Final answer:
The passages provided do not explicitly confirm whether the Fire Island clipper has a life raft, but they portray a sense of urgency and potential distress at sea, with mentions of life-saving equipment and rescue efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to whether the Fire Island clipper has a life raft. Based on the context provided, there seems to be a discussion among characters regarding the identification of a boat-like object, with differing views on whether it's a boat or another vehicle, such as an omnibus, and later, discussions about a life-saving station and the management of the boat in what appears to be tumultuous sea conditions.
The passages reflect a sense of urgency and confusion as to the status and availability of life-saving equipment or rescue, suggesting a scenario of individuals possibly in distress at sea.
The text mentions the use of a makeshift life preserver but does not explicitly confirm the existence or absence of a life raft on the Fire Island clipper.