ABOVE AND BELOW DECKS, the first prototype of the fast slipway lifeboat (FSB) is gradually taking shape in Fairey Marine's yard at Cowes. With some of the work progress is obvious; other jobs involve perhaps weeks of 'behind the scenes' work by craftsmen of several different trades as each component of the boat, each system, each fitting is gradually put in place. The work must be dovetailed together and comply with a planned programme so that each job can be tackled in the right order and at the time when it can be done best and most easily.

Take the engines. Before they were put in place the stern gear, propellers and rudders were fitted. Then cranes lifted the twin General Motors 8V-71 marine diesels straight into position in the engine room and they were aligned.

Exact alignment of each engine with the shaft which will transmit its power to the propeller's thrust is of the utmost importance and it is scrutinised by the RNLI overseers who maintain a continuous survey of all the work on the boat as it progresses.

The port engine can be seen in place in Figure 1. Each engine weighs 1.669 tons (1,700 kg) and is carried by fore and aft bearers made of fabricated T section mild steel. All fuel tanks had already been built in. The twin main fuel tanks, holding 510 gallons of diesel oil between them, are under the wheelhouse and there is a reserve tank, holding 102 gallons, between the engine bearers at the forward end of the engine room.

Now the engineers are at work in the engine room, in the tiller flat and in the wheelhouse, fitting the associated systems to the engines, the steering gear, the engine controls, the instrumentation, the cabin heating, the demisting system, the window washing system, the wave subduing system . . . and so it goes on . . . .

One recent job which, visually, tookthe FSB a noticeable step forward was the fitting of the after cabin superstructure (see Figs 2 and 3). Prefabricated of aluminium alloy, it was lifted on board and gently lowered into position by crane, fitted to the deck and finally rivetted in place to give a completely watertight joint.

Once the superstructures are in place the boatbuilders, followed by the joiners and the electricians, can begin fitting out the wheelhouse, forecabin and after cabin. First, there is the insulation to be fitted to the boat's side and all round the three cabins and the engine room; then work can begin on the electrics.

So, enter the electricians . . . .

Switchboards, distribution boards and junction boxes will all have been prepared in advance on workbenches away from the boat. Now they are put in place and the boat's wiring and the fixing of switches, plugs and light fittings can all go ahead.

Meanwhile, the joiners are at work on the furniture for the cabins. In the forecabin there will be bench seats for eight survivors with lockers under, a pyrotechnics and general store locker and a minute 'galley'. Platers have already put in the companionways and also the coxswain's instrument console in the wheelhouse (Fig 4). Now, for thewheelhouse, joiners will be constructing the chart table, benches to carry the radios and the engine gauges, bookracks and stowages for essential equipment.

In the after cabin there will be a wooden bench seat for survivors down both sides, and once again each will have a locker underneath.

Many of the hull and the majority of machinery and electrical items for the FSB are purchased and supplied by the RNLI through its depot organisation.

There is regular liaison between the building yard and the RNLI's drawing office in Poole and all the work is carried out in conjunction with RNLI officials to ensure the highest standards in all respects in the finished boat.

(to be continued).