Do life rafts have to be re-packed?
Do inflatable rafts have to be repacked every 5 years or is it just a moneymaker for the manufacturers? I bought a raft about 15 years ago and it’s never been repacked because I didn’t want to pay $500. I have survival suits just in case. Vector member A 3-year re-pack frequency is more typical than a 5-year. Is it legally required? No, unless you are required by the USCG to carry a raft. Should you do it? That depends where you fish, and whether you want to be 100% certain that everything works. At 15 years old, you are already ahead and should just go purchase a new raft. GoodChance member Most raft companies recommend that they get recertified on an annual basis. Not once every 5 years, or 3, but every year. 15 years ago when you purchased the raft it probably would have cost $100-$200 to get it done. After 15 years it’s probably not worth doing any more, but you should let a certified re-packer tell you that, or otherwise. Just by keeping that raft on board your boat you are openin
