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Liferaft Inspection & Repack
The liferaft is the most expensive piece of safety gear most cruisers own, and the only one you genuinely hope to never use. Service intervals and repack costs are surprisingly significant — most cruisers learn this the first time they get the bill back from an annual inspection.
Service basics
- Annual inspection: Manufacturer-recommended. Check pressure, hydrostatic release, exterior condition.
- Full repack (every 3–5 years): Open the raft, replace expiring components (flares, water, food, CO2 cylinder), refold, repressurise.
- Hydrostatic release replacement: Every 2 years per manufacturer.
- Container vs valise: Container (hard case) is mounted on deck; valise (soft bag) lives below. Containers more durable; valises easier to deploy.
What it costs
| Service | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual visual inspection | $200–400 | Light service |
| Full repack with replacement | $400–900 | Expiring components |
| Hydrostatic release | $150–250 | Every 2 years |
| CO2 cylinder replacement | $150–300 | If expired |
| Flare kit replacement | $80–250 | Expiring every 3–4 years |
| New ISO 9650 raft (4–6 person) | $2,500–4,500 | Mid-range |
Where to service
- Annapolis, Newport, Fort Lauderdale: Multiple authorised centres for all major brands.
- Lagos, Las Palmas, Gibraltar: Strong Atlantic prep service.
- Auckland, Whangarei: NZ-based, good for South Pacific cruisers.
- Phuket: Asia hub.
- Cape Town: South Atlantic prep.
Frequently asked questions
Service interval?
Annual inspection. Full repack every 3–5 years.
Cost?
Annual $200–400. Full repack $400–900.
Standards?
ISO 9650 (recreational ocean). ISAF/World Sailing for racing.
Inspect or replace?
10–15 year raft life. Consider replacement near end of life.
Where to service?
Authorised centres in major cruiser hubs.