• Class – Greathead
• Operational Number – 
• Length – 9.1m
• Beam – 3m
• Displacement – 
• Draught – 
• Speed – 
• Propulsion – Oars (10)
• Range – 
• Complement – 12+
• Survivor Capacity – 
• Cost – £150
• Launches – not known
• Lives saved – not known
• Service Dates – 1803-1814
• Exmouth was one of the original Lifeboat Towns, having its first Lifeboat in 1803, long before the RNLI was formed in 1824In September 1802, the newspaper ‘Exeter Flying Post’ reported that:‘A Humane Public is solicited to subscribe towards the purchase and maintenance of a LIFE BOAT to be kept at Exmouth for the purpose of saving the lives of Mariners in Danger of being Shipwrecked’

  The appeal raised £150, with major donations of £50 coming from Lloyd’s and £30 from Lord Rolle of Bicton.  

  This type of boat was the first to be built specifically for use as a Lifeboat, and was aptly named ‘The Original’.  It was designed and built by Henry Greathead, a pioneering Lifeboat builder from SouthShields, who was awarded £1,200 for his design by Parliament.  31 of his boats were built and saved many lives.  Greathead never took out a patent on his invention and was always willing to share his design for the public good.  

  The Lifeboat was double ended, so could be rowed in either direction. Instead of a rudder, there was a steering oar.  It was lined with a 4 inch thick  layer of cork secured by brass plates, making it very heavy, but adding buoyancy.

  The boat had no name, and was known only as ‘The Lifeboat’.  The crew consisted 12 local men, 10 rowing, one standing to operate the steering oar, and a Coxswain.  

  Both the Lifeboat and boathouse were destroyed in a storm in 1814. 

We have strived to provide the most accurate information about our lifesaving boats. If you have any additional details or insights to share, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us on welly@exmouthlifeboat.org.uk