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Atlantic 85-class lifeboat
Atlantic 85-class lifeboat
Atlantic 85-class lifeboat
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Atlantic 85 B-805 on exercise in Bangor
Class overview
NameAtlantic 85
BuildersInshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes
Operators Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Preceded byAtlantic 75
Cost£320,000
In service2005–
In commission2006–
Completed144
General characteristics
Class & typeB-class Atlantic 85
Displacement1.8 tonnes
Length8.44 m (27.7 ft)
Beam2.85 m (9.4 ft)
Draught0.53 m (1.7 ft)
Propulsion
  • 2 × Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines, 115 hp (86 kW)
  • 210 litres fuel
Speed35 knots (40 mph; 65 km/h)
Endurance2.5 hours
Capacity24
Complement4

The Atlantic 85 is a third-generation B-class rigid inflatable boat (RIB) inshore lifeboat. It is operated around the shores of the British Isles and the Channel Islands by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). It was developed from the Atlantic 21 and the later Atlantic 75. It entered service in 2005, and gradually replaced the Atlantic 75.

The Atlantic design of the B-class of lifeboats is named after Atlantic College, where the design was developed.[1]

Design

[edit]

The hull is made of a fibre-reinforced composite, consisting of a carbon fibre and foam core laminate with an epoxy glass and foam sandwich layup. The tubes are Hypalon.

The boat is powered by twin 115 hp (86 kW) Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines that have been inversion-proofed to ensure the engines are still operational after a capsize.

Like previous RIBs, it has a manually operated self-righting mechanism that deploys an airbag mounted atop the A-frame. It can be beached in an emergency without damage to engines or steering gear. The Atlantic 85 is fitted with radar and VHF direction finding equipment and can be operated safely in daylight in a force 6/7 wind and at night in a force 5/6.[2]

The Atlantic 85 has intercom communications between the crew and VHF radio via their helmets. The lifeboat is also equipped with the RNLI's SIMS (ship information & management system) which provides the crew with combined chartplotter and AIS, radar and VHF directional finding capability. It carries searchlights, handheld night-vision equipment and illuminating paraflares for night-time operations, as well as casualty care equipment.

To ensure equipment is kept to a high standard of repair, boats go through annual or bi-annual overhauls, and 4-year refits.[3]

All of the following fleet details are referenced to the 2026 Lifeboat Enthusiast Society Handbook, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.[4]

[edit]
  • A close up of the console & controls of Atlantic 85 B-805
    A close up of the console & controls of Atlantic 85 B-805
  • Atlantic 85 B-805 launching in Bangor in 2008
    Atlantic 85 B-805 launching in Bangor in 2008
  • Atlantic 85 B-824 with an Atlantic 75 & a D class in 2010
    Atlantic 85 B-824 with an Atlantic 75 & a D class in 2010
  • Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
    Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
  • Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
    Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
  • Atlantic 85 (B-826) at Poole in 2017
    Atlantic 85 (B-826) at Poole in 2017

RNLI Atlantic-85 fleet

[edit]

