Osborne Watson 47 Lifeboat

LIFEBOAT KATHLEEN MARY NOW NAMED KATIE MAY. RNLB KATHLEEN MARY: 'ON 950' is a Watson Class with a 1979 self-righting conversion. Formally stationed at Newhaven, she cost 34,500 to build. A gift from an anonymous donor. She was built by Osbourne's yard, Littlehampton. The watson design as proven, later developed the Oakley & Solent class lifeboat.

KATHLEEN MARY was in the reserve fleet until late 1990 and was assigned relief duties around the coast of England. Also, in 1989 she was stored at Penlee boat house, Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall. The mahogany/Oak hull is a special design being diagonal 'X' lap double skin with special canvas between, bolted every sq mm. Lying Manchester Ship Canal - Viewings by appointment.

The lifeboat has two 5LW Gardener 36 diesel uprated 70 BHP engines (installed 1991) of which - just six were assembled. The automatic transmission and 2:1 gearbox allow full ahead to astern. Operational speed is 11-12 knots on one or two engines in all weathers. Diesel fuel consumption at full speed is 4.5 litres per engine every 10 kilometers. Propellers are three blades with a 750mm diameter; located within hull tunnels.

Just cruising, as extra fuel can be carried aft, gives a range of 1600 kilometers on rivers and canals

Bow thruster

10x batteries (2015) 24v Switched Engine alternator and 240 battery charger Shore power & shore power cable Rewire 2013-2016.

Solar panels now assist charge to ships system circuits, which have a spare standby battery set. Also, engine start batteries can be switched over to start either engine. The electrical screen wiper is a 24v belt drive manufactured by Wynn.

Communication is via 12v VHF and 24v three channel seeking VHF radio, with existing 24v LWS and signal direction finding. For legality equipment is upgraded. She has a full fifty-mile radar, auto helm, and Garmin Satalite control.

GROUND TACKLE: The deck items include; two anchors and a storm emergency anchor on a 25mm dia, 124-metre line. Ropes are duplicated and graded for the purpose to suit weather conditions. An 18,250kg pull winch is located with full lights on the foredeck.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT: Gangway Bilge pump Fenders Boathook Engine spares TV Radio CD Clock Barometer New galley equipment Deck lights Winch Cabin charger

Flares 3x manual fire extinguisher Searchlight Horn

At 20,865kg (23 tons), most amenities are fitted for six crew. being a toilet, shower, and full galley with a paraffin cooker, 12v fridge, 24v freezer, sink, and extraction. Heating is via a 24v, 2000w invertor, or a 170L diesel tank to an Eberstpatcher unit. Full storage is available for equipment, food, and clothing.

Wheelhouse: 3.2 x 2.3 m. Timber floor, 2 sprung seats with cupboards under. 0.7 m chart locker with cupboard under. Bench seat with tools locker below. Step down to washroom/WC 6 x 1.2 Cupboards to full height on the same level

2 steps down to Main Cabin 4.2 x 2.5 m

Double bunk at rear 1.93 long x 1.44 wide Cupboards on both sides 2 lockers with shelves above and 2 hanging cupboards. Double bunk made from dining area 2.10 x 1.20 6 with storage areas under. Large bookshelves

Galley area: Sink and small drainer, two-burner cooker, oven and grill, fridge, storage cupboards, drawers.

Engine room with access from the wheelhouse. Easy access to engines for servicing and daily checks

Cabin: Access through the deck hatch down the original ladder. 3.40 x 2.05 at the widest point Two bunks 2.0 x 0.8 m Seats (0.5m) alongside each bunk with storage under both bunks and seats Washroom/WC with cupboards

Cabin heating Headroom: 5'11" - 6'2"

RNLB KATHLEEN MARY: 'ON 950' is a Watson Class with a 1979 self-righting conversion. Formerly stationed at Newhaven, she cost 34,500 to build. A gift from an anonymous donor. She was built by Osbourne's yard, Littlehampton. KATHLEEN MARY was in the reserve fleet until late 1990 and was assigned relief duties around the coast of England. Also, in 1989 she was stored at Penlee boat house, Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall. The mahogany/Oak hull is a special design being diagonal 'X' lap double skin with special canvas between, bolted every sq mm. All top cabin structures, hatches, and doors are aluminium.

After RNLI service, the lifeboat was released but re-named KATIE MAY, and stored at Mashford's boat yard in Plymouth. Then in 2013 transferred via Liverpool to Salford on the Manchester ship canal. Engine maintenance is by Gardener Engineers Manchester, trim by MPE Interiors, and electrical maintenance upgrade by SeaKing; both of Birkenhead. KATY MAY was fully repainted in the late Autumn of 2015.

Mahogany/Oak Hull Aluminium Superstructure Oak/Marine Ply Deck