Lifeboat(1790-1810); Service vessel; Lifeboat; Greathead type

Scale: 1:24. A contemporary full hull model of a Greathead lifeboat, circa 1808, built plank on frame. The hull is double-ended with a distinct curve or sheer in shape and built with clinker planking on heavy wooden frames. It is fitted internally with cork blocks, for additional buoyancy, around the gunwale underneath the thwarts, or seating. It is also fitted with an external cork banding again for buoyancy as well as providing extra protection when coming alongside a casualty.

Being double-ended, it could be rowed in either direction and was pulled by up to ten oars (missing) on thole pins, with a larger single oar (missing) over the stern for steering. It is thought that this model represents the 25 foot version that Henry Greathead produced in 1808 when he was trying to persuade the Navy to adopt them as onboard lifeboats.

Object Details

ID: SLR0561
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model; Plank-on-frame
Display location: Display - Sea Things Gallery
Creator: Unknown
Date made: Circa 1808
People: Greathead, Henry
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 89 mm x 325 mm x 127 mm
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