Liferaft location on a Crealock 37

[brokesailor]

I am planning on installing the cradle for a 4 man winslow in a pelican case just foward of the mast. I have never seen a picture where a Crealock had a raft installed there. I've always seen them installed foward of the traveler. Is there any reason not to place it foward of the mast on the coach roof?

[BluesHarp]

Our earlier PSC37 Podjo had a mount for a raft installed just forward of the mast.

[macmhuirich]

My 1989 Crealock 37 has a six man SOLAS raft mounted forward of the mast. There are times that I feel this particular raft it is a bit bulky, but it actually works OK. It does interfere with viability while sitting in the cockpit, however.

[brokesailor]

Thanks Mac. Nice pictures.

[BillNorrie]

Ours is just forward of the traveler , WE HAVE OUR SPINNAKER POLE MOUNTED ON FORWARD SIDE OF MAST AND i WOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT TRAVELLING TO THE BOW IF WE EVER DID NEED TO USE THE RAFT.
Bill Terrwyn
PSC 37 no. 231

[brokesailor]

Bill:
I followed your travels on Terrwyn posted on your Blog. Incredible feat! It makes me have such great hopes that I to can realize the dream on my Crealock 37 just like you did.

[BillNorrie]

dear " Brokesailor",
Thank you young man ! Very nice of you and you too will sail over the horizon as well !!! our baby 37s are so sweet the best 6 months of our lives we are in Calgary Canada and Terrwyn on the hard in Auckland and all is good I love my work and the $$$ it gives us so we can get back and carry on we will Yahioooooo
Yours Sincerely,
Bill

[BirdBrain333]

Our 4 man raft is forward of the mast as in the pictures above. I think it is a great location as it interferes with visibility less than if mounted forward to the traveler and provides a convenient step for putting on the sail cover or attaching the main halyard. I had not considered the disadvantage of having to go up there to release it if needed but then I'm not sure any location would be all that much better.

Jay & Imi aboard Kenlanu (PSC 37 # 171) currently in St Augustine, FL, having a great trip in a superb boat!

Originally Posted by brokesailor

I am planning on installing the cradle for a 4 man winslow in a pelican case just foward of the mast. I have never seen a picture where a Crealock had a raft installed there. I've always seen them installed foward of the traveler. Is there any reason not to place it foward of the mast on the coach roof?

[whosedream]

I stow my Winslow ( 8 person) life-raft in the cockpit. I built a frame around so it stands upright and is easy to lift out...should I ever need it.
Keeps storage organized and seems to make more room for "stuff"

[brokesailor]

Whosedream: Interesting! Great idea for actually on passage. I don't think the false floor in my lazarette can take the weight though. There is an aft engine access in the lazarette.