Spruce Ohlson    wrote on Facebook 11 December 21:04
"Certain makes of life-raft are more easily serviced in some locations rather than others. Some can be serviced but not certified with the manufacturer 's certificate ie Quality establishment but not an approved service centre for a particular brand. We have an Avon life-raft and based upon the hassle of finding an Avon service centre here in Panama we wouldn 't recommend an Avon for long distance cruisers (although we have got it serviced by Panama Marine who issued their own certificate). Other sailboats have also had problems with getting Wilmslow and Plastimo life-rafts serviced here. What is the view of other members on the best brand of life-raft to carry for ease of servicing? Bear in mind that if you are scooting around the world in, say, 3 years (lots of locations to pick from) the issue is different than a boat doing a more leisurely pace."