Thru the 40 years I have been tracking crusing boats, I have noted that more boats lost life rafts than deployed them. One of the most devistating things to happen to a boat is a capsize or pitchpole. Almost all of the boats which capsize or pitchpole loose their on deck life rafts. The fastners come loose, the SS or fiberglass cradle tears apart and the straps break as the boat goes under water. This would favor Scott's preference of keeping the raft in a valise below decks. Perhaps two life rafts would be the best plan--one below deck and one on the deck..... Many times people panic after a pitchpole and want to abandon ship. The majority of boats continue to float (although flooded, with loss of most capabilities, they still offer some protection from the elements--in fact more so than most life rafts. There are many incidents where boats were found floating, in reasonable condition as much as a year later--and having drifted several thousand miles. One boat which we had seen and visited with in Gray's harbor left a day after us going South, and go caught in some heavy weather off the California Coast. There was an injury to the skipper and the crew paniced. They called a Mayday, were evacuated and abandoned the boat. The boat was found not too far from Guam about a year later. Bob Austin