Medina Lifeboats

During the 1970s the RNLI developed and built three large rigid inflatable lifeboats, designated the Medina class. Unfortunately, none saw operational service, despite extensive trials and many different configurations of engines.

This volume, the latest in the Design and Development series, looks at the background to the design and how large rigid inflatables were developed, with technical information and details of the extensive trials undertaken around the country, as RNLI designers attempted to produce a serviceable lifeboat. Unfortunately, a suitable engine could not be found, despite considerable work from the design and trials teams.

In the late 1980s the project was abandoned, and the three boats were sold. However, the design was embraced by several foreign lifeboat organisations, notably the two Netherlands lifeboat societies, who now operate large rigid inflatables successfully.

This thoroughly researched volume includes details not only of the RNLI’s development work, but also of the non-UK rigid inflatables, with photographs and technical details.