C-class lifeboat
A C-class lifeboat usually refers to the Zodiac Grand Raid Mark IVs lifeboats, powered by twin 40 hp outboard motors, manufactured by Zodiac Marine & Pool of France, and which were operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | C-class |
| Builders | Zodiac Marine & Pool, France |
| Operators | Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
| Preceded by | D-class (RFD PB16) |
| Succeeded by | |
| General characteristics | |
| Length | 17 ft 6 in (5.33 m) |
| Beam | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Propulsion | 2 x 40 hp Mariner outboard engines |
| Speed | >26 knots (30 mph) |
| Complement | 4 |
They were initially designated as D-class lifeboats, starting a series of boats numbered from D-500, but this was subsequently changed to C-class, to signify the difference between the twin engine C-class and the single engine D-class.
In 1970, the very first lifeboats to be classed as C-class were twin engine RIBs, which were developed to be the Atlantic series lifeboats, and were re-designated B-Class. C-1 was renumbered as B-3, C-2 became B-4 etc.
The C-class Zodiac Grand Raid IV was replaced by both the D-class (EA16) and the B-class (Atlantic 21) inshore lifeboats.