Mersey class lifeboat

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Mersey class
Introduced:	1988
General Characteristics
Length:	11.6 m
Beam:	3.8 m
Draft:	1 m
Displacement:	14 tons
Construction:	Aluminium (earlier), FRC (later)
Propulsion:	2 x 4-bladed contra-rotating
Engines:	2 * Caterpillar 3208 diesels (210 kW)
Speed:	16.5 knots
Fuel capacity:	1088 litres
Range:	140 nautical miles
Duration at cruising speed:	10.26 hrs approx.
No. of crew:	6

Mersey class lifeboats serve the shores of the UK as a part of the RNLI all weather fleet.

The Mersey was the first 'fast' carriage slipway lifeboat, introduced in 1988. It was designed mainly to be launched from a carriage but can also lie afloat or be slipway launched when required. Propellors are fully protected by partial tunnels and substantial bilge keels allowing the boat to take the ground without damage.

The Mersey class are to be replaced by the FCB2 class, which is still in trials.