The Atlantic 75 is the second generation Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), in the B-class series of Inshore lifeboats, that were operated around the shores of the British Isles and the Channel Islands, by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) between 1993 and 2021. This lifeboat was a development of, and gradually replaced, the Atlantic 21-class lifeboat, but have now been superseded by the new Atlantic 85-class lifeboat.

Description

The Atlantic 75 has Hypalon-coated nylon inflatable sponsons. Changing from the grey of the Atlantic 21, all Atlantic 75 sponsons are orange. A conical diaphragm is placed between sections of the sponson, to transfer pressure should damage or leaking occur. The lifeboat has a moulded fibreglass rigid hull, topped with a marine quality plywood deck. The fuel tanks are located under the deck. The crew seats are mounted on a fibreglass centre console. A tubular aluminium roll-bar carries communication aerials for GPS satelite navigation and VHF radio, along with an inflatable airbag for self-righting. The twin Evinrude 70-hp engines were modified at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre at Cowes, to prevent water ingress in case of capsize, and allow restart. A tubular mast is provided to mount navigation lights, and an emergency blue-light. One of the main improvements made to the Atlantic 75 is the addition of a 200 l ballast tank at the front of the boat which enables the boat to launch into larger surf than the Atlantic 21. This ballast tank is filled using a water scoop located between the engines, and keeps the bow of the lifeboat weighed down, allowing higher speeds. All of the following fleet details are referenced to the Lifeboat Enthusiast Society Handbook, published annually, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.

Atlantic 75 Fleet