rigid life floats vs life rafts

[arlon]

Does anyone carry a rigid life float on a CC? Curious if one could be stored on top of the T-top (6 man is only 23 pounds)..

[Sleeper]

See them on top of a lot of head boats in tropical waters. They are cheap, light and will get the job done if needed. The only issues are that unlike a raft they take up a lot of space and will not keep occupants dry if you have to ditch. If water temps are not an issue an it's used for near shore use I see no reason not to carry one. I would not depend on one if you venture into areas where a rescue would be expected to take more than hours or if water temps are low as occupants stay wet in them.

[tex4771]

Arlon, I have a rigid, Did you see it on the roof of my Parker? It is orange and made by a company called Jim Buoy. In California, I believe. They are cheaper than inflateables, Durable, don't need annual repacks. And you can use them and put them back on the roof. Use a inflateable and you just bought a $1,000 repack job. As an example, We once did a prop wrap from hell and had to pull the prop in 4' seas. Just couldn't get it done hanging off the back of the boat. So we put the raft in the water at the back of the boat and did the job. Afterwards just tied it back on the roof. Mine is the one with the drop down net enclosure. so you can thow a bunch of gear in it and not loose it.
Tex

[arlon]

They definately look like a workable solution for my needs. I like the idea that kids can play with it and then put it back. It just seems more useful to me than the inflatible. I also don't have to worry about it getting a hole in it or worry about it not filling properly. Water temps are generally not an issue. Always have my neoprene waders on in winter anyway (best foul weather gear made). I was wondering what the net under it was for. The size of the 6 man is pretty small and at 23lbs would be no problem on the t-top. Lashed to the top, it would probably heve enough floatation to keep the boat from going belly up if it did swamp.. Arlon

This what I'm looking at for $800..

[tex4771]

Yea Arlon, that is exactly what I have, The net makes it a 6 man. The same one without the net is a 4 man, The net is great because you can just throw stuff in and it will stay put. Tex