Trials of the RNLI's new fast carriage lifeboat FCB2 have proved very encouraging.
Trials of the RNLI’s new fast carriage lifeboat FCB2 have proved very encouraging, although there is some way to go before it becomes the finished article. ‘Effseebee Two’ gave its first public demonstrations during the RNLI Headquarters Open Days at Poole.
The 13.7m boat, powered by twin Caterpillar turbo diesels, is the first RNLI offshore lifeboat to be fitted with water jets, and also the first to use a sidestick controller rather than a conventional wheel.
An RNLI spokesman said that changes were needed to weight distribution to improve trim and handling, but the 25-knot boat was on course for a production version to enter service in 2010.
