History of Winslow LifeRaft Company
The name Winslow has been synonymous with high quality liferafts for over eighty years. Founded in 1941 as the New York Rubber Company, the company constructed liferafts for the Allied Forces. After World War II, the company moved its operation to Sarasota, Florida, and was acquired by John C. Winslow, who then produced the first marine and aviation liferafts available to the private sector.
1980s
In 1989, Winslow was acquired by Fred Shoaff, a serious offshore racer and enthusiast. Shoaff knew from his years at sea that the Achilles’ heel of even the best available liferafts was weight and manageability. The goal became to design and produce a liferaft second to none in strength, durability and seaworthiness, yet extremely light and very compact. The extraordinary result was the innovative Winslow Super-Light, a superior product for survival in extremes, but so light that almost anyone, including women and children, can lift and deploy it at the most optimal launching point, thereby improving the odds if it’s needed to save lives.
1990s
By the early 1990s, Winslow’s extraordinary Super-Light marine liferafts were attracting the attention of pilots who were also sailors. These liferafts were far superior to anything available to the general aviation community. Pilots approached Winslow about using the liferafts in their corporate jets. In 1994 Winslow’s aviation version of its offshore marine liferaft received top honors in an independent review of aviation liferafts conducted byThe Aviation Consumer. Resulting demand encouraged the company to secure FAA TSO approval for the liferaft and to expand the aviation line.
Today
Continuous product development has refined and broadened our offerings. Today Winslow manufactures a wide range of award-winning aviation and marine liferafts. No matter your needs, Winslow has the liferaft for you. These liferafts are used by world renowned sailing competitors, power boaters, many government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. Winslow LifeRafts are standard equipment on many yachts and corporate aircraft. Isn’t your life worth a Winslow?