Finding a home for our life raft

We have a 6-person Winslow ultra-light life raft. The raft weights about 30 kg (65 lbs). When we first bought the raft we asked for it to be packed so it would fit next the companionway steps in the aft cabin. The location, while close to the cockpit had several disadvantages. It was under the tool cabinet doors, so tools could fall on it and cause damage and it was placed vertically making it a little more difficult to get out. Lastly it was very low requiring a big lift to get it into the cockpit. After living with that arrangement for a short time we moved the raft behind the mizzen compression. That location was out of the way, but ease of access was definitely compromised so we knew that we had not found the right place for it yet.

Initial location, next to aft cabin companionway (looking down).
Tool locker behind doors on the right

Second raft location behind mizzen compression post 

This year we stored our composting head in the space behind the mizzen compression post and while looking for a good spot for the raft, we just put it on the forward part of the starboard bunk (bed) and presto we found its new location! The new spot is easily accessible, does not interfere with opening the side storage bins, is higher up (easier to get the raft in the cockpit) and is protected from any companionway spray or drips. 

The only think that was left to do was design and fabricate a “cradle” or pivoting tray that would allow us access to the storage underneath. After some measurements, we made the cradle, tested it, painted it and installed it. We are very happy with the new life raft location. Here are some pictures of the project.

Life raft cradle with black knobs to secure it in the down position (left) and heady duty hinge (right)

Life raft secured to cradle and lifted to allow access to storage below

Life raft secured in place (looking to starboard)

View from the aft cabin companionway