Life Raft


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*Life Raft*

	I had to purchase a new (used) life raft after my last one got destroyed in the accident during the move from Long BEach to San Pedro back in 2000. I have mounted it in the same location just in front of the dodger as it is the most accessible and out of the way. Belive it or not it doesn't cause any visibility issues either. It is the closest place to the cockpit I could find and still be unobtrusive. And it doesn't impede the view at all!

	I have seen many new expensive sail boats put it on the foredeck, the most stupid thing I have ever seen. Let me ask the simple question to those who have this system... Where are you when you need to launch or get into your life-raft? I will bet that you are in the cockpit... the opposite end of the boat from your life-raft and safety. So for those of you who are still looking for a solution think hard on where you are and what is the closest place I can mount the life-raft to the cockpit. I would love to have it on the stern railing or actaully in the cockpit! But of course that is not practicle. Just in front of the dodger and traveler is the closest and easiest place to mount it. It tucks easily under the boom out of the way of lines and other obsticles.



	The first photo is taken from inside the cockpit looking forward.

	The second photo shows the mounting bracket and automatic launch line. It also shows the new hatch I have installed to get more light and ventilation into the galley area. There used to be a nice Teak box with a Dorade mounted on it (not the best way to catch fresh air)

	Of course the life-raft will need to be serviced, re-packed, and certified before I leave on the next cruise. Life-rafts require anual certification for the insurance companies and of course your peace of mind that it will work if you ever need to launch it.