What is the primary purpose of a life raft on a boat?

The primary purpose of a life raft on a boat is emergency flotation and survival. Life rafts are designed specifically for situations where a vessel may sink or become inoperative at sea. In such emergencies, the life raft provides a means for crew and passengers to stay afloat and remain safe until assistance arrives or they are able to be rescued.

The design of life rafts includes features such as buoyancy, stability, and often survival supplies, which are crucial for the survival of individuals in distress. They are equipped to protect occupants from the elements and to facilitate signaling for rescue.

Other options do not align with the essential function of a life raft. While it may seem like a storage option or a fishing platform in certain contexts, those are not their intended uses. Additionally, while some boats may have decorative elements, life rafts are fundamentally practical safety devices rather than ornamental accessories.