The New Mersey Class - FCB2

[Jono Garton]

The New Mersey Class - FCB2

Twin 550hp cats on Hamilton Jets

Better pictures here - http://www.pwllhelilifeboat.co.uk/20653.html

[bogib]

Interested concept and coming in with smaller crafts, will this be a new class or superseed other one ?

Nice website by the way

Bogi (retired coxwain)

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by bogib

Interested concept and coming in with smaller crafts

She is 13.7mtr's long and has a top speed of 25 knots compaired to the Mersey at 12mtr's and top speed of approx 16 knots

[Jono Garton]

Its still at a testing stage, but will superseed the current mersey, Pwllheli is likely to see one in about 6 years

[bogib]

Originally Posted by Richard B

She is 13.7mtr's long and has a top speed of 25 knots compaired to the Mersey at 12mtr's and top speed of approx 16 knots

Looks smaller on the pics..... didn´t do any specs research..... but at least getting more speed and changing design

Did you manage to have a test ride Jono if so please share the feeling with us.

Bogi

[Jono Garton]

no test ride just yet.

[CJL]

Erm, its kinda ..... ugly.

Boats can be pleasing to the eye and practical surely?

[hard1]

If i was floating around in some cruel sea, slipping away through hypothermia and this babe rocked up, I would say she was the most beautiful sight in the whole wide world...

[Richard B]

I wonder how much this FCB2 will change between this prototype and the vessel which goes in to service?

For example, forward sloping windows are a feature of every RNLI ALB, and a very common feature on all weather vessels. Also, the windows on the prototype look like they have a simple fixing to the superstructure instead of the heavily reinforced RNLI standard fixings.

More importantly, the RNLI will be conscious that they have an image to maintain, and a fleet of "ugly ducklings" may not coax the same level of contributions from a public used to funding the familiar style of all-weather fleet.

[Simon B]

The new boat stationed at Tenby is different from the prototype and a little prettier than the more functional test bed, will post piccies if I can find them.

Utilitarian and functional boats are what is required if they start looking too sexy maybe people will think "look they've stacks of loot we dont need to give them any more"

You've got to admit the performance and machinery spec reads like an appetising menu in a restaurant that one cant quite afford...hmmm!!