[PUP] Liferaft inspection and recommendations

[Keith]

I sent my Winslow back for repacking after about 4 years. It was fine, but 
the cost of replacing the expired items was surprisingly high. Specifically, 
a couple of batteries for the strobe were about $50 each (obviously 
specialty items) and the light sticks were a whopping $10 each or so. I 
think next time I'll see if I can just send them the items and have them put 
them in the repack for me, instead of buying all the stuff from them. I did 
have the raft vacuum packed, so it's good for at least three more years 
without a repack. It is in a valise in the saloon, stored indoors but 
quickly accessible.

I saw someone suggest that you should inflate your liferaft right before the 
repack. While it's a good idea to become familiar with your raft before you 
need it, I've been told that you should never inflate it with the CO2 
cylinder unless it's a true emergency. At the factory, they just use 
compressed air to inflate it slowly to pressure test it. I know Winslow 
welcomes you to the factory to see your re-pack (or original assembly) if 
you set up a schedule with them in advance.


Keith
_____
Life is short, make fun of it.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Cooper" <swansong at gmn-usa.com>

>
> I wish I could say wow but over the years Scott's experience have matched
> ours. More often than not the liferaft's were basically condemned by our
> repacker in ST Thomas when sent for repack. Seams that had delaminated,
> tanks that were corroded, the list goes on.