During the 1960s the RNLI deployed inflatable ILBs at places around the coast where a quick response to increasing numbers of leisure boats and water users could not be made by larger all-weather lifeboats (ALBs) at stations established to serve commercial shipping. Mudeford Quay, at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour, was selected as a suitable place and a small inflatable boat provided. This type of boat could only operate in relatively good conditions and were seldom used in the winter. As their usefulness was proven, some stations received an 'intermediate' ILB which could operate in more severe conditions. As early as 1970, Mudeford was one of the stations used to trial a new Atlantic 21-classrigid-hulled inflatable lifeboat, B-500.[2] Later, a C-class boat was stationed at Mudeford in 1981, a new boathouse being opened for it on 28 June.[3]
In 1988 the crew facilities were improved, and Mudeford received a new type of boat, an Atlantic 21-class (B-529), 18 years after the class had first been trialed.
A new boathouse and crew facilities were opened on 25 October 2003.[3]
Description
The crew facilities are in a two-storey building. This is rendered and has a tile roof; large first floor windows at both ends give views across the water. Adjoining this and at right angles is the boathouse. This is built of timber with large windows along one side that allow visitors to see the lifeboat inside. The roof is metal with large skylights. The boat doors open onto a concrete platform and shallow slipway.
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