Crewsaver liferafts
New range of affordable liferafts for coastal use
Mercifully, total-loss sinking or fire on board a vessel out at sea is extremely rare. But it can happen, and in that worst-case situation, especially if it happens quickly, the ability to step from the boat into a safe stable raft can quite literally be a lifesaver. And even if you don’t need it, there’s something immensely reassuring for you and your crew in knowing that there is an effective and fastdeployment way out.
The problem is that liferafts are expensive, heavy, and need servicing frequently (which brings another cost implication). Until recently, for example, the very cheapest Crewsaver liferaft, the ISO Ocean, was almost £1,000. However, Crewsaver has realised that not every boater wants or needs something built to survive a mid-channel gale. Many boats cruise along the coast in mostly benign conditions, and a down-specced liferaft would not only be perfectly adequate, it would be vastly preferable to nothing at all.
To that end, the company has launched two new liferafts, the Crewsaver Mariner and the Crewsaver ISO. Manufactured by the Survitec Group facility in Italy, the Mariner is available in a valise or canister, features weighted water ballast pockets and is made of high-quality PVC tubes in high-visibility orange. The ISO is similar but a higher spec, so has larger water ballast pockets, for example, and more safety kit packed on board. It is designed to meet ISO Type 1 standard suitable for recreational and commercial activity, including those operating under MCA code of practice requirements. From £625. Contact www.crewsaver.com