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.


Types of Liferafts:

• RESCUE PLATFORM: Basically just an inflatable tube with a floor in it. There is no canopy and usually no ballasting. These are for use in an emergency where you would expect to be in the water only a few hours at most. A fisherman that fishes short distances offshore where there are usually other boats in the area is a good use for a platform.
  
  
• COASTAL LIFERAFT: Most coastal liferafts feature a single tube and have a 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.
  
  
• OFFSHORE LIFERAFT: 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.
  
  
• As far as stability, the larger the ballast system (and therefore the amount of water it holds) the better. Keeping the raft upright in heavy seas is important.

Liferaft Options:

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. The canister is considered safer because it is easier to get to than lugging up a heavy liferaft from below in a storm. Many lack the deckspace for a container and just secure their valise in the cockpit or on deck during offshore passages.

An inflatable or insulated floor is an option with many coastal and offshore liferafts, and is one that should be considered if the raft may be used in cooler waters. Even water that we consider warm enough to swim in can cause hypothermia if 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 a good idea.

Entering a liferaft from the water is extremely difficult. Some brands now offer inflating boarding ramps that make entering the raft easier and safer.


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