A Tamar class lifeboat is about 16.3 metres (roughly 53 feet) long. It’s one of the RNLI’s larger all-weather lifeboats, a little shorter than the Severn class and noticeably longer than the newer Shannon class.
Tamar class dimensions at a glance
Published figures for the Tamar class are approximately:
| Figure | Approximate value |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.3 m (about 53 ft) |
| Displacement | about 32 tonnes |
| Top speed | about 25 knots |
| Crew | 7 |
| Launch | Slipway or afloat |
| Entered service | mid-2000s (first boat 2005) |
Figures differ slightly between sources and with how they’re measured (for example, overall length versus hull length), so treat them as rounded values.
How the Tamar compares with other RNLI lifeboats
| Class | Approximate length |
|---|---|
| Severn | 17.3 m |
| Tamar | 16.3 m |
| Trent | 14.3 m |
| Shannon | 13.6 m |
| Mersey | 11.6 m |
| Atlantic 85 (inshore) | 8.4 m |
| D class IB1 (inshore) | 5 m |
The Tamar can be launched down a slipway from a boathouse or kept afloat, and it took over from older classes at a number of slipway stations. The Severn is longer but works from a mooring. The Shannon is shorter and lighter, and can be launched from a beach using a tractor-based launch and recovery system.
How long is a Tamar model at different scales?
Model length is the real length divided by the scale:
| Scale | Approximate model length |
|---|---|
| 1:12 | ~1.36 m |
| 1:16 | ~1.02 m |
| 1:20 | ~0.82 m |
| 1:24 | ~0.68 m |
| 1:72 | ~226 mm |
The 1:16 figure matches the Tamar kits on the market. One 1:16 kit is listed at about 1000 x 320 mm finished. See our guide to Tamar class lifeboat model kits for more on those kits.
Why length matters when choosing a model
- Transport. A metre-long model with superstructure and mast needs a car with a decent load space and a padded cradle.
- Weight. Weight rises much faster than length. A 1:12 Tamar is far heavier than a 1:16 one, not just a third bigger.
- Detail. Larger scales make fine fittings easier to build and look more convincing.
- Display space. A shelf or cabinet for a metre-long model takes real planning. See model ship display cases for sizing.
For a full comparison of classes and scales, see our guide to radio controlled lifeboat models. If you’re weighing up the budget too, see how much a Tamar class lifeboat costs.