UK lifesaving charity RNLI’s inshore lifeboats tend to go for a refit every 5-7 years depending on use and condition of the boat.

Poole Atlantic 85 is an extremely busy boat and this year alone has launched over 75 times to help those in need. It has recently travelled across to the Inboard Lifeboat Centre at Cowes, Isle of Wight for a full strip down and refit.

ILC supplies and maintains over half of the lifeboats for all of the RNLI’s lifeboat stations, as well as its lifeguard units.

Within the ILC, a team of 70 highly skilled boatbuilders, fitters, electricians and solutionists work to build and maintain up to 50 boats each and every year. This includes inflatable B class and D class lifeboats, and lifeguards’ inshore rescue boats (IRBs).

The technicians work across two buildings, supported by a team of office workers, store persons and apprentices. There’s a dedicated laminating shop, spray booth, machine shop and welding bay, specifically for the creation of the B class Atlantic inflatable lifeboats.

During the refit of the Poole Atlantic 85 boatbuilders will strip the boat back including the console, deck fittings, rebuild all electrical components, prep and paint decks, check engines over and much more.

By Jake Frith