B-800 – B-899

[edit]
Op. No.[a] Name In service[4] Station Comments
  • B-800
  • B-PO2
 Unnamed – – Prototype
B-801 The Drayton Manor
  • 2004–2006
  • 2006
  • 2006
  • 2006–2014
  • 2014–2017
  • 2017–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • Trials
  • Relief fleet
  • Tower
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-802 Chelsea Flower Show
  • 2006–2015
  • 2015–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet (B-802C)
B-803 William Hurst
  • 2006–2019
  • 2020–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet (B-803C)
B-804 Lydia Macdonald 2006–2022 Macduff
B-804 The Jillian Scott: Spirit of the West Wight V 2024– Freshwater (Ind.)
B-805 Jessie Hillyard 2006–2024 Bangor
B-806
  • Mudeford Servant
  • (Civil Service No. 48)
 		2006–2024 Mudeford
B-807 Mary Lewis
  • 2006–2017
  • 2017–2024
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-808 Donald McLauchlan 2006–2025 Walmer
B-809 The Two Annes
  • 2006–2024
  • 2026–
Sold, in service with Bote Salvavidas de Valparaiso, Chile, Jan 2026
B-810 Tabbycat
  • 2006–2008
  • 2008–2012
  • 2012–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • 2023–
B-811 Hylton Burdon
  • 2007–2022
  • 2023–
B-812 Frank William Walton 2006– Kilkeel
B-813 Muriel and Leslie 2006–2025 Port Erin
B-814 Sheila Stenhouse 2006– Kirkcudbright
B-815 Peterborough Beer Festival III
  • 2006–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • 2022–2024
B-816 David Page
  • 2007–2022
  • 2022–2024
B-817 Wolseley 2007–2024 Sunderland Sold 2024, to Iceland ICE-SAR
B-818 The Oddfellows 2007– Sheringham
B-819 Minnie and Ernest George Barry 2007– Lough Swilly
B-820 Elizabeth Jane Palmer 2007– Flamborough
B-821 Gladys Mildred 2007–2023 Newquay
B-822 Spirit of Friendship
  • 2007–2023
  • 2024–
Sold 2024, to Björgunarsveitin Ársæll, Iceland SAR
B-823 Doris Joan 2007–2023 Criccieth
B-823 Spirit of Hornsea 2024– Hornsea Inshore Rescue
B-824 Richard and Elizabeth Deaves 2007–2023 Minehead Donated 2025, to Royal Montserrat Police Service
B-825 Norma Ethel Vinall
  • 2008–2020
  • 2020–2022
  • 2022–
  • Relief fleet
  • Dart
  • Training fleet
B-826
  • Sgt. Bob Martin
  • (Civil Service No. 50)
 		2008– Poole
B-827 Olive Laura Deare II 2008– Gravesend
B-828 Elaine and Don Wilkinson 2008– Silloth
B-829 Derrick Battle 2009– Hayling Island
B-830 Douglas Murray
  • 2008–2021
  • 2021–2023
  • 2024–
B-831 Joy Morris MBE 2009– St Bees
B-832 Rose of The Shires 2009– Porthcawl
B-833 Blue Peter V 2009– Portaferry
B-834 William Henry Liddington 2009– Bundoran
B-835 Martin Harvey
  • 2009–2024
  • 2024–2025
  • 2025–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
B-836 Tommy Niven 2009– Kinghorn
B-837
  • Charles Dibdin
  • (Civil Service No.51)
 		2009– New Brighton
B-838 Annette Mary Liddington 2010– Beaumaris
B-839 Maureen Lillian 2010– Penarth
B-840 Harold Bains
  • 2010–2022
  • 2022–2023
  • 2023–
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-841 Eric W Wilson 2010– St Catherine
B-842 Hello Herbie 2010–2015 Rye Harbour
B-843 Geoffrey Charles 2010– Red Bay
B-844 Edith Louise Eastwick 2010– Kilrush
B-845 James Dugdale
  • 2010–2015
  • 2015–2021
  • 2021–2025
  • 2025–2026
  • 2026–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
  • Fowey
  • Relief fleet
B-846 Norma T 2010– Portsmouth
B-847 Hereford Endeavour 2010– Trearddur Bay
B-848 Spirit of West Norfolk 2011– Hunstanton
B-849 Tony and Robert Britt 2011– Burnham-on-Crouch
B-850 Edna May
  • 2011–2024
  • 2024–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-851 Jimmie Cairncross 2012– Queensferry
B-852 Random Harvest 2011– Brighton
B-853 Binny 2011– Galway
B-854 R.A.Wilson 2011– Largs
B-855 Eric C Guest
  • 2011–2016
  • 2016–2020
  • 2020
  • 2020–2022
  • 2022–
B-856 Spirit of Fred. Olsen 2011– Kyle of Lochalsh
B-857 Spirit of Loch Fyne 2012– Lyme Regis
B-858 Leicester Challenge III 2012– Redcar
B-859 Sheena Louise 2012– Cowes
B-860 Max Walls 2012– Calshot
B-861 Glanely 2012– Appledore
B-862 James and Helen Mason 2012– Tighnabruaich
B-863 David Porter MPS
  • 2012–2025
  • 2025–
B-864 Richard Wake Burdon 2012– Newbiggin
B-865 Malcolm and Mona Bennett-Williams
  • 2012–2022
  • 2022–2024
  • 2024–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
B-866 Louis Simson 2013– Skerries
B-867 William and Eleanor 2013– Blackpool
B-868 Annie Tranmer 2013– Southwold
B-869 Joyce King 2013– Clifden
B-870 John and Louisa Fisher
  • 2013–2021
  • 2021–2025
  • 2025–
B-871 Albatross 2013– Cardigan
B-872 Toby Rundle 2014– Clovelly
B-873 Robert and Isobel Mowat 2014– Kessock
B-874 Robert Armstrong 2014– Helvick Head
B-875 Alexander
  • 2014–2015
  • 2015–2017
  • 2018–2023
  • 2023–
B-876 Rachael Hedderwick 2014– Arran (Lamlash)
B-877 Lewisco 2014– Whitstable
B-878 Claire and David Delves 2014– Ramsgate
B-879 Just George 2014– West Mersea
B-880 Martin Frederick Whitehouse 2014– Relief fleet
B-881 Solihull 2015– Hartlepool
B-882 David Bradley 2015– Lymington
B-883 Roy Snewin 2015– Relief fleet
B-884 My Lady Anne 2015– Portishead
B-885 Julia & Angus Wright 2016– Southend-on-Sea
B-886 Peter and Ann Setten 2015– Abersoch
B-887 Jacqueline Saville 2015– Mablethorpe
B-888 Sheila & Dennis Tongue 2015– Sligo Bay
B-889 Elizabeth and Maraget Milligan
  • 2015–2019
  • 2019–2024
  • 2024–
B-890 Gordon and Phil 2016– Youghal
B-891 Renée Sherman 2016– Littlehampton
B-892 John and Janet 2016– Crosshaven
B-893 Mollie and Ivor Dent 2016– Penlee
B-894 Sheila & Dennis Tongue II 2016– Looe
B-895 Irene Cornford 2016– Relief fleet
B-896 Hugh Miles 2016– Aberdovey
B-897 Sheila & Dennis Tongue III 2016– Staithes and Runswick
B-898 Susan Margaret Forsbrey 2017– Relief fleet
B-899 Howard Bell
  • 2017–2023
  • 2024–2025
  • 2025–
[5]

