Liferafts - what would you do??

[250kts]

My RIB came complete with two RFD Surviva 8 person rafts. As each is 9 months old and due for service in June, I thought I would get them serviced now.

Having just spoken to Cosalt, the cost of service will be £409 each!!!

Prior to purchasing the Rib I had got quotes from liferaft suppliers who could hire them at around £600/year.

A no brainer really, but is it really worth getting my own serviced or shall I throw them away and rent 2?

Regards
Steve

[biffer]

they still have value, sell them, i hire in only when i'm on charter, why hire it for a whole year when you probaly only need them for a few months, i might be able to broker a deal for you with one of my clients who service life rafts, i gave him my liferafts which he serviced and then i use them when i need them and he hire's them out to who ever when i'm not using them, he's a good friend so he may not do it for everyone, one point is the liferaft serial numbers have to be registered with the code guys

[C2 RIBS]

I too looked into hire against purchase and settled for buying lifrafts with a three year service date which thus reduced my overheads. I think in your position it is a no brainer to sell the two individually maybe via e bay and hire in two rafts at coding level, the advantages are that you return them and get new standard each time whereas I have liferafts that will get older and need services every three years before they go down to annual servicing. I will have some value left in years to come as in cannisters and will be looked after, Biffer's sounds like a nice suggestion/deal

[Trailer Bloke]

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

I too looked into hire against purchase and settled for buying lifrafts with a three year service date which thus reduced my overheads. I think in your position it is a no brainer to sell the two individually maybe via e bay and hire in two rafts at coding level, the advantages are that you return them and get new standard each time whereas I have liferafts that will get older and need services every three years before they go down to annual servicing. I will have some value left in years to come as in cannisters and will be looked after, Biffer's sounds like a nice suggestion/deal

Ian

This is exactly what we do with all our rafts. Buy them for about £450 keep for 3 years sell on flee bay for £200 or £65 per year- not bad

[Trell]

If its any help, I hire mine 1x6 man and 1x8 man to make up the 12 +2 £450 a year with no servicing charges from Northwest Liferafts.