- Name Samuel Fletcher of Manchester
- Wooden Sailing and Pulling Lifeboat
- RNLI Official Number (ON) – ON393
- 36′ Watson Class designed by George Lennox Watson
- The oldest Watson type pulling and sailing lifeboat extent.
- Fourth oldest RNLI lifeboat known to be in existence.
- Over 120 years old.
- Length 36 foot 2 inches
- Breadth 8′ 10″
- Weight 2 tonnes 19 cwt
- 12 oars – 2 banks of six.
- Date of Build – 1896
- Built by Forrestt of Limehouse
- Cost £591
- Hull Construction – Double diagonal planking of Honduras mahogany on a framework of teak ribs and beams
- Stem, stern posts and keel – English oak grown to the required shape to give the lifeboat its strength and sturdiness.
- Launch Method – Carriage Launch
- Date Supplied to Blackpool – 1896 December
- Date Retired from Blackpool – 1930 October
- Other stations served – None
A unique lifeboat. She was designed by Mr G.I Watson specifically to meet the Blackpool Station’s wishes for a light pulling boat. Although she did carry sails as well, to keep her weight down, water proof bags were used instead of air cases. These being inflated by using bellows. Water ballast tanks, which could take on up to a tonne of water when she was afloat, were fitted to keep her stable.
