Life Rafts?

[Biggs]

I am looking to add a life raft to our boat, but I don't know what I should be looking for. Any brands or features I should be considering? There are usually 2 to 4 people on the boat and we typically don't venture much further than the BC buoy. Any help would be appreciated.

[SNAKE EYES SPORTFISHING]

there many brands and types, do you want a hard case or a stowable raft, when i bought mine i tried for the best raft for what i could afford, also in talking to the company, they just told me any raft is better than no raft...good luck,, seems they have good deals at major boat shows, you also get to really see what you are buying since you hope you never have to use it...dave

[Cape Fisher]

The most important advice I can give you is get a raft that you will be able to use. A few years ago, my family purchased a high-end raft that had all the bells and whistles. It was a valise, and we figured we could just store it below. The problem was it weighed 99 lbs, and there was no easy place to store it. We ended up getting something with fewer features, but much more practical - lighter and more compact.

I'm sure some of the others on here will have a better opinion as to whether to get a valise or canister.

[JD5652]

What size boat do you have?

[parmentj]

I have the six man viking coastal in a valise. It is compact and light (55 lbs). Perfect for moving from boat to boat, and taking on and off the boat every trip (necessary in a 20 cc).

http://www.marlinmag.com/gear/new-pr...000077306.html

Jackson

[amarshall]

I'm also in the market for a valise style raft if anyone is selling a used one.

[Biggs]

Thanks for the feedback. We have a 30 foot Wellcraft.

[wrap-check]

I'm also in the market for a valise style raft if anyone is selling a used one.

My father has one in the garage. It's older so you'd want to have it looked at/serviced professionally, but I'm sure he'd sell it cheap.

pm your #- I'll find out for you.

-Jay

[waggles02673]

I know that over on THT there is a vendor BOE Marine that does an annual power buy on rafts etc for members later in the winter. He usually has the 6 person Revere Coastal Commander available for a good price during the power buy. He also has this current closeout sale going on now which looks like a good deal.

http://www.boemarine.com/Products/Z20500/Default.aspx

Jon

[amarshall]

My father has one in the garage. It's older so you'd want to have it looked at/serviced professionally, but I'm sure he'd sell it cheap.

pm your #- I'll find out for you.

-Jay

Thanks Jay, someone hooked me up the other day.

-Andrew