Do you carry a life raft when you go offshore?

[bossross]

So, I have done the majority of my fishing inshore (less than 3-5 miles from the beach). At the end of the year last year, I ventured out to the Chicken canyon and I do anticipate doing that more and more this coming year. I will be buying an EPIRB, but my question is should I purchase a life raft? I've checked them out and they ain't cheap (at least the ones I've seen are about $4-$5k)

What do others here do? Do you carry a life raft when you venture 20+ miles out? Which would you recommend?

Thanks in advance (just talking about fishing is better than watching the weather reports about another snow 'event.')

Ross

[bugmannj]

I don't often go over 2-3 miles offshore, but on the occasions when I do the boat that we go out on has a dingy aboard and an inflable raft.

[IrishAyes]

I will admit that I do not carry one. Probably should. I do have an epirb and typically venture ouly 25-30 miles out and only a hand full of times a year. If I went more often I know I would invest in one.

[Capt. Rich K]

Ross i would not go offshore with out a life raft and a GPS EPRIB,I run anywhere  from the beach to over a 100 miles off. Rafts are not cheap but what is your life worth, cant put a price on that. later in the bluefin run the water temps drop and you wont last long in the water, also i carry a ditch bag.There was a lot of good deals at the AC show this year you can get one for a lot less the you think but the new rafts have a 3 year inspection,will cost about $800 and up.I'm look at the new offshore raft with a 3 year inspection because my raft is older and has to be inspected every year so the cost adds up but in the long run its worth it to have the piece of mine no matter the cost.And don't forget to keep up on the registration for the EPRIB.

[IrishAyes]

I just received notification from NOAA that my epirb was due for re-registering. Did it yesterday. 

[Hotrod]

No..  but it's on my list. But yes on the Epirb

That's a must

[bowguide]

Its a must just got a leftover zodiac 6 man shipped for 1799 Look around there are a lot of good deals out there just be careful most older ones need to be re packed and that could cost up to $1000 so do your research and good luck

[Hotrod]

The one on my wish list is this 4 man one

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_28361_-1?cid=chanintel_google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=28361

for inshore it's fine IMO.  don't plan on spending the night on it. but if we had to it would be better than being in the drink.  

also My inshore / offshore trips are limited to 4 people.

Matt from task marine was able to give me the best quote in this..

[Maritime Matt]

I've taken my 20' Maritime Skiff togging 10-15 offshore in November with no raft. It always crossed my mine. What if? Yes my boat is foam filled and can't sink, but it can capsize. Rogue waves? Yup, it can happen. Anything CAN happen.
I have a ditch bag, epirb, Mustang Survival Bibs and a Floatcoat, but guess what, and even with a gumby suit, your still in the water. Recently, I just sold a new raft to Capt.Adam for his Karen Ann II.
Capt.Matt

[bossross]

So I was at the AC Boat show and I bought an EPIRB. I will be buying a life raft, no doubt about it. I saw the Viking 6 man Coastal at the show, that's the one I'm leaning towards. The Valise. Quote I got was for $1650.00 including shipping.

This raft needs to be repacked every three years, I was told estimated cost was $750.00

From some of the earlier posts it sounds like some "newer" models don't need to be repacked? Is that correct? (I haven't come across one that doesn't.)

Also, if there are any members here who sell these, I'd love a quote. Rather give my business to one of you guys. Let me know.

Ross

[Hotrod]

Check with matt from task marine. And frank from blue marlin

Both sponsors here. 

[bossross]

I bought the Viking Coastal 6 man raft today...

[Hotrod]

Nice.  were and how much?

[bossross]

I bought it from Marine Safety Corporation in Wall, NJ.

$1650.00 including shipping. They honored the AC Boat show price.

The reason I chose them was that they service the rafts right there in Wall; so in 3 years when I need to have it repacked, I can bring it right to them and get it done.

I met them at the AC Boat show, they were very knowledgable and helpful. Best price I've found too.

Bottom line on this was that I fish with my son, God forbid if something happened, the $1700 will seem like a VERY small price.

As I said earlier I also bought an EPIRB - also got it from them. Paid $345.00 for that.

Now, all I gotta do is GO FISHING!! (why couldn't I love golf instead? much cheaper!!)

[Hotrod]

 

[Capt. Rich K]

Marine Safety are first class they have been servicing my rafts for years.
Glad you got a raft  

[Treebeard]

Marine Safety are first class they have been servicing my rafts for years.
Glad you got a raft  

I have a Revere coastal commander 6 man  that I carry when I make long runs like to the mudhole... and a eprib is also always on board.. My Revere I think is due for a repack.. does Marine Safety service them?

[bossross]

I am not sure if they service the Revere, but here is their contact info if you want to call and ask...

Marine Safety Corp
5050 Industrial Road
Wall, NJ 07719

Eileen Giotis
egmarinesafe@optonline.net
Phone: 732-938-5668
Fax: 732-938-4839

Hope this helps...