B-900 – B-999

[edit]
Op. No.[a] Name In service[4] Station[b] Comments
B-900 Hello Herbie II 2017– Rye Harbour
B-901 Enid Foster MBE 2017– Relief fleet
B-902 Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV 2018– Loch Ness
B-903 Angus and Muriel Mackay 2017– Helensburgh
B-904 Douglas, Euan and Kay Richards 2017– Carrybridge
B-905 Gladys Hilda Mustoe 2018– Salcombe
B-906 Charles Lucock 2018– Relief Fleet
B-907 Tierney Harvey & Sonny Reid 2018– Harwich
B-908 Annabel E. Jones 2018– Plymouth
B-909
  • Miss Sally Anne (Baggy) II
  • Never Fear, Baggy's Here
 2018– Kinsale [6]
B-910 Rita Daphne Smyth 2018– Baltimore
B-911 Jean Spier 2019– Lough Derg
B-912 John and Jean Lewis 2018– Enniskillen
B-913 Pride of Fred. Olsen
  • 2019
  • 2019
  • 2019–2020
  • 2020–2021
  • 2021–2024
[7]
B-914 Doris Day and Brian 2019– Burnham-on-Sea
B-915 The Missus Barrie 2019– Burry Port
B-916 Robina Nixon Chard 2019– Falmouth
B-917 Jack & Phyl Cleare 2021– Weymouth
B-918 Ted Dawber 2019– Relief Fleet
B-919 Jamie Hunter 2019– Stonehaven
B-920 Tara Scougall 2019– Lough Ree
B-921 Vivacious Atlantic 2019– Relief Fleet
B-922 Jean McIvor 2020– Littlestone-on-Sea
B-923 Patricia Southall 2021– Blyth
B-924 Christine and Raymond Fielding 2021– Union Hall
B-925 John Rowntree 2021– Gt. Yarmouth & Gorleston
B-926 Julie Poole 2021– Relief fleet
B-927 Dylan Rotchell
  • 2021–2023
  • 2023–2025
  • 2025–
B-928 Marjorie Shepherd 2021– Filey
B-929 Paul and Stella Rowsell 2021– Relief fleet
B-930 Colonel Stock 2022– Margate
B-931 Frank C Samworth 2022– Dart [8]
B-932 Pamela Rosemary Dashwood 2022– Relief fleet
B-933 Skipasund 2022– Macduff [9]
B-934 The Spirit of St Helier 2022– St Helier [10]
B-935 Daddy's Girl 2022– Cullercoats
B-936 Uncle Johnny 2023– Newquay [11]
B-937 Florence and Ernest Bowles 2023– Aberystwyth
B-938 Frank Townley 2023– Criccieth
B-939 Penny J II 2023– Minehead [12]
B-940 Penny J 2024– Berwick-upon-Tweed
B-941 Sam and Freda Parkinson 2024– Relief fleet
B-942 Loving You 2025– Cleethorpes
B-943 Harold Hobbs 2024– St Peter Port [13]
B-944 Ruby Robinson 2024– Bangor [14]
B-945 SeaGil 2024– Sunderland
B-946 Spirit of Cooperation 2024– Relief fleet
B-947 Claude and Kath 2024– Teignmouth [15]
B-948 Herietta H 2024– Mudeford [16]
B-949 Ralph 2025– Aldeburgh [5]
B-950 Hounslow Branch 2025– Walmer [17]
B-951 Neil Crowe 2025– Port Erin [18]
B-952 George D Dow tbc (Kirkcudbright)
B-953 Oddfellows - Making Friends, Helping People tbc (Sheringham)
B-954 June Marshall 2025– Arbroath [19]
B-955 Berylium 2025– Newcastle
B-956 Spirit of Daisy 2026– Fowey
B-957 tbc (Ilfracombe) In production
B-958 tbc (Lough Swilly) In production
B-959 tbc (Flamborough) In production
B-960 tbc (Relief fleet)
B-961 tbc (Poole)
B-962 tbc
B-963 tbc (Silloth)
B-964 tbc (Hayling Island)
B-964 tbc (St Bees)
  1. ^ a b Op. No. is the RNLI's operational number of the boat
  2. ^ (Brackets) used to signify that a boat is assigned to a specific station, but isn't yet at that location.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Atlantic 85-class lifeboat

