Quick Release for a Life Raft Cannister

[micheck]

I have a Canister Life raft mounted on a cradle between the mast and the fore hatch; it is held in this cradle by an array of 1/2" lines that culminate in a standard loop quick release knot - I have attached a carbanier link between this quick release loop and release. Is this OK/stupid? Is their a better/more standard way ... Thoughts Charles

[sailingdog]

Is the life raft supposed to have a hydrostatic automatic release or not? Can you post a photo of the knot and carabiner?

I'm not a big fan of using carabiners on a boat, since most are made of dis-similar metals and have issues with corrosion.

[jackdale]

I attach a knife in a sheath to the liferaft or to something close by. It serves two purposes:

1) slash the cords holding the liferaft in place.
2) Slash the painter when the raft is deployed. I also carry a knive at all times.

[micheck]

1: No hydrostatic release
2: I appreciate your dissimilar metals and sea water thoughts
3: I like the dual purpose knife at the ready

Thanks - Charles

[hellosailor]

Charles, a carabiner will not release unless there is slack. There should be no slack in the lashings holding down a life raft, it should be rock solid.

And the reason everyone uses fiber rope instead of wire or chain, is just what the others said: It can be cut. Whack, and it is broken. If your knife isn't big enough and sharp enough to cut the line in one shot, you need a bigger sharper knife, even a cheap $2 machete if you put a good edge on it.

If I may suggest, if you reserve one knife for keeping on deck for emergency use, you might want to cover the blade lightly in bees wax. That will prevent any rusting or dulling, without stopping any cutting.