(See Diagrams on next page.) The following figures show the general form, the nature of the fittings and air-chambers of one of these boats, 33 feet in length and 8 feet in breadth. In figs. 1 and 2, the elevation and deck plans, the general exterior form of the boat is shown with the sheer of gunwale, length of keel, and rake of stem and stern-posts.

The dotted lines of fig. 1 show the position and dimensions of the air-chambers within board, the relieving-tubes, and ballast. In fig. 2, A represents the deck, B the relieving-tubes (6 inches in diameter), c the side air-cases, D the end air-chambers, B ballast, F scuttles to admit of a free current of air under the water-tight deck, o scuttle for air, and to receive pump. In fig. 3, the exterior form of transverse sections, at different distances from stem to stern, is shown. Fig. 4 represents a midship transverse section, A being sections of the side air-cases, B the relieving- tubes, of the same depth as the space between the deck and the boat's floor, o, c, o, o, are spaces beneath the deck, placed longitudinally, at the midship part of the boat, with cases packed with cork, forming a portion of the ballast; d scuttle for ventilation, having a pump fixed in it, by which any leakage beneath the deck can be pumped out by one of the crew whilst afloat. The festooned lines in fig. 1 represent exterior life-lines attached round the entire length of the boat, to which persons in the water may cling till they can be got into the boat; the two central lines are festooned lower than the others, to be used as stirrups, so that a person in the water, by stepping on them, may climb into the boat without assistance.

Fig. 1.

Deck Plan.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

Midship Section.

Body Plan.

This Life-boat possesses in the highest degree all the qualities which it is desirable that a Life-boat should possess:— 1. Great lateral stability, or resistance to upsetting.

2. Speed against a heavy sea.

3. Facility for launching and taking the shore.

4. Immediate self-discharge of any water breaking into her.

5. The important advantage of self-righting if upset.

6. Strength.

7. Stowage room for a large number of passengers..