In a canister or in a valise ?

Canister
We recommend that you choose a canister rather than a bag : the liferaft is better protected, and can be secured on board nicely and safely with the addition of a specially designed cradle. Canisters are equipped with 2 or 4 handles (depending on model), for a better grip and carrying facility ; they also make throwing into the water much easier. In case the liferaft would be stored on its side, do make sure that the firing lanyard is upwards. We remind you, however, that a liferaft should ideally be lying flat, with instructions on the topside. Even though a canister boat raft is better protected than a raft in a bag... its rigidity does not allow you to use it as a stool or a seat ! Take good care of it : instead of thinking of it as a big clumsy box, do remember that this box contains concentrated technology which could save your life at any time.
Instructions shown on the liferaft. Get to know them beforehand : make sure you know exactly what to do, just in case...

Valise
The valise is manufactured from highly resistant coated fabric, impervious to UV-rays. A valise-packed liferaft requires some relative protection : you will select its location on the boat accordingly, i.e. avoid the skirt for example. Indicated dimensions of liferafts in valises may vary by ± 10 %, due to the lack of rigidity of the valise. Be nice to your liferaft -think of how precious it could turn to be-, especially if it is packed in a valise : do not drag it, do not tread or sit on it.

The liferaft is ready for use : all you have to do is to secure it safely on your boat. The tightening straps are designed to stay on the raft ; they will break off by themselves, should the liferaft be blown open.

L. Charpentier ©

· Constructio n is Plastimo ; bu also different with oy an envelope ancy tubes consist in an "Details mak polyurethane d a high resistance e in · Large entra the difference in qual design allow ner chamber. This ity : nces on the s Plastimo raft allows the ap easier repairs and also facilitate ac cess on boar pr · Retro-refle d. to replace on oved service stations ctive ly necessary. (... the air chamber if A manufactu tapes can save lives. rer who wou ) A top-of-theld them with a range liferaf sparing hand use t with remar construction, would be irresponsible kabl de . Pl Minor things signed for long voyage e reflective tape astimo fits extra retroto find fault s. s on the botto with. Positiv features : sp · The best ge e ace inside th neral design m of the raft. ve e raft, good an ntilation and Plastimo's, w numerous w ith a 3.09 m2 d layout is de ell designed tails". a pentagon al shape an area, d a wide entrance to climb in. (... Tested lifer ) a 6-man Off ft : shore, ref. Die Yacht 1 ­ n° 14, Ju 6241 ly 2001

199

L. Charpentier ©

Remember... It is Plastimo who invented the watertight inner pouch in 1979, representing a real additional protection for your liferaft, hence an extra safety feature. Thanks to this watertight vacuum pouch, your liferaft is better protected, which reflects directly on the maintenance and servicing bills !