| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Brooke Marine, Lowestoft |
| Operators |  Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
| Preceded by | Barnett-class |
| Succeeded by | Arun-class |
| Built | 1973–1974 |
| In service | 1974–1997 |
| Planned | 6 |
| Completed | 2 |
| Cancelled | 4 |
| Active | 0 |
| Retired | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Motor lifeboat |
| Displacement | 24–27 tons |
| Length | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Beam | 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | 17.5 knots (20.1 mph) |
| Range | 210 nautical miles (390 km) |
| Crew | 6 |
The Thames-class lifeboat was operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) from its stations around the coasts of the United Kingdom between 1974 and 1997. Six were ordered but only two completed; they have both been sold on to other users.
The class takes its name from the River Thames which flows through London and into the North Sea.