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Atlantic 85-class lifeboat is a (RIB) serving as the primary inshore rescue vessel in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)'s B-class fleet, designed for rapid response operations near shorelines, cliffs, and shallow waters. Measuring 8.44 meters in length and weighing 1.8 tonnes, it is powered by twin 115 horsepower four-stroke Yamaha outboard engines, enabling a top speed of 35 knots and a range of approximately three hours at full speed with its 210-liter fuel capacity. Capable of carrying a of three to four and accommodating up to 20 survivors, the lifeboat features a carbon fiber hull reinforced with a hypalon-coated collar for durability and buoyancy. Developed from pioneering work at in during the 1960s, the Atlantic series traces its origins to experimental rigid inflatable designs created by Desmond Hoare and students, which evolved into the RNLI's first operational , the Atlantic 21, introduced in 1972. The Atlantic 85 represents the third generation of this lineage, succeeding the Atlantic 75 (introduced in 1993) and entering service in 2005 to enhance capabilities for demanding coastal environments. Built at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre in , , these vessels incorporate advanced safety features, including manual righting mechanisms for self-recovery after and inversion-proof engines. Operationally versatile, the Atlantic 85 can launch and recover from beaches or slipways, operate in daylight up to Beaufort force 7 winds and at night up to force 6, and is equipped with night-vision systems, searchlights, flares, oxygen supplies, and stretchers for medical emergencies. As of November 2025, the RNLI fleet includes 135 Atlantic 85 lifeboats, with 105 stationed around the and , five used for training, and 25 in build, repair, or disposal, underscoring their role in the RNLI's commitment to in challenging inshore conditions.

