Advise for Liferaft Location

[simonpickard]

Hello all,

I have a Hanse 385 which, like many modern cruisers it seems, has a 'dedicated life-raft' area located behind the swim platform.

Having sailing her for a while now I've noticed that in a large swell the water can sometimes hit under the swim platform which has got me to thinking about the safety aspect of the raft being in there.

We're doing the ARC rally in Nov and I'm now wondering if the raft should be kept in this location.

My thinking is that if you're at the point of needing to use the raft there's going to be some pretty nasty waves about. Trying to get the platform down, but then also not getting throw into the air whist standing on it to get the raft into the water, might be really dangerous?

Do others have this setup? Raft in this area? Am I just being paranoid about this?

Regards,
Simon

[Ex-Calif]

Presuming you have the twin wheels and skipper seats, what about the space between the seats for it to be mounted or lashed down. Is it big enough?

I agree with you I would not want to be getting on that platform. I presume you can release and drop the platform from the cockpit?

[simonpickard]

You can yes. And it would actually be a very nice easy way to release the raft from there- if the conditions are good.

I'm guessing if you're heading into the raft they would be anything but.

I'm thinking of getting a cradle on the side bars at the rear and putting it in there for the ARC, I can always move it back to the storage area when just coastal hopping.

[Ex-Calif]

I am sure you will pick the right spot. Of course making sure that when launched you can "easily" get in it and that seems to be through the transom and not "over the rails"

Presumably there are ditch bags and other things to load after launching as well.

Sounds like you are in full tilt preparation - Good luck with the rally!

[barnakiel]

If you want a liferaft at all, then you may want it in a place where it can be easily ("easily") released no matter what waves or hull position (see Cheeki Rafiki accident).

This excludes use of any lockers or areas that might become inaccessible with the boat in a turtle position.

b.

[simonpickard]

This is very true. Maybe I'm going over the top but I'm trying to be as safe as possible.



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