Why a life raft on a rib?

[smokie]

There are those that recommend one carry a life raft aboard a rib. Can't visualize under what circumstances that would help. A flip? Multiple punctures?

[codprawn]

The MAIN reason is because the proffesional boatman's association complained that they had to carry them and yet people carrying passengers on Ribs didn't!!!

They take up space - are difficult to mount properly and are useless if you flip over anyway! About the only use I could see for them would be in the case of fire.

[David Hickman]

I would probably only use mine is a fire situation. Stay with the boat in any other situation.

[MarkWildey]

If your boat sinks is one reason?

Just cus you are in a RIB doesn't mean they don't sink.

MArk

[smokie]

If we go with that premise, then I guess a life raft can sink.

[Action Man]

yes but what are the chances of both of them sinking

[mstacey]

The way my week has gone, The chance of both is HIGH

[Action Man]

lol

but on a serious note it is all about removing probbable risk, as in one rope is better than 2, what are the chances of a steeple jacks rope snapping (not very high) but they have two just in case. what are the chances of both snapping even less.

[Chris Martin]

Originally Posted by Action Man

as in one rope is better than 2,

Really?

[catjasp]

You don't need a liferaft to be a private boater (yet!) but you do need one if you want to operate your boat commercially. So in that scenario it doesn't matter why, You just go get one and hopefully you will never need it!. The only good reason I can see for using a Liferaft is fire or a Fkkn shark jumping in the rib!

On a private basis I tend not to carry mine if I am alone in the Solent but I certainly would if I was going into strange waters