Development and introduction

Origins and design evolution

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboat traces its origins to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) pioneering adoption of rigid inflatable boats () in the early 1970s, when the need for agile, shore-based rescue craft became evident. Initial RIB prototypes were developed and tested at the () in , , in collaboration with RNLI engineers and students, marking a significant shift from traditional displacement hull lifeboats to more maneuverable designs suited for inshore operations. This foundational work led to the introduction of the first-generation B-class lifeboat, the Atlantic 21, in 1972, which revolutionized inshore rescues by offering speed and stability in shallow waters and surf conditions. The class evolved further with the second-generation Atlantic 75 in 1993, which addressed some limitations of the Atlantic 21, such as improved seaworthiness and power, while retaining the compact footprint essential for beach-launched operations. The Atlantic 85 emerged as the third-generation B-class RIB, building directly on these predecessors to enhance the RNLI's inshore fleet capabilities. Key design goals for the Atlantic 85 focused on overcoming the Atlantic 75's constraints in crew accommodation, equipment storage, and space for , without compromising the agility required for rapid response in confined coastal areas. By increasing overall capacity while preserving the RIB's low draft and high maneuverability, the RNLI aimed to support more effective multi-person rescues in challenging inshore environments. Development culminated in the class entering service in , with production transitioning to the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre in , .

Production and entry into service

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboats began production in 2005 at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where the vessels are constructed and maintained in-house. The prototype, B-801 The Drayton Manor, was completed in 2005 before operational deployments began in 2006. Hulls for early units were initially fabricated by external partners such as Souter Marine before full in-house capability was established, with final assembly occurring at the centre. The unit cost for each boat was approximately £320,000 at the time of introduction, reflecting the advanced rigid inflatable design and equipment integration. As of November 2025, 135 units had been completed, with hull numbers following the "B-" prefix and sequential build identifiers starting from B-801 for operational boats. The first Atlantic 85 lifeboats entered service in 2006, with Macduff RNLI station receiving B-804 Lydia Macdonald as the inaugural placement. This marked the beginning of a phased replacement program for the preceding Atlantic 75-class across RNLI stations in the UK and , beginning in 2006 and continuing until the full replacement of the Atlantic 75 fleet in 2022, with priority given to high-demand inshore locations to enhance rapid response capabilities. The rollout evolved from the Atlantic 75 , incorporating expanded capacity for and survivors while maintaining inshore operational focus.

Design and specifications

Hull and structure

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboat measures 8.44 in length, with a beam of 2.85 and a draught of 0.53 , resulting in a displacement of 1.8 tonnes. Its deep-V planing hull form enhances seaworthiness and maneuverability in rough inshore conditions. The hull is constructed from a carbon fibre and core laminate, utilizing an and sandwich layup for strength, , and . The inflatable collar, which provides additional and protection, is made of Hypalon-coated nylon, offering resistance to punctures and . The boat's open deck layout accommodates four positions, with expanded space for survivors compared to the preceding Atlantic 75-class, allowing a total capacity of up to 24 people including crew. is ensured through the twin-tube inflatable collar design, which surrounds the rigid hull and maintains flotation even if damaged in one section. For stability in extreme conditions, the Atlantic 85 incorporates a manually operated self-righting mechanism featuring an inflatable bag mounted on the , enabling the crew to restore the boat to an upright position after a capsize.

Propulsion and performance

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboat is equipped with twin Yamaha 4-cylinder, 4-stroke outboard engines, each producing 115 horsepower and fueled by petrol from a 210-litre tank. These engines are designed to be inversion-proof, automatically shutting down during a capsize to prevent damage and capable of restarting once the vessel rights itself, ensuring reliable operation in demanding conditions. Performance metrics emphasize rapid response for inshore rescues, with a top speed of 35 knots enabling quick arrival at casualty sites. The lifeboat offers an of up to 3 hours at full speed, supported by its efficient and capacity, which allows for effective short-range missions without compromising safety. The planing hull enhances maneuverability, facilitating sharp turns and precise handling in shallow inshore waters, while the overall configuration optimizes for typical rescue durations. This setup makes the Atlantic 85 suitable for operations close to shore, including areas with cliffs and rocks inaccessible to larger vessels, with a theoretical range permitting deployments up to approximately 50 nautical miles offshore based on its speed and .

