fishindaze
07-14-2007, 08:30 AM
Make sure before you purchase a life raft that you check the repacking fees for the annual, bi-annual or whatever service is required. We have a 6-Man Winslow vaccum packed raft which we purchased 3 years ago. We sent it to the factory for its 3 year service and we were told it would cost approximately $400. After sending it in, we then saw the final bill. It was over $1000. The was no justification other then basically the original quote didn't include everything. The $1000 also included a hydro which after the fact they told us most people don't do every 3 years, but we were never told about it or asked about it with the original quote or when it was sent in. The factory just did it on their own even though they admitted most people don't do it. It seems crazy to pay a third of the new price just for service. We will think a little bit more about this in the future.
However, I think the lesson learned is to understand the future service costs when purchasing the raft. Make sure that is factored into the purchasing decision.
However, I think the lesson learned is to understand the future service costs when purchasing the raft. Make sure that is factored into the purchasing decision.