IN THE AUTUMN issue we published two pictures illustrating lifeboat propeller tunnel construction.

Here to round off the story is a photograph of the same detail in a completed 48' 6" Solent slipway lifeboat. Note the twin spade rudders, well protected by tunnel and skeg against damage when launching or taking the ground in shoal water, or from wreckage. For maximum manoeuvrability the rudders are sited in the full slipstream of the propellers, while the deflected water can escape unimpeded through the skeg aperture; without this opening the rudder action would be nullified.

Note ruffle hole in keel, through which will be rove a securing chain when the boat is housed..