As former crew it makes very little difference to the call out time. There are many stations where the boats have to take a few turns and reverse to get out of their moorings

@@patgeorge1 oh no don't get me wrong I've seen first hand the skill of a well skilled skipper/coxswain, my dad was a skipper for 30 years i can just see it being a challenge in rough seas and bad weather but thats what you train for, but imo it would make sence to upgrade the slip to minimise the risk for the safety of the crew and the ones that need a rescue where speed matters

Replaced with a Atlantic 85 and retaining the D Class

@@BlairDurno So a inshore lifeboat, is that a good or bad move?

@@stuartandrews4344 Everyone has their own opinion on it. If the volunteers are happy enough to train and crew on it.

@@BlairDurno the old boat is online forsale 75k if anyone wants her

@@aarond5843 Where

Thank you.

When the Mersey class was designed in the mid 1980's Bow-thrusters weren't really a thing. The eventual replacement for this class at Arbroath, the Shannon class, doesn't have one either but it has water-jet propulsion to give manoeuvrability in the same class as a conventionally propelled boat with a bow thruster.

@@rickansell661 Thanks for that. My old boat had twin Penta's pre Volvo, swapped out for BMC 2,5 diesels with a laid over block to reduce height. The port engine was a real pig to work on so I swapped them for a pair of Transit 2.5s a lot smaller in size but equal output. Built in 1930 so no bow thruster but very maneuverable with the twins She spent 3 days at Dunkirk ferry troops off the beach and returned fully loaded. Spent the rest of WWII on mine patrol of the Thames Estuary based at Queensburgh and Chatham. I managed 3 Dunkirk returns along with the Ramsgate Lifeboat great bunch of lads to share a beer or three with.

Thanks was unsure whether to apply or not. But thought why not.