Back in the day, when I was stationed at the Coast Guard's boot camp in Cape May, NJ, we would let recruits practice/familiarize themselves with life rafts by inflating a decomissioned 25-man life raft that had been taken out of service. Then the staff would, naturally, play with the "toys". In my experience with many, many out-of-date (some of them well over 5 years past their recertification date) the only problem I recall is dead batteries. Everything else, including the water was usable. So you guys already produce a great product. The switch to CR123s is a good idea.

I would, however, second the suggestions made by paramedicpete, except to suggest keeping the sponges. It's easier to bail that last bit of salt water out of the raft with a sponge. I would also add some sort of medication for chafing and chapping. Constant exposure to salt water combined with the chafing of the raft, even for a couple of hours, is really hard on the skin, especially the elbows and knees.

Keep up the great work.