Inflatable life raft?

Question

How big it the container that it is in?

How much would it weigh?

Does it just inflate upon getting wet?

Answer 1

The size of the container depends on the size of the raft - 2 person, 4 person, 6 person, 12 person, etc.  They don't weigh a lot - I guess ours weighed about 20 to 25 pounds - it is hard to be exact, but it was not super heavy, and it was a big raft - I think an 8 person raft.  Ours was in a hard container, sort of like a tube, about 18 to 24 inches long and maybe 12 to 14 inches in diameter.

No, it does not inflate when it gets wet.  There is a cord you pull to inflate it.

Here is a link with good information. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Imaka has a great answer. The sizes and weight differ with person capacity. Larger ones are in square or rectangular hard cases or valises. Most are inflated by rip cord...some are inflated by a wet switch mechanism.

They should be inspected and repacked annually by a certified technician who has referances...your life may depend on it someday.

Features to look for are Inflateable roofs, boarding steps(important), ballast bags(these hold water and stabalize the raft) and hand holds.

Shop around...check the net for reviews.

Answer 3

I'd agree with Imaka's answer with the exception of weight. Our 4-person valaise raft is heavy. I can lift it off the ground only with difficulty, though in an emergency I guess I'd probably be able to toss it over the mast one-handed [grin]. One of the things I do on my safety-brief for new crew is allow them to test the weight of the raft, just so they know what to expect if they ever have to launch it.