Where are you mounting your life raft?

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pbaygrady

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Hey there,
I'm not seeing a ton of rafts mounted on the hardtops in the gallery so I was just wondering where people are putting them? What kind do you have? How about your ditch bag location while your at it. I'm in the process of putting all this together for my Islander that I just got this fall, and some ideas from you guys could be helpfull.
Thanks!
 
Soft pack Revere Coastal Commander 6 is in the V space between the berths. Ditch bag on top of it.

If I had a hardpack, I would mount it on the cabin top, just forward of the windscreen. Blocks too much radar and nav light visibility if on the hardtop, unless both of those are raised a LOT.

Brian
 
On my Marlin, I mounted mine on the hardtop. However, I would never do it again for many reasons: it puts stress on hardtop; someone has to climb up and throw it off if you need it; if the boat capsizes, it won't sink deep enough to be released by a hydtrostatic system, so someone will have to swim below and get it off. It's hard to take off for service and it can come loose and fall off in rough seas. A valise makes much more sense for me on a Grady. It won't look cool, but it's way easier to manage and use.
 
I am using the valise type and take it to the boat whenever i need it. I usually keep it in my console on top of the bed, ditch bag always next to me by the helm.
 
I mounted my raft right behind the anchor locker. It works good for me , because 1, it puts weight forward, 2 it's easy to get to, 3 it out out of the way, look at my picture in my signature.
 
I mounted my 6 man Viking to the hardtop of my express 330. I figured I would have an easier time getting the painter/release cord up there than I would getting to the bow in heavy seas. I agree that the valise is probably the best bet, but I hate the room it takes up.
 
When heading offshore at night I leave mine in the helm area below the front of the passenger bench seat. When daytime fishing we keep it on the floor of the cabin. Grady suggested not to mount any liferaoft on the hardtop.
 
I am struggling with this too.

I thought it was best on the hard top. Out of the way and not taking up cabin or bow space. I don't think you have to worry in the larger Grady's about a hydrostatic release not working. These boats have basic flotation and are going to turtle with the bow up in a bad situation and the release will pop. That being said the weak hardtop has me a little concerned as well as the aft radar loss. I am disappointed with the hardtop not taking the weight. Poor design if you ask me.

I can't put it up front on the cabin in front of the windscreen unless the boat was used for fishing ONLY. I think it it takes up valuable space on these relatively small boats, would block line of sight and most of all just doesn't look good to me.

So it is either the valise or the hardtop. Prob the valise as you can take it off for nearshore use if space is needed. I keep moving between the two options and seem to be unable to decide....
 
First of all, I would listen to Freddy. Boaters in Maine have seen way too many friends die, and equip their boats accordingly.

For me, having a smaller boat than Freddy, I have USCG certified life raft in a valise that I keep in the cabin. Optimal? No. Next best thing? Yes. That, combined with all my other equipment gives me the best chance for me and my customers to survive when the most obscene conditions befall us. Knock on wood........
 
Sorry if you think I'm hijacking this thread but if anyone is in the market for a raft, there are some pretty good deals with Jim at BOE.
The group buys on safety gear on THT through Jim have been amazing thus far in 2012. The Revere 6P Offshore Commander and Elite prices are great.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/fishing-mis ... -30-a.html
 
i removed my fridge and turned that space into a locker...when at the dock or not offshore i keep my valise in there. need to get a ditch bag together
 
Hi Guys,

Just a reminder that the THT group buy for a raft expires this Friday.
The prices are really good if you need one. I went with a Revere 6 person coastal in the valise for $1380. The offshore model is $1600. Free shipping to a commercial address or $100 to your residence. If you are looking for a life raft give BOE Marine (Jim) a call. I have not dog in this race, he just has amazing prices and just passing it on.

I am going to follow the advice of one poster here and keep it under the table in the vbirth.
 
i always worry it will somehow not work properly or will get tangled in anttennas or radar or you might have to climb up and deploy it manually as the boat has basic flotation or you have to get off quickly {fire} while still afloat and it hasn't deployed.

so i have the version in a bag that i keep near me at all times...in my 282 i keep it below the steering wheel shoved up against the folded-up footrest and it fits pretty well and i can quickly deploy it if needed or i can throw it over the side if i need to get off the boat in a hurry.

slugg.
 
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