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Types of Liferafts | Offshore Liferafts | Liferaft Options | Liferaft Facts | Conclusions
We are pleased to provide the following information to assist seafarers from around the world. However, neither Safety at Sea (Australasia)Pty Ltd nor its agents will have any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, falsehoods or errors in the information. For further information please see our disclaimer notice.
Things to consider when purchasing a liferaft
For most people buying
a liferaft is difficult. There are many brands and types of rafts, and
to make it even more confusing the prices for what seems to be similar
models can vary drastically. Here are some basics that may clue you into
getting the liferaft that really fits your needs and your budget!
Some liferafts feature a single tube and have no canopy to protect you from the elements. In many cases you will have to erect the canopy after entering the raft which could be difficult in heavy seas. All have a survival kit that consists of signal flares, bailer to remove excess water, and a few other items. All will have a ballasting system to prevent the raft from capsizing, but the size and effectiveness varies greatly from model to model. These rafts are designed for less severe weather conditions and limited time in the water.
Safety at Sea state they are not impressed with this type of raft and will try to dissuade you from the purchase of these slightly cheaper but much less capable rafts
Generally offshore rafts have two floatation tubes in a stacked configuration that offer more freeboard and buoyancy than coastal rafts. The canopy erects automatically upon inflation. The survival gear is more complete and usually includes water and food. The ballasting system still varies, but offshore rafts have greater stability to handle more severe weather conditions than coastal models.
Most liferafts are available in either a valise (packed in a bag), or hard canister. The valise is designed for stowage below and the canister is deck-mounted. Many boats lack the deckspace for a container and just secure their valise in a cockpit locker or on deck during offshore passages.
An inflatable or insulated floor is an option with many offshore liferafts, and is one that should be mandatory if the raft may be used in cooler waters. Even water that we consider warm enough to swim in can cause hypothermia if you are exposed to it for a long period of time.
Survival equipment supplied with the rafts vary greatly and in many cases can be augmented by the owner. Watermakers, solar stills, handheld VHF, EPIRB, and additional flares are the most popular. Many rafts do not have room for additional items due to space limitations, so packing an abandon ship bag is essential.
Entering a liferaft from the water is extremely difficult. Many of our brands now offer inflating boarding ramps that make entering the raft easier and safer.
The 1998/99 Sydney Hobart race tragically resulted in the loss of lives and one of the complaints from searching personnel was the color of the raft body being normally black found the liferaft difficult to spot at night.
Inflatable liferafts generally have a lifespan of ten to fifteen years.
Practically all raft manufacturers recommend servicing your raft annually,or bi -annually if vacuum sealed. (Never exceed 2-3 years due to the chance of battery/flare corrosion)
Rafts are made of several different types of materials. This is what accounts for some of the price variances between brands. The basic types are:
Rubber based: A cloth material with rubber, neoprene, or similar substance on both sides. The technology has been around since the 40's. Proven over the years, these rafts are hand made and the most costly to produce. Considered by many as the best
PVC based:These use
a cloth base that has a PVC or urethane type material on both sides.
They generally utilize heat-welded seams that are machine made and therefore
less costly to produce.
Tube in tube based: These usually have a PVC/cloth outer shell with a
polyurethane inner tube. These rafts boast low cost and ease of repair
As far as stability, the larger the ballast system the better. Keeping
the raft upright in heavy seas is obviously very important, and a SOLAS
style SEA ANCHOR is the best bet
As with most things,
you generally get what you pay for. Buying the cheapest thing that meets
your needs may NOT be the best for yo
If you only need a raft for a limited amount of time, consider raft rental.
If you are on a budget, consider used liferafts. In some cases you can
get a re-certified 2-4 year old raft for half the cost of a new one
Consider what features are important to you, read the brochures, ask questions.
Look for a dealer that is knowledgeable and reputable and that you trust.