With 40 years of experience in the construction of liferafts, Plastimo has unrivalled expertise in this field. This French company based in Lorient has a particular card: it is the only one that is both a manufacturer and that revises its rafts itself. All rafts return to Plastimo for overhaul (and not to an approved station as other brands do). Reviewing all liferafts makes it possible to judge their condition and, above all, their ability to withstand the weather.
No legal age limit for rafts
Since 2006, the legislation does not provide an age limit for rafts. The former Class II and Class V liferafts had a maximum lifespan of 15 years. However, since the adoption of ISO 9650 in March 2005, the lifespan of liferafts has not been limited by regulation. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to certify the good condition of the raft at the time of overhaul and to give back the validation for the following 3 years (or to downgrade it...). As a reminder, the fleet still contains Class II and Class V rafts that will be overhauled until 2022.
One review every 3 years
Since the rafts were protected in a sealed vacuum bag (a Plastimo invention copied since then by all manufacturers), the revision has been extended to 3 years. Until now, all manufacturers have announced a lifespan of 15 years for rafts (the last revision being the 12-year revision), surfing on the old bonds.
But when Plastimo saw the good condition of its rafts returning for overhaul in Lorient, it decided to extend their lifespan. This good condition is due to the quality of construction specific to its rafts with approved technical solutions such as a double chamber in the sails or the assisted percussion head.
A lifetime extended to 21 years!
By increasing the last overhaul to 18 years, Plastimo is extending the life of its liferafts to 21 years! A great proof of confidence in its products and a great deal for boaters who see their security bill drop significantly.
A constant revision rate
In addition, to drive the nail in, this manufacturer commits to a constant revision rate, regardless of the year of the revision. Indeed, if overhauls are to be done every 3 years, the cylinder that inflates the liferaft must be replaced every 9 years. Thus the revision of the 9-year-olds (and therefore that of the 18-year-olds...) is more expensive than the others. But not at Plastimo... all revisions are now at the same price!
This linear cost of the overhauls allows the yachtsman to plan and budget his safety station over 18 years. Simple and advantageous.
Retroactive effect on rafts purchased since 2012
All Plastimo rafts purchased since 2012 are included in this program and will therefore have their lifespan extended to 18 years (provided that they keep pace with the revisions every 3 years). Indeed, this new coverage has a retroactive effect on all liferafts manufactured since 2012. And who knows if the latest overhaul will not extend the life of your raft to 21 years?
It's a small paving stone in the pool of security that Plastimo is launching. With this announcement, we can't see how other manufacturers who don't control their revisions will be able to align themselves. A case to follow until the next announcements...
