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Ocean Roads · 11-03-2012, 17:42

At the boat show I was looking to buy an off shore life raft.

The two that fit my likes and price are the Revere Offshore Elite and the Viking RescYou life-raft.

Any opinions on the two?

The Revere was made of fabric similar to an inflatable towed water raft, and the Viking more of a rubber material. Not sure which is any better/worse.

Both had everything I need in an real off shore raft.

Any opinions on the two?

Ocean Roads · 12-03-2012, 18:50

Anyone?

Viking Sailor · 12-03-2012, 21:22

It is a bit hard to express a thoughtful opinion on something you own but have never (thankfully

) used. I own a Viking raft. I selected it scientifically based upon the following criteria: a) I was told it was a "great" liferaft. b) It has "Viking" in its name.

Sorry if this post isn't all that helpful, but at least it is a response.

Best of luck,

Ocean Roads · 14-03-2012, 09:06

Thanks,

That is my thoughts on the Revere, which it looks like I am going with.

LakeSuperior · 14-03-2012, 10:58

Look at the March and April 2007 issues of Practical Sailor. They did a a nice job of assessing off-shore life rafts. An article on selection and an article on testing. They tested the Viking 6 man raft.

You may be able to buy these on-line at www.practical-sailor.com

jacob30 · 14-03-2012, 11:46

I have owned the revere before but wish I would have went with the Viking. It will be on my list next time as my Revere was abandoned at sea after I loaned it to a friend who was rescued but did not need the raft.

Katiusha · 14-03-2012, 14:00

We've looked at different liferaft manufacturers for our old and new boats. The two we considered the top of the range were Viking and Winslow. Both of them have very good design, have double/inflatable floor, very well thought out, good access from water, multiple chambers, and the only real difference would be that Vikings are self-rightable and Winslows are not (you have to pull on a line to set it right way up, but it's very easy). Vikings are used by CG and commercial vessels.

The only reason we would choose any other manufacturer would be the price. For the old boat we went with Avon as it was light and cheaper than Viking or Winslow. Revere got not very good reviews when we were considering liferafts in that price range, including frequently flipping upside down.

barnakiel · 14-03-2012, 15:27

A liferaft service point owner claimed Viking and Switlik best. They were not selling any so I would believe they were telling their truth.

b.

Weyalan · 14-03-2012, 16:03

Take into consideration
a) The purchase price
b) The through-life cost of service (find the local certified service agents and ask to see some actual invoices for annual service, don't beleive the PR bullcarp).
c) The consequences of failure of the liferaft, in the event you need to use it

I do not have a dog in this race, but I do work in the liferaft industry. Gossip around the water cooler is that Viking make a good liferaft, but are very expensive to service... make of that what you will. I have no experience with Revere or Winslow liferafts.

Ocean Roads · 14-03-2012, 18:33

Hmm, maybe I should get the Viking...

Katiusha · 15-03-2012, 03:53

Are you going to be using this liferaft for more or less coastal cruising? If so, then Revere would do nicely. For offshore, in my and my other half's opinion, you might want to spend money on a Viking, Switlik, or Winslow. Also another very good point above: consider where you're going to service it once the service date comes and if the service center is close to where you are/going to be/around the world.