Life-Boat and Life-Saving Service

The power surf-boat has a length of 26 ft., a beam of 7 ft., and is equipped with a 20 h.p. gasolene engine. Like the larger life-boat, this type is also provided with self-bailing features, but is not self-righting. The construction, in general, follows that of the larger boat except that water-tight end compartments and a house over the motor are not fitted. A small water-tight en closure protects the motor from spray and seas. The boat is rather lightly but strongly constructed, and a semi-tunnel and shoe provide protection for the propeller when the boat is grounding. No sails are fitted, but oars and thwarts for the crew are pro vided. This type of boat is used generally at stations where it can be launched into the water on a carriage. It is also issued to the larger coast guard vessels for use as a life-boat.

A third type of life-boat which is generally used is the self bailing pulling surf-boat, 25 ft. 6 in. in length, and weighing about 2,200 lb. This boat has no engine, but is manoeuvred under oars and sails only. The construction is very similar to that of the life-boat and power surf-boat already described, having water tight compartments and deck above the load water line with free ing trunks, which give it the self-bailing feature. Although not self-righting, it can be readily righted by means of righting lines i provided along the sides, which enable the crew easily to roll it right side up, when it quickly clears itself of water through the bailing trunks. It is fitted with a water-ballast tank filled by means of a hand pump, which increases the stability and sailing qualities of the boat. This type of boat is light and handy for use

in launching through the surf directly from the beach, and is an exceptionally able boat when used in rescue work in broken waters. It is generally mounted on a specially built boat-wagon on which it can be quickly transported along the beach to a point abreast of a stranded vessel. Sails and centreboard are embodied in the design, and are very effective when the boat is called to a con siderable distance from the station. This type of boat is also used extensively as a ship's life-boat.

Special Service Boats.

Another type of boat in general use along the New England coast is an open whaleboat commonly known as the Monomoy surf-boat. This boat is neither self-right ing nor self-bailing. It is propelled by oars and sails, and is a very seaworthy craft. A number of stations are supplied with fast motorboats especially designed for law enforcement duties, as distinguished from those here described, of heavier construc tion and less speed, provided for rescue work under adverse con ditions of weather and sea in which the paramount consideration is seaworthiness and reliability of operation. Others, situated in sheltered harbours, where the principal source of danger is from accidents to pleasure craft, are provided with light skiffs or with small motorboats designed more particularly for speed.

(A. T. T.)