Sos Liferafts

[inti]

Would anyone have any experience with these, probably better to throw away rather than service? Are they or others worth carrying, will be well offshore and just thought its not bad option if they are constructed ok?

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_i...AbsolutePage=1

[Hydra]

This raft has only one tube, so it is very low on the water. Plus, it doesn't include any shelter or tent: IMO, it's only a "fair weather raft".

Alain

[goboatingnow]

Its a paddling pool , right ???


Dave

[SaltyBard]

I'm not familiar with this one, but I have a switlik rescue pod that has just one tube. While I'm hoping to never see it inflated, the factory rep has said that the one tubers are more rugged than the two tubers, but still, there is no back-up.

[Hydra]

Sure, a one-tuber is not subject to failure of the binding between tubes (it happened in the past). But contrary to the Switlik Rescue Pod, this one has no tent. It's so low in the water, it would be filled by spray in minutes. Then, the occupants would sit in water and have to keep bailing.

Alain

[inti]

Thanks. Points well made, finally talked to manufacturer and won't do the job, back to the drawing board! Does anyone do a 2 man raft worth having?

[Hydra]

inti,
What are your reasons for selecting a 2-man raft? Weight, size of canister or valise, price?

I was told that 4-man rafts are as expensive as 6-man ones because they are made in smaller numbers.

Alain

[inti]

Was hoping there might be a 2 man out there, which would have considerable weight and size and price savings? Do think a 6 man is hard for 2 to handle and won't tuck away anywhere. Do have a dink also but if we get rolled or run over, it's not going to be much use tied to the deck, anything has to be better than swimming, but we might just take our chances, as most do!

[Hydra]

For training, I have been 2 or 3 times in 6-man rafts and it was a very tight fit, see picture. Then, I prefer a bit more leg room. When cruising, we are generally 4 aboard, so it's not stupid to have a 6-man raft. And at 35 kg/ 77lb, my raft is not so hard to handle: I carry it alone (not far). I am lucky enough to have one very shallow cockpit locker for stowing the raft, so I selected a valise rather than a container, reducing the weight.

Alain

[feelsgood]

Originally Posted by inti

Would anyone have any experience with these, probably better to throw away rather than service? Are they or others worth carrying, will be well offshore and just thought its not bad option if they are constructed ok?

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_i...AbsolutePage=1

The simple answer is NO for that price you can buy a propper offshore liferaft