Portland Pudgy with Exposure Canopy: A Reliable Alternative to Inflatable Liferafts
When it comes to safety at sea, the choice of a lifeboat or liferaft is one of the most important decisions a mariner will make. Traditional inflatable liferafts are a common choice, but they come with significant drawbacks, including recurring maintenance costs, limited functionality, and vulnerability to failure. The Portland Pudgy, equipped with its exposure canopy, offers a rugged, versatile, and cost-effective alternative while still meeting the safety needs of offshore sailors.
Avoid the Costly Cycle of Liferaft Inspections
Inflatable liferafts require mandatory inspections every two to three years to ensure their reliability. These inspections typically include:
• Testing the inflation system and materials for integrity.
• Replacing consumables like flares, food rations, water, and batteries.
• Repacking and resealing the raft to ensure proper deployment.
The cost to recertify a liferaft can range from $400 to $1,800, depending on the raft’s condition and the parts that need to be replaced. Shipping the raft to and from the service center adds even more expense. Over the lifespan of a raft, these recurring costs can quickly total thousands of dollars—often exceeding the raft’s purchase price.
The Portland Pudgy eliminates this costly cycle. As a rigid, unsinkable boat, it requires no inflation or repacking and avoids the risks of failure associated with inflatable rafts. This durability means your Pudgy is always ready when you need it, without the added financial burden.
Features Comparable to Inflatable Liferafts
The Portland Pudgy is thoughtfully designed with all the essential safety features typically found in an inflatable liferaft, including:
• Strobe Light: A high-visibility light to assist rescuers in locating the boat during night or low-visibility conditions.
• CO2 Inflation System: The exposure canopy deploys quickly with the help of CO2 inflation, providing immediate protection from the elements. Every canopy also includes a manual bellows pump for backup or non-emergency use.
• Water Collection System: Integrated into the exposure canopy, the system ensures access to fresh water during prolonged emergencies.
• Boarding Ladder: Facilitates easy entry into the boat, even in rough seas—a critical feature for those in distress.
These features, combined with the Pudgy’s durable construction and proactive rescue capabilities, make it a formidable alternative to traditional inflatable liferafts.
Preparing for Offshore Use
For sailors going offshore, the Portland Pudgy offers flexible options for provisioning and preparation to suit individual needs and preferences:
1. Provisioning the Hull with Emergency Supplies: Many sailors utilize the Pudgy’s generous internal storage space, accessible through watertight hatches, to stow emergency supplies such as food rations, flares, water, and first aid kits. This keeps critical items safe, dry, and ready for use.
2. Presetting the Canopy on Deck: Some mariners choose to install the exposure canopy on the Portland Pudgy in advance and cover it with the boat’s fitted cover. This ensures the canopy is immediately ready for deployment in an emergency and eliminates any need for setup during a stressful situation.
3. Stowing the Canopy in Bags Inside the Hull: For those who prefer to keep the Pudgy streamlined and ready for daily use, the canopy can be stored in compact bags inside the hull, accessible through the watertight hatches. This option provides quick access while maintaining the Pudgy’s versatility for everyday tasks.
These options give sailors the freedom to prepare their Pudgy in a way that best fits their cruising style and safety priorities.
Multi-Functionality Beyond Emergencies
Unlike inflatable liferafts, which are single-use emergency devices, the Portland Pudgy serves a variety of purposes:
• As a tender, it can be rowed, motored, or sailed for daily use.
• As a proactive rescue platform, it allows you to navigate to safety rather than passively awaiting rescue.
• As a recreational boat, it’s perfect for exploring anchorages or enjoying a day on the water.
This versatility means your investment in a Pudgy works for you every day, not just in emergencies, adding tremendous value beyond its primary role as a lifeboat.
Built for Durability and Reliability
The Portland Pudgy’s rotationally molded polyethylene hull is virtually indestructible, eliminating the risk of punctures or deflation. It remains buoyant and seaworthy, even in extreme conditions, and features a high freeboard to keep occupants dry and secure.
In addition, the exposure canopy transforms the Pudgy into a fully enclosed survival craft, shielding occupants from wind, rain, and sun. Also available is a sea anchor for stability in rough seas, and the Pudgy’s natural buoyancy ensures it remains upright and operational even if capsized.
Long-Term Savings
One of the most significant advantages of the Portland Pudgy is the cost savings over time. By eliminating the need for biennial or triennial inspections and repacking, the Pudgy saves its owners thousands of dollars during its lifespan. With recertification costs for inflatable rafts ranging between $400 and $1,800 per cycle, the financial advantage of the Pudgy is clear.
Conclusion: The Smarter, Safer Choice
The Portland Pudgy with its exposure canopy is a durable, multi-functional, and cost-effective safety solution. By combining the features of a traditional inflatable liferaft with the reliability of a rigid boat, it delivers unmatched peace of mind for mariners.
With flexible preparation options, robust safety features, and multi-functionality for everyday use, the Portland Pudgy is a smarter, safer, and more versatile alternative to inflatable liferafts. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or preparing for offshore adventures, the Pudgy ensures you’re ready for whatever the sea throws your way.
Check out the canopy specs here:
https://portlandpudgy.com/lifeboat-components/
https://portlandpudgy.com/product/accessory-exposure-canopy-kit/
https://portlandpudgy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Owners-Manual-chapter-4.pdf