Equipment and features

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboat is equipped with advanced and communication systems to facilitate precise operations in challenging coastal environments. These include GPS for global positioning, for detecting obstacles and vessels, VHF direction-finding (VDF) capabilities integrated with fitted and hand-held VHF radios for location, an electronic display for route planning, and an system for crew coordination. Additionally, the boat features an (AIS) to track nearby vessels and enhance situational awareness during searches. Safety features on the Atlantic 85 emphasize visibility and rapid response in low-light or adverse conditions. Night-vision equipment allows crews to operate effectively after dark, while a powerful illuminates search areas, and parachute illuminating flares provide overhead lighting for nighttime rescues. For casualty care, the lifeboat carries comprehensive provisions designed for immediate intervention. These include oxygen supplies, a full kit, a responder with essential tools, a multi-purpose pouch, and storage for a to injured individuals. Thermal protection gear, such as blankets and suits, is also onboard to prevent in survivors retrieved from cold waters. Additional operational kit supports versatile scenarios, including parachute flares for signaling and expanded storage compartments that accommodate equipment for four members—compared to three on the preceding Atlantic 75-class—while maintaining capacity for up to 20 survivors. members are provided with integrated foul-weather gear to ensure functionality in rough seas, further aiding environmental adaptations during missions.

Operational service

Capabilities and deployment

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboat functions as a versatile inshore vessel, primarily deployed for operations in inshore waters, typically within 25 nautical miles of the shore, where its rigid inflatable design excels in challenging environments such as surf, harbors, and rivers. Its shallow draft and high agility allow it to navigate shallow waters and perform rapid maneuvers near cliffs and rocky shorelines, making it suitable for immediate response in confined or dynamic coastal settings. Operational weather tolerances for the Atlantic 85 are robust for an inshore craft, permitting service in Beaufort force 7 conditions (winds up to 30-35 knots) during daylight hours and force 6 at night, ensuring reliability in moderate to rough seas typical of and Irish waters. These limits support its role in adverse but not extreme offshore scenarios, with self-righting capabilities enhancing crew safety during capsize risks in high winds or waves. Typical missions encompass person-in-water recoveries, where the boat's speed facilitates quick approaches to ; vessel towing in sheltered or near-shore distress situations; and targeted searches at the base of cliffs or along riverbanks, capitalizing on its stability and low freeboard for survivor transfers. With a top speed of 35 knots and endurance of about three hours, it prioritizes rapid deployment over long-range offshore patrols. In its first 15 years of service from 2005 to 2020, the Atlantic 85 fleet achieved over 23,000 launches, rescuing more than 22,800 people and saving 814 lives, equating to an average of over 1,500 launches annually fleet-wide. Cumulative launches for B-class lifeboats, including the Atlantic 85, reached over 99,000 by July 2025. As of November 2025, the Atlantic 85 serves as the primary inshore lifeboat at 105 stations across the , , and the , forming a core component of the RNLI's network for localized maritime emergencies. With a total fleet of 135 boats including relief and training units, it supports flexible deployment to high-demand areas; recent deliveries in 2025 include new boats to stations such as , , and .

Maintenance and service life

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboats receive routine maintenance at each RNLI station, where dedicated station mechanics perform regular inspections, including annual surveys of the hull, structure, and systems to ensure operational reliability. Engine overhauls and more specialized repairs are supported by the RNLI's Coastal Maintenance Team, which addresses in-depth needs such as propulsion system checks. Bi-annual assessments focus on the inflatable tubes and overall hull integrity, verifying , material condition, and resistance to environmental degradation. Major refits are scheduled at RNLI facilities, including the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in , involving comprehensive overhauls such as engine repowering, electronics upgrades, and structural reinforcements to extend serviceability. These processes, which can last several weeks, require the deployment of temporary boats from the RNLI fleet to maintain coverage at the affected station. Refit activities contribute to the overall through-life costs, estimated at £669,000 per boat over 15 years on-station as of 2023. Designed for a service lifespan of over 16 years with diligent maintenance, Atlantic 85 boats typically operate for 20–25 years in RNLI service, though early examples from the B-800 series—introduced in 2005—are nearing decommissioning as of 2025. End-of-life considerations primarily stem from cumulative wear due to saltwater , UV exposure, and repeated high-speed operations in demanding coastal environments.

