[carib2008]

I bought a valise type life raft, because we thought we were leaving to do south this fall. We are not so now have a valise life raft that is much bigger than I thought it would be.

I would have had a space built onto our radar arch to carry a life raft in a cannister ,but the valise is creating a problem We are a center cockpit boat so have little storage , just a small aft lazerette, down below we do not have a space big enough to store a life raft.

Have any of you experienced cruisers carried your valise life raft on deck somehow.......

Or can you give me any ideas....I would rather not have it exposed to the elements outside on a continual basis....

I know this sounds funny as it is a life raft but I cant help but think all the water and sun would not be a good thing.

thanks

[Aeventyr]

You can have the raft repacked in a fiberglass container. Get a proper cradle built for this out of stainlees Steel. There are many mounting options for liferafts. just forward of the mast, on the stern rail. In front of the dodger. Go walk around the Marina and see what others have done. Many times the liferaft mfg will have pictures of many boays with liferafts mounted. I had a valise for years and then had it repacked this way.

Cheers,

Matt
S/V Aeventyr
So. China Sea