Ex RNLI boats still in RNLI colours,whats your view?

[truebrit]

Recently spotted 2 ex lifeboats in Neyland , looking for all their worth like genuine lifeboats, admittedly one was obviously an Oakley or similar and unlikely to be confused with an in service lifeboat. I thought that when RNLI sold boats off it is a condition that they be repainted in another colour scheme. I admit they look good but may at some time cause unneccesary confusion! The police would take a dim view of one of their ex "cruisers" swanning about up the motorway! definately against the law anyway, and Im sure nobody would buy an ex ambulance and leave it looking like one, yes I know St Johns do OK. Anybody have thoughts on this subject?

 

[hlb]

Dont really care who comes and rescues me. It's first there that counts /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Althorne]

Have to agree with hlb but for different reasons. Part of the 'draw' is because they are distinctive, have a history which people immediately know when seen and they always want to talk to the owners. Many of them also pay for thier running costs or raise money for the rescue services by virtue of being ex-life boats and looking the part. I'm sure owners have a variety of other reasons as well. I was fortunate enough to help on a delivery trip of a watson last summer and it was one of my more memorable trips. And does colour matter?

 

[Wiggo]

I think you are allowed to use a 'similar' scheme, but not identical. So, I think the blue/orange is OK, but you must lose the 'signature' red/yellow stripe, the numbers and the RNLI flag. Quite rightly so, IMHO. Do you know anyone who gets their kicks from pretending to be a lifeboat crew? Why would anyone want to pass themselves off like that? As has been said, the boats are distinctive enough as is. There is probably a case for 'replica' restored historic boats, but nothing that could be confused with a service boat.

 

[TrueBlue]

[ QUOTE ]
I think you are allowed to use a 'similar' scheme, but not identical. So, I think the blue/orange is OK, but you must lose the 'signature' red/yellow stripe, the numbers and the RNLI flag. Quite rightly so, IMHO. Do you know anyone who gets their kicks from pretending to be a lifeboat crew? Why would anyone want to pass themselves off like that? As has been said, the boats are distinctive enough as is. There is probably a case for 'replica' restored historic boats, but nothing that could be confused with a service boat.

[/ QUOTE ]

Damned Bad Form don'tchaknow, just like wearing the wrong sort of flag...

What about all those folks who have redundant Fire Engines, or who dress up in Camo gear with lovingly restored military Land Rovers....

Nobody complains about them.

Just as long as they can't be confused with the Real Thing.

 

[tico]

Mike
'Lord Hurcome' and bugger, I cant remember the other.
The first is owned by David who has restored it inside and out immaculately, including polished brass and copper piping in the engine room. A thouroughly nice guy, often to be found helping in the chandlers.
Also, it's out on the water most weeks all year round.

 

[milltech]

I believe you can use the flag, and I think you also have to have something like "ex" or "former" in the name if you want to keep "RNLB so and so" on the bow.

I'm in genuine RNLI colours from the day she was launched, since she goes back to the days of a white superstructure. Part of the pleasure is keeping them looking like lifeboats. A Rother 37, "The Hampshire Rose" was looking very miserable a couple of year ago when I was first searching, but marina man Geoff Houlgrove got hold of it, looks a real picture now. http://www.nelsonsboats.co.uk/boatdescription.html?BoatID=77
also "The Robert" which was a strange sort of maroon and grey is now looking fantasic and working as a tripper boat in Eastbourne.

If anyone is interested in acquiring an old RNLB go to www.nelsonsboats.co.uk there's a nice list of availables there.

"Baltic Air", (ex. RNLB The Baltic Exchange - Salcombe lifeboat 1962 - 1989)

 

[Mirelle]

What about a baby one?

We bought the Lowestoft boarding boat, still in RNLI colours, and fitted a Yanmar to make her into a 16ft launch.

Repainted, as dark blue is not a kind colour for clinker planking!