Life Raft Inspections

[Hoopa Drives The Boat]

Ok my Zodiak raft is due for inspection this March. Who do you guys use and why. I bought it from LRSE in RI and was thinking of bringing it back to them. Also heard some rumors of guys charging $700 for the repacking and inspection when in fact they never even opened the case. Thanks

[backman]

Last time I did it was 1K for the repack/reprovision as well as for replacing my EPIRB battery at the same time.

I think it was 6-700 for the raft portion....

[stew]

LRSE are the best in our area IMHO. Very honest company. Capt. Eric

[getreel]

Chris - Those rumors are true, however, I can't remember who it was. They are long gone though, thank God!

There was a RI company that committed fraudulent repacks many years back...."The horror stories that led to the proposed rules were several incidents in Rhode Island and Connecticut by repack facilities no longer in business. Customers who later opened their serviced canisters found their liferafts replaced by older models and one owner found the canister filled with old sails. A Coast Guard investigation of one company in Newport, RI, found 19 liferafts inadequately serviced. Of them, 16 had missing equipment, five had defective carbon dioxide cylinders, and 17 contained items that had expired...."

LRSE is at my marina, let me know if I can help. They do a lot of business, so I would suspect you won't get a sandbag in your valise.

[zyg56]

I've used LRSE in the past and they've been fine. If you want to do some camparisons I've also heard good things about

Westerbeke Fishing Gear Co
400 Border St
Boston, MA 02128
(617) 561-9967
http://www.wfg1.com

[oldmud]

OR, I.M.P. Fishing Gear Ltd. down in New Bedford.
1-800-467-8865 great guys to deal with.

Also Maine Liferaft in Portland Maine.

207-772-8095 Also great and honest people.

Don

[fin-chaser]

I have purchased both from LRSE and IMP and they seem to be great companies to deal with. Also, IMP is behind the Sea Safety seminar that is put on each year on New Bedford. Not only do they sell to the fishing industry, they give back as well.

Both good companies !!

Fin-

OR, I.M.P. Fishing Gear Ltd. down in New Bedford.
1-800-467-8865 great guys to deal with.

Also Maine Liferaft in Portland Maine.

207-772-8095 Also great and honest people.

Don

[oldmud]

I have purchased both from LRSE and IMP and they seem to be great companies to deal with. Also, IMP is behind the Sea Safety seminar that is put on each year on New Bedford. Not only do they sell to the fishing industry, they give back as well.

Both good companies !!

Fin-

Yeah your right Fin, I went down their for their last safety seminar. All hands on and some invaluable instruction. Rodny Avilla from I.M.P.was one of my instructors. it really is great to see those guys giving back. much appreciated.

Don

[lobstahunter]

i like to keep it in my pocket $$ maine life raft for me valasie repack was $365.00 real nice guy.

[seacoast]

We use LRSE!
Great to deal with.