On my way home through Mumbles at 2am and spotted 2 ribs on the back of a big lorry - went back for a look and saw RNLI on side of the cab. On the back were 2 inshore boats - wrapped in clear plastic - couldn't get over just how big diameter the tubes were for the length of boat - SERIOUS buoyancy!!!
Lorry didn't look very bouyant though - suprised to see it was in RNLI colours as well.
....surprised, the RNLI have more money than they know what to do with.
The RNLI use a combination of third party fleet for non-urgent stuff, and their own fleet for a) dangerous goods & b) urgent deliveries - such as relief boats or vital kit.
As a crewmember I'm glad they can ship engines, boats, etc. anywhere in the British Isles in about 24hrs - I'm sure you're glad too as a sea user!
