This is the first Royal Navy Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) Mersey Class Rescue boat. Built in 1988 for $2 million in today's dollars; it is a self-righting, aluminum hulled, duel engine, shallow draft workhorse.
“The Mersey is designed to be launched from a carriage (trailer), but can also lie afloat or be slipway launched when required. Its propellers are fully protected from damage when launching or in shallow water by partial tunnels and two bilge keels. Its low height can be further reduced by collapsing its mast and aerials which then allows it to be stored in a boathouse. A sealed cabin gives it a self-righting ability. Power comes from twin Caterpillar 285 hp turbo-charged engines (570 hp total). It carries 1,110 litres (290 US gal) of fuel to give it a range of 240 nautical miles (440 km). It has a crew of six and can carry an X Boat inflatable which it can deploy at sea. Its survivor compartment can carry 43 people, but more than 21 prevents self-righting should the boat capsize.” *7*
All lifeboats have a unique identification number. The first part indicates the class. Mersey class lifeboats start with 12 because they are almost 12m in length. The numbers after the dash refer to the build number. So the first Mersey built was given the number 12-001. A build number with three digits indicates a hull constructed of aluminium. Two digits indicate a hull constructed of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC). *4*
This boat is "12-001" meaning that it is the very first aluminum Mersey class rescue vessel!
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 13 Tons | (14 Long Tons in Rescue Trim) |
| Beam | 13.1' | (4.0 meters) |
| Draft | 3.3' | (1.02 meters) |
| Air-Draft | 12'-1") | (folded mast) |
| Propulsion | 2x280HP Caterpillar 3208 diesel | (210kW) |
| Speed | 18 mph | (16 knots) |
| Range (fast cruise) | 276 miles | (240 nmi) |
| Range (8.5 knots) | 400 miles | (354 nmi) |
| Capacity | 43 survivors | (self-righting up to 21) |
| Fuel Capacity | 288 gallons (2x144) | (1,088 litres 2x544) |
