The Dory-class lifeboat, also known as a Dell Quay Dory, was one of a group of rigid-hull Inshore lifeboats, developed after the success of the smaller Inshore lifeboats, operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The lifeboats, re-designated as lifeboats in 1972, operated from 1968 to 1985.
History Following the success of the introduction of small fast Inshore lifeboats in 1963, it was quickly seen that a larger class of Inshore boat would bridge the gap between the smaller D-class, and the standard All-weather lifeboats. These boats would have a rigid hull, capable of being moored afloat, and offering the option of being a boarding boat, but still be fast, and easy to launch. The first of these was the lifeboat in 1966.
The following year, what was considered a far superior lifeboat was put into service. The Inshore lifeboat was designed by naval architect J. Allen McLachlan MRINA, partner at longtime yacht and lifeboat designers G. L. Watson & Co. of Glasgow.
However, the RNLI was still evaluating other options for a fast rigid-hull craft, and in 1968, commissioned three commercially available boats from Dell Quay Productions of Itchenor in West Sussex, based on their shallow draught Dory made of GRP.
On 19 August 1968, the lifeboat was demonstrated to the press at Warsash on the River Hamble in Hampshire. It was the first RNLI lifeboat with a GRP hull. However, the was still seen as a superior boat, and no more Dorys were ordered. The boat did find favour at Poole Lifeboat Station, with the shallow draught proving particularly useful in Poole Harbour. The last of the three boats was withdrawn from service at Poole in 1985.
Specification The boats had a strengthened GRP hull for RNLI use, allowing it to be initially fitted with an aluminium steering console, with an option for GRP consoles if production continued.
A solid plywood transom was bonded to the hull, for mounting twin outboard engines. Engines trialled include the 36-hp Volvo-Penta, Mercury or 40-hp Evinrude B12. Twin fuel tanks were fitted under the console. Each engine had a manual start to reduce complication, and separate steering cables allowing the boat to operate on one engine.
One of the major features was the shallow draught, at just or , with engines raised or lowered. The boat had a top speed of and a range of (est.).
In 1972, it was decided to reclassify the 17 and 18-foot boats from Offshore lifeboats to Inshore lifeboats, and their numbers were changed according; 17-001 becoming A-500 etc.
Fleet All of the following fleet details are referenced to the 2026 Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society Handbook, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.
Old Op.No. Op.No. Name BuiltIn service Station Comments17-01A-5001968 1968–1969 Sold in 1974. 1969–1971 1972–1973 17-002A-501Bob Abbott1969 1969–1973 Sold in 1975. 1974–1975 1975–???? Relief fleet1969 1969–1972 Sold in 1985 1972–1975 1975–1985
See also List of RNLI stations List of former RNLI stations Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats
References
External links RNLI Fleet