Atlantic 75-class lifeboat

The Atlantic 75 is the second-generation Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) in the B-class series of Inshore lifeboats that were operated around the shores of the British Isles and the Channel Islands by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) between 1993 and 2021. This lifeboat was a development of, and gradually replaced, the Atlantic 21-class lifeboat, and was superseded by the Atlantic 85-class lifeboat.

Description

The Atlantic 75 has Hypalon-coated nylon inflatable sponsons. Changing from the grey of the Atlantic 21, all Atlantic 75 sponsons are orange. A conical diaphragm is placed between sections of the sponson, to transfer pressure should damage or leaking occur. The lifeboat has a moulded fibreglass rigid hull, topped with a marine plywood deck, with fuel tanks under the deck. The crew seats are mounted on a fibreglass centre console. A tubular aluminium roll-bar carries communication aerials for GPS satellite navigation and VHF radio, and an inflatable airbag for self-righting. The twin Evinrude 70-hp engines were modified at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre at Cowes to prevent water ingress in case of capsize, and allow restart. A tubular mast is provided to mount navigation lights and an emergency blue light.

One of the main improvements made to the Atlantic 75 is the addition of a 200L (44impgal) ballast tank at the front of the boat which enables the boat to launch into larger surf than the Atlantic 21. This tank is filled by a water scoop between the engines; it keeps the bow of the lifeboat weighed down, allowing higher speeds.

All of the following fleet details are referenced to the Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society Handbook, published annually, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.

Atlantic 75 fleet

External links