Fast Carriage Boat 2

The Fast Carriage Boat 2 (FCB2) project aims to develop the replacement for the carriage-launched Mersey class lifeboat. There are currently 37 Merseys, operating from 31 stations, with 24 stations launching and recovering the boat directly from the beach. As such the RNLI has been running two projects concurrently: one to produce an experimental boat and the other to develop its launch and recovery equipment.

Experimental lifeboat

The hull and superstructure of the boat have been built by Green Marine in Lymington and then fitted out by VTHalmatic in Portchester. The RNLI accepted FCB2 as a trials vessel in September 2005 and she has been undertaking initial trials from Poole.

Launch and recovery equipment

The system developed for FCB2 launch and recovery makes the process safer and simpler. It is a new system developed by Supacat which features a completely new tractor and carriage assembly. Launching will be coxswain-controlled and recovery will be bow-first once the boat has grounded on the beach.

If you wish to read more on the FCB2 Project please download the latest newsletter.