The last thing on your mind when you go out fishing is ditching your craft. But accidents happen, be it from weather-related issues, or boat malfunction. It pays to be prepared.

A life raft is designed to keep everyone together and out of the water, providing protection from the elements and creating a larger visual while awaiting rescue. It is the single most important safety equipment, that you never hope to use.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a life raft.

•  Are canyons in your vocabulary?
  • If yes, you’ll need an offshore life raft
  • If you’re planning on staying closer to home, a coastal life raft will work
• How do you want to store your life raft—Canister or valise?
• Determine servicing needs—most rafts require 3-year servicing, some offer 5-year servicing.
• Are you fishing in cold waters? You’ll need an inflatable floor to protect against hypothermia.

When evaluating life rafts you will typically find a quality/performance/features versus price “value matrix”. Simply put, you'll get what you pay for with higher quality rafts constructed from more durable materials, have more inherent features, and offer a longer usable life. .