8 Man SOLAS Life Raft Question

[Nimrod]

A friend has an older 8 Person Zodiac SOLAS Canister (barrel) Life Raft that we wants to replace. Last repack and inspection was back in 2004. Question is, might this raft have some value to anyone? Should he bother trying to sell it or plan on having some fun and deploying it for the kids to play with?

[JD5652]

The main question is what is the original manufacture date of the raft.....the general rule-of-thumb is that life rafts have about a 10-year useful life....

[sportfishingusa]

Call (732) 938-5668. Speak with the guys over there are marine safety. They will give you every bit or info you need.

[Nimrod]

The main question is what is the original manufacture date of the raft.....the general rule-of-thumb is that life rafts have about a 10-year useful life....

Manufactured in 1997........

[JD5652]

Manufactured in 1997........

Sounds like the cost of a repack may be more than the value of the raft on the open market. Since it's been over five years since that last repack, it would likely cost between $1000-$1500 to re-certify the raft...especially to SOLAS level ...also, barrel style cannister rafts don't move too quickly.....I'd say the kids have a new toy.....

[Big Fish Billy]

Sounds like the cost of a repack may be more than the value of the raft on the open market. Since it's been over five years since that last repack, it would likely cost between $1000-$1500 to re-certify the raft...especially to SOLAS level ...also, barrel style cannister rafts don't move too quickly.....I'd say the kids have a new toy.....

Copy that, the 5 year repack is well over $2,000....me thinks.....