Our pride and joy. Purpose built for the local waters, our two lifeboats have a shallow draft that allows us to go just about anywhere to reach those in need. The Harry Childs has two 330bhp Iveco diesel engines powering the two Castoldi turbo drive water jets, while the more recent John and Violet Hurrell has two 360bhp engines. The boats have a maximum speed of 39 knots and are usually operated with a crew of three (coxswain, radio operator, and linesman) and a capacity for 25 casualties. We usually have one in service and one on overhaul, the cycle repeating itself every six months. That way we can be sure when the engines are needed, they start.