Life Rafts

To select the right life raft:

• Determine the number of passengers it needs to support.
• Choose between coastal or offshore models based on your boating area.
• Coastal life rafts are suited for short-term protection in calmer waters.
• Offshore life rafts provide added stability, weather canopies, and survival gear for rough conditions.

West Marine offers life rafts tailored to different navigation needs and safety requirements.

The key differences are:

• Coastal Life Rafts: Designed for short-duration emergencies in calmer, nearshore waters. They provide basic protection but may lack stability in rough seas.
• Offshore Life Rafts: Built for longer-term survival in harsher environments. They include ballast bags for stability, canopies for protection, and additional survival gear.

West Marine offers both types, ensuring you have the right safety equipment for your journey.

Life rafts should be serviced every 1 to 3 years according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

During servicing, professionals check for:

• Leaks or punctures that may affect inflation.
• Wear and tear on seams and materials.
• Functionality of automatic inflation systems.

Regular servicing ensures your raft will deploy properly in an emergency.

Yes, life rafts designed for cold water conditions include:

• Double-floored insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Canopies and covers to shield against freezing temperatures.
• Survival gear like thermal blankets and emergency rations.

These features are essential in frigid environments where hypothermia is a concern.

Standard survival gear in life rafts includes:

• Signal flares for attracting rescue teams.
• Water pouches and emergency food rations.
• A first aid kit for treating injuries.
• Paddles for maneuvering.
• Rainwater collectors and repair kits for longer-term survival.

West Marine offers rafts with varying survival equipment levels to match different needs.

Follow these steps to deploy a life raft:

1. Remove the raft from its storage container.
2. Throw it overboard—most models inflate automatically upon water contact.
3. If manual inflation is required, pull the painter line to trigger inflation.
4. Tether the raft securely to your boat.
5. Board the raft carefully to avoid capsizing.

Familiarizing yourself with your raft’s deployment method ensures you’re prepared for an emergency.