Previous names
- 1969 - 1985 RNLB Ernest William and Elizabeth Ellen Hinde
Details
Construction
Dimensions
History
A unique Nelson 40 - designed by T T Boat Designs. GRP hull was moulded by Halmatic and the rest of the build was done by Keith, Nelson and Company at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. The RNLI took delivery of her in 1969 - and she was in fact a floating test bed. O.N.1017 and Operational No. 40-001. With the RNLI she was named RNLB ERNEST WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH HINDE. She was the Calshott station boat until 1985 saving 88 souls. The hull was already a well-proven design and already in use with amongst others - Trinity House as pilot cutters.
This build, for the RNLI, was called a T.S. Rescue Launch but was discontinued in favour of self righting boats.The superstructure was of marine ply with a narrow forecabin with a large open bridge deck and a sunken aft cockpit - with all deck rails fitted inboard. From 1985 she underwent an extensive rolling refit with her new owners - so turning her into a comfortable motor cruiser.
She was purchased by her current owners in December 2024 and underwent recommissioning to a high standard after being laid up for 3 years on the water.
Key dates
- 1969-01-01 Sent for RNLI evaluation trials at Sheerness
- 1970-01-01 Served as the Calshot Lifeboat Station lifeboat
- 1976-01-10 Crew members received RNLI Bronze Medals for a challenging rescue in Ashlett Creek during a Gale Force 8-9
- 1985-01-01 Retired from the RNLI, purchased by a family and an extensive refurbishment undertaken in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
- 2024-12-10 Purchased by current owners and transported to West Yorkshire
- 2026-03-30 Craned back on to the water following 15 months of recommissioning works and enjoying a new lease of life
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk