Custom-Boats Converted Baltimore Class Lifeboat for sale in Suffolk United Kingdom

Wooden Ships Comments on this Converted Baltimore Class Lifeboat

Built by S.E. Saunders of Cowes for the RNLI in 1921, known as the Baltimore Class life boat, a sailing life boat with auxiliary power. Launched as the Frederick and Emma, her first station was Wick where she served until 1939, after which she went to Amble until 1952. During her time in service she saved 98 lives. She is now listed on the National Historic Ships register.

Her previous owner bought the boat in 1965 as a bare hull then fitted her out with the new deck and coachroof arrangement, new engine, rig and interior fit out, she was then used as a live aboard for many years and then as a family yacht, cruising the east coast and taking part in the traditional regattas. Although never at the front of the fleet, she was always there no matter what the weather.

The present owner purchased the boat in 2019 and had various repairs professionally carried out to remedy some minor issues found in their survey. Plans to sail the boat south have been thwarted and she is now being offered for sale once again.

Vessels like this are unusual in their shape and conversion has to be done in a clever way in order to maximise the space available. The previous owner has managed to fit in an enormous cockpit which is very deep and safe, plus an interior with 7 berths and what feels like a lot of space. The deck space is vast as well, despite the large coachroof, with ample room to move around and work the rig from.

The sailing performance is not her strong point, she needs a good wind to get going as expected but will carry her canvas into very heavy weather and will look after her crew through anything. The strength, weight and stability of a vessel like this mean there is more to her than simple speed and performance.

Length on Deck 45′

Beam 12’6″

Draft 3’6″

Gross tonnage 15.26

The below video was filmed in 2017 but shows the layout of deck and down below: