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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
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Jasonconradt
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/24/2006 :  17:00:35  Show Profile
I'm trying to figure out if buying a self-inflatable life raft is necessary or not for the relatively protected waters of the Puget Sound. We don't have a tender, I'm thinking a towable inflatable + an EPIRB would be an acceptable alternative with better practical function to boot. Any thoughts on this subject from fellow Puget Sound sailors?
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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  17:55:55  Show Profile
We sail Juan De Fuca & the Straight part of the year. I sailed & boated a lot around Boston Harbour and Olympia, Hood Canal and Whidbey Island years ago. You should have a tender. First reason is safety and the second is that around where you are there are a lot of boats and many of the places you will want to stop and visit will only be accessable with a tender because of sheer volume in marinas and public docks. There are lots of choices...this is often a decision your budget makes for you. I prefer inflatables and bit the bullet, buying a Zodiac. However, there are lots of good inexpensive inflatables.
You will get lots of opinions here.
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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  19:14:09  Show Profile  Visit britinusa's Homepage
We went the really really really cheap way.. Westmarine mini inflatable dingy (you can barely call it a dinghy!)
On our last trip we used it to paddle ashore and back, holds 2 but would not want to be in it in anything near 1ft waves (ok, maybe 1ft, but that's about the limit.) It's not a safety raft, but if pushed I would use it. Just don't think that it's any use at all if it's still in the bag, takes 20mins to get it ready for the water.

Paul.
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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  19:24:24  Show Profile
Hi Jason, it depends on what you mean by life raft. I have to buy one because I am racing, solo, 50 to 60 hours races on lake Huron, but that USCG appoved raft is almost 3K. Actually I will be renting one for this upcoming season. So...if you go with the appoved version, then it will cost a bunch
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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  22:00:02  Show Profile  Visit Douglas's Homepage
Check out Second Wave in Seattle they have several used tenders. Also have a look on Craigslist.com . Even a sevalor would work.
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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2006 :  13:01:36  Show Profile  Visit aeckhart's Homepage
A survival raft is probably a good investment though the initial cost and annual service cost may be more than the average C25 owner would want to bear. I have a 7' Zodiac Cadet which has served me well on Lake Superior for 6 years. I drag it along on every cruise. Hopefully I won't have to use it in a survival situation. It's a darned small open boat after all. It'll keep me on top of the water though.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.