Fleet composition

Active fleet

As of November 2025, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) operates 135 Atlantic 85-class lifeboats, encompassing those assigned to stations, the relief fleet, training units, and those in build, repair, or awaiting disposal. Of this total, 106 boats are actively stationed at operational lifeboat stations across the and , providing inshore rescue coverage. The fleet's hull designations span from B-801 to B-957, reflecting continuous production since the class's introduction in 2005. The relief fleet includes 20 Atlantic 85 boats, which are deployed rotationally to cover stations during maintenance, upgrades, or temporary needs, ensuring uninterrupted service. Five additional units serve in the RNLI's training fleet to support crew development and operational readiness. Production remains ongoing at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre in , , with recent deliveries including B-954 June Marshall to in October 2025, replacing a relief boat from 2023. Representative examples of active assignments include B-949 Ralph at Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station, which entered service in early 2025 and has already participated in multiple rescues such as assisting yachts and kayaks. Similarly, B-951 Neil Crowe was dedicated at Port Erin Lifeboat Station in July 2025, succeeding the previous boat Muriel and Leslie upon its retirement. Other stations operating Atlantic 85s include Falmouth, Weymouth, Salcombe, and Appledore, where the boats handle routine inshore operations like vessel tows and person recoveries. Boats in the B-900 to B-999 series, built primarily from 2010 onward, form the bulk of the active fleet, with the most recent additions like B-952 through B-957 either in final production stages or recently delivered by late 2025 to support fleet expansion and replacements. This ongoing build program ensures the class remains a cornerstone of the RNLI's inshore capabilities, with 106 stations equipped overall.

Decommissioned and exported boats

As the Atlantic 85-class lifeboats approach or exceed 20 years of service, the RNLI has begun retiring early examples to introduce modernized variants and manage fleet sustainability. Decommissions typically occur due to the vessels reaching the end of their operational life, often after 15 to 20 years of intensive use, where maintenance and refit costs become uneconomical compared to replacement. By late , at least a handful of boats from the initial production series (B-801 onwards) have been withdrawn, with retirements accelerating as stations transition to the Mk4 upgrade program. Representative examples include B-809 The Two Annes, which served at from 2006 until its retirement in November 2024 after 18 years and over 200 launches, during which it assisted in numerous coastal rescues. Similarly, B-813 Muriel and Leslie was decommissioned at in June 2025 upon reaching the end of its operational life after nearly two decades of service, including critical inshore operations in the . These retirements align with the RNLI's strategy to phase in enhanced Mk4 Atlantic 85s, starting with pilot stations in 2025, to improve performance and crew endurance. Some decommissioned Atlantic 85s have been repurposed or exported to support efforts overseas. In May 2025, the Government, through the Foreign, & Development Office, donated a former RNLI Atlantic 85 rigid-hulled —equipped with twin 115hp Yamaha outboard engines and inversion-proofing for capsize recovery—to the Royal Montserrat Police Service. This vessel enhances Montserrat's maritime security and emergency response capabilities in the , where it continues inshore patrol and rescue duties following specialized training for local officers by an RNLI instructor. Such exports demonstrate the enduring value of the Atlantic 85 design, adapted for international coastal operations beyond the RNLI fleet. Other retired boats may serve as training hulks for crew familiarization or be scrapped if structural fatigue from prolonged exposure to harsh marine environments renders them unsuitable for further use. The first significant wave of Atlantic 85 decommissions began around , with numbers increasing through as the fleet modernizes, ensuring older units contribute to global lifesaving legacies rather than outright disposal where possible.

Variants and upgrades

Mark 1 to Mark 3

The Atlantic 85-class lifeboat entered service in 2005 as the successor to the Atlantic 75, featuring twin 115 hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines and basic navigation and communication . Subsequent iterations, including the and , introduced incremental improvements in reliability, materials, and such as enhanced radar and lighting systems, with the in use as of 2025. These updates maintained the core 8.44-meter design while addressing operational needs in inshore environments.

