many of them are strictly for floating in the water, turns you into a gumby and you can't work for sure. I've read about the Alaskan fishermen using them instead of life rafts. They are in horrid conditions, but usually not that far away from rescue. So into an immersion suit, fire the PLB and wait for the chopper.

I have not minded spending money on good durable equipment, but a raft it seems is a disposable item to some degree, not durable goods. If I was headed out for a year offshore then it would be an easy decision. But for a couple of months, then basically let the thing rot for a couple of years before we need it again seems wasteful. My rough plan after the Bahamas is to take the boat to the PNW, all bay and close coastal for a couple years. By then I will need another repack!