1959 Osborne Watson 47 Lifeboat for sale in Manchester

Lifeboat Kathleen Mary, now named Katie May. RNLB Kathleen Mary 'ON 950' is a Watson Class lifeboat with a 1979 self-righting conversion. Formally stationed at Newhaven, she was built by Osbourne's yard, Littlehampton, as a gift from an anonymous donor.

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. In 1989 she was stored at Penlee boat house, Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall.

The mahogany and oak hull is a special design, being diagonal 'X' lap double skin with special canvas between, bolted every square millimetre. She is currently lying on the Manchester Ship Canal.