The short answer is Yes. But......

we have a raft that we got before we departed. It's a valise type. I was never happy with it. It's to big for Jill to handle on her own. So, we would stow it until a passage, then store it on our foredeck, covered in a cloth tarp, lashed to the forward end of the cabin. We would also lash a filet knife to the hand rail next to it for quick release.

We are doing a refit now and I know it will be a bit before we get back in the water. So, early last year I tried to sell the raft. It was out of date by a few months at the time. I found that I could not give it away! I got a few questions, but by the time it went to a re-cert and postage (high cost to send) they could get a new raft. So, I will repack it myself and use it as a toy.

We have talked it over and decided on a new tack when it comes to the raft. We have decided not to do the South pacific, so do not need the extreme raft we had. Our next raft will be much smaller and lighter. It will be considered expendable so we expect to use it for only 4 years or so. To make up for the lower cost raft, we are going to carry at least 3 PLBs. One each and one attached to the raft.

All in all, I think it will work out to a lower cost, both up-front and over the life of the equipment.

Greg