Plan

 

[Liquid Asset]

When we purchased our boat last year there was a n AVON raft from the mid 80's on board. I took it in, and they said it would pass inspection, but that Avon felt that after 20 years they should condemn all rafts they made. I still have the raft, but I purchased a new raft in a cannister. Makes me feel better anyway, I know the technology is better today than it was 20 years ago.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Most owners in the great lakes do an inspection every 3 years. Winslow offers a vacuum packing deal that gives your raft a 3 year certificate. This service is offered on new rafts and also on inspections of all their rafts. If you don't have your raft vacuum packed the certificate is good for one year.

To answer Gina's original question..That long line hanging out of your raft is actually 35' long and terminates at the firing head of a co2 bottle. In the case of a cannister raft that line should ALWAYS be tied to something substantial. If you ever have to use your raft, just push it over the side. It will sink for sure. When the line is extended, inflation will start and the raft will surface 35' from your boat. A raft in a valise, especially the newer and lighter ones can be kept on the bridge and dealt with much easier or tossed over if you wish.

Another thing I need to mention. Don't ever use the co2 to inflate your raft. When we inspect them we use air; co2 gives off carbonic acid which if left inside the raft will destroy the material. If you accidently inflate your raft open the deflate plugs ASAP and re-inflate with a shop vac. Use that vacuum to remove the air you just put in. Repeat that cycle 3 times to purge your raft of all co2. Now send it out for inspection and re-pack. These steps are very important to protect your investment. I know the next question. Yes, if your boat sinks and your raft inflates it probably won't be able to pass another inspection, but it will save your life.

 

[doc g]

Where in the Annapolis area can I get my Avon liferafts recert's done, other than USA Outfitters ? Or is it better to send it off somewhere?

 

[Nonchalant1]

Where in the Annapolis area can I get my Avon liferafts recert's done, other than USA Outfitters ? Or is it better to send it off somewhere?

Go here: http://www.avoninflatables.co.uk/page/fs_us_dealers

Then look at maryland.

Doug

 

[OldHatt45]

According to Marine Safety in Farmingdale (?) NJ.

The number 1 thing that causes (quality) life rafts to become unserviceable is the 5 year inspection where they Have to use the CO2 cannister. It causes the Rubber, Fabric in the area of the Fill point to become brittle. Read prone to failure.

In a lengthy conversation with them, I found out that 2 to 3 "5 year inspections" are about all you can hope for before the fill area becomes too brittle. I watched a couple of inspections of both types and it's an interesting (but somewhat boring) process. If you get the chance you should watch one of these inspection/repacking processes.

PS: Brand New rafts don't have to be inspected for 2 years.

OldHatt45

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Marine Safety is not doing it correctly. We NEVER use the co2 bottle to inflate the raft. Read my previous post about ruining the material. The proper way to achieve a 5 year hydrostat is to discharge the bottle in the air, hydrostat it, and rebuild the firing head. Now you refill the bottle and attach it to the raft. The raft itself is ALWAYS filled with shop air for its tests.