Mark 4 modernization

In October 2025, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) announced a modernization program for its Atlantic 85-class inshore lifeboats, introducing the Mark 4 variant through retrofitting existing vessels to enhance their suitability for contemporary nearshore rescue operations. This initiative aims to optimize the fleet's effectiveness by addressing evolving coastal activity patterns, such as increased recreational water use, while improving crew safety and operational efficiency; the upgrades are designed to support the RNLI's broader strategy for 2026–2030, focusing on nearshore incidents that account for 98% of responses within 10 nautical miles of the coast based on data from 2017–2022. Key upgrades in the Mark 4 include enhanced and seating configurations to reduce crew fatigue during operations, (WBV) reduction systems for improved comfort and safety in rough conditions, and advanced digital connectivity features such as communication and an integrated lifeboat management system. These modifications build on the robust design of prior variants, maintaining the vessel's top speed of 35 knots and operational capability in up to force 7 winds during daylight or force 6 at night, while enabling faster casualty access through refined handling and communication. The rollout targets an initial allocation to 20 stations as part of the 2026–2027 fleet adjustments, with Lytham St Annes designated as the first to receive a Mark 4 in 2027, followed by others including Hastings, Ilfracombe, Plymouth, and Channel Islands sites such as St Peter Port, St Helier, and St Catherine. Full conversion of the Atlantic 85 fleet is planned within the RNLI's 2026–2030 strategy period, incorporating volunteer feedback to ensure the retrofits align with operational needs. Benefits of the Mark 4 modernization include enhanced response speeds to , better overall support for both and rescued individuals through mitigation and ergonomic improvements, and lower long-term maintenance demands via updated digital systems. These enhancements position the variant as a more versatile tool for inshore rescues, contributing to the RNLI's goal of saving more lives amid shifting coastal demands. As of November 2025, the program remains in the development and planning phase, with retrofit work underway but no operational deliveries completed; initial prototypes have informed the design process, focusing on real-world testing for safety and performance gains.

References

  1. https://rnli.org/what-we-do/lifeboats-and-stations/our-lifeboat-fleet/b-class-lifeboat
  2. https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/timeline/1972-rigid-inflatable-lifeboats
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-13377377
  4. https://rnli.org/what-we-do/lifeboats-and-stations/building-our-lifeboats/inshore-lifeboat-centre
  5. http://sar-lifeboats.co.uk/RNLI_B_800Prod.html
  6. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/5361647/new-arbroath-lifeboat-arrives-at-angus-station/
  7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238190474_SeaKeeping_Characteristics_of_a_Model_RIB_in_Head_Seas
  8. https://rnli.org/magazine/magazine-featured-list/2021/november/how-do-lifeboats-self-right
  9. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/n-the-foreground-shows-the-IB1-and-in-the-background-shows-the-Atlantic-85-RIB-1_fig3_270570389
  10. https://dartlifeboat.org.uk/cmsb/uploads/dart-tales-december-2020.pdf
  11. https://dartlifeboat.org.uk/our-lifeboat.php
  12. https://www.scotsman.com/news/rnli-fast-tracks-stonehaven-lifeboat-station-opening-1581397
  13. https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2025/october/02/lytham-st-annes-first-to-receive-modern-new-inshore-lifeboat
  14. https://www.facebook.com/bbcjersey/posts/the-rnli-said-the-latest-class-of-lifeboat-was-manoeuvrable-and-agile-due-to-it-/1551952855783385/
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  22. https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate-in-memory/launch-a-memory/erics-legend-updates
  23. https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2023/may/11/arbroath-and-broughty-ferry-lifesaving-effect-review
  24. https://rnli.org/-/media/rnli/downloads/lifeboat_trumps_a4_printable.pdf
  25. https://www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk/news/25033183.clacton-rnli-announces-retirement-atlantic-85-lifeboat/
  26. https://www.pecomposites.com/project/rnli-b-class-atlantic-85-inshore-rescue-vessel/
  27. https://www.aldeburghlifeboat.org.uk/2025-launches/
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  29. https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/falmouth-lifeboat-station/falmouth-lifeboats
  30. https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/weymouth-lifeboat-station
  31. https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/salcombe-lifeboat-station
  32. https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/appledore-lifeboat-station
  33. https://powerboatandrib.com/features/rnli-sixty-years-and-counting/
  34. https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2024/november/12/teignmouth-lifeboat-the-two-annes-retires-from-service
  35. https://www.gov.ms/2025/05/26/governors-office-hands-over-patrol-vessel-to-royal-montserrat-police-service/
  36. https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2025/october/02/rnli-evolving-to-meet-lifesaving-demand
  37. https://rnli.org/-/media/rnli/downloads/about_us/our_strategy/one_crew_one_plan_rnli_2026-30.pdf?rev=7d72e4300fe64ab69568b2e2a9b80f5a
  38. https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2025/october/02/rnli-announce-a-new-era-of-lifesaving-in-the-channel-islands
  39. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crl5w8895pwo
  40. https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2025/october/02/rnli-announce-changes-to-its-lifeboat-fleet-in-the-south-west
  41. https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2025/october/01/hastings-rnli-evolving-to-meet-lifesaving-demand
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