Every year at about this time the yachting magazines receive letters from readers complaining about the cost of servicing liferafts. As these costs can be in the hundreds of pounds and sometime the quality of service is in question, it is not surprising.
The complaints range from the serious to the faintly ridiculous. From liferafts sold as new but later found to be over a year old with the flares discovered to be prematurely out of date at the first service. To lines being re-placed because they were wet rather than allowing them to dry out.
The liferaft service industry has two customer groups. Commercial shipping and ourselves the leisure market. We are a fraction of the total. The fact that not everyone insists on an estimate for repairs and replacement parts, means that unpleasant surprises can occur. The commercial companies have been known to comment on the charges made to yachtsmen as being difficult to justify. Service agents should seek the approval of all estimates before going ahead. In the long run this will be best for all concerned. Some of us would benefit from seeing their liferaft inflated by the service agent, but how many of us do this or even know that it can be arranged?
There is obviously a basic cost for the time, overhead and profit involved. But there is a feeling that replacement parts are more expensive than they need be if compared to like-for-like from alternative suppliers. Handling charges are of course acceptable, but at what level? Chandlers also add a handling charge if servicing is done via them, why not go direct to the manufacturer?
Water ingress damages liferafts
The average dinghy is treated with little respect, but they carry on and tend to do the job. The liferaft is locked in its airless canister, breeding corrosion and a breakdown of the fabric if aided by the presence of water or damp. Don't forget that a raft painter is a very efficient wick; make sure you keep it dry.
Where does the fault lie?
There is probably ill-feeling on both sides. Customers claiming they have been charged for work not done, and overcharged for replacements not needed. The Service agents suggest that some owners are to blame for poor care and even outright neglect. It must be said that there are also many satisfied customers. But even a few unhappy ones can create an air of cynical disdain.
DIY servicing
Naturally manufacturers do not approve of DIY servicing. They also point out that the warranty will be invalidated. We would like to hear from manufacturers and Service agents to put their case and to suggest how relationships with some of their customers can be improved.
I repeat my claim that knowledge of how a liferaft works and is equipped is an important matter to the skipper of a sea going boat. If you don't feel confident in servicing your liferaft then check out the safety courses that are held which include demonstrations of liferaft use.
To find out more information, try www.cruising-association.com.
