The following drawings show the general outline and principal fittings of the different types of Life-boats used in the Institution's service. Figure 1 gives the profile or broadside view. Fig. 2 the " plan " or deck view. Fig. 3 the " body plan," showing the form of transverse vertical sections at regular intervals in the length ; and Fig. 4 the " midship section." The festooned lines on the Fig. 1 profile views represent outside lifelines for men in the water to catch hold. The blackened portion of the keel indicates " iron keel" ballast in distinction from " water ballast" carried in " tanks " or compartments provided in the hold for the purpose, and admitting of being taken in or pumped out at pleasure; both " iron " and " water ballast " are variable and optional in the several boats according to the special circumstances of the different stations and wishes of the coxswains and crews. Water shipped on deck by seas breaking over the boat and otherwise is automatically freed through the holes in the deck and bottom of boat, connected by large pipes called " relieving tubes " having valves called " relieving valves " fitted at the deck, which pass water downwards but not upwards. Some boats, such as the " Norfolk and Suffolk " type, have also freeing scuppers in the sides of boat above deck for the same purpose. Enclosed compartments are automatic- ally ventilated by specially designed valves and pipes. A large proportion of the boats have " centre boards" or " drop-keels" of variable size and weight, which can be used at pleasure and materially add to their -weather qualities.

SELF-RIGHTING TYPE.

6s.

BODY PLAN MIDSHIP SECTION A.—Represents the deck.

S.—Relieving valves for the automatic discharge of water off the deck, G.—Side air-cases above deck.

D.—End air-compartments, usually called "end-boxes," an important) factor in " self-righting." E.—The " wale " or " fender." F.—Iron keel ballast, important in general stability and self-righting.

G.—Water-ballast tanks.

If. —Drop-keels.

Rue«e TYPE Fig.2.

Fig.3.

Fi. 4.

FIG. 1.—Elevation, showing water-ballast tanks, with trunks and the drop-keel.

„ 2.—Plan, showing water-ballast tanks, in dotted lines, and the relieving well.

„ 3.—Body plan. , „ 4.—Midship section. WATSON TYPE BODY PLAN MIDSHIP SECTION.

U/99.

A.—The deck.

B.—Relieving valves for the automatic discharge of water off the deck.

O.—Side air-cases above deck and thwarts.

D.—End air-compartments.

E.—Wale or fender.

F.—Iron keel ballast.

(?.—Water-ballast tanks.

H.—Drop-LIVERPOOL TYPE.

BODY PLAN MIDSHIP SECTION.

A.—The deck.

B.—Relieving valves for automatic discharge of water off the deck.

G.—Side air-cases above deck.

D.—End air-compartments.

E.—Wale or fender.

F.—Iron keel.

G.—Water-ballast tanks.

H.—Drop-keels. CROMER TYPE.

Fig.3.

DECK PLAN.

Fig. 4.

BODY PLAN.

MIDSHIP SECTION.

A.— The deck.

B.—Relieving valves for automatic discharge of water off the deck.

C.—Side air-cases above deck.

E.—Wale or fender.

G.—Water-ballast tanks.NORFOLK & SUFFOLK TYPE Fig.l.

Fig.2.

BODY PLAN MIDSHIP SECTION A.— Deck.

Av—Side deck.

JB.—Relieving valves for the automatic discharge of water off the deck.

E.—Wale or fender.

F.—Iron keel.

6?.—Water-ballast tanks.

H.—Drop-keels.

J._Cable-well.TUBULAR LIFEBOAT.

PLAN.

Fig.4.

MIDSHIP SECTION.

A.—Deck.

K—Wale or fender.

H.—Drop-keel.STEAM LIFE-BOAT.

PROFILE.

Fig. 2.

ng.s.

Fig.4.

BODY PLAN MIDSHIP SECTION.

A.—Cockpit.

a.—Deck.

6.—Propeller hatch.

c.—Relief valves.

B.—Engine room.

G.—Boiler room.

D.—Water-tight compartments.

E.—Coal bunkers.

F.—Capstan.

G.—Hatches to engine and boiler rooms.

S.—Cable reel.

J.—Anchor davit..