A NEW LIFEBOAT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1895, 20 March 1880, Page 3

A NEW LIFEBOAT.

The “Japan Gazette” says—There is on exhibition at the Merchant’s Exchange a model lifeboat, the invention of Captain Frank Dunn, a gentleman who has had considerable nautical experience lately on the coast of Japan. The idea first occurred to him while he was engaged at a wreck on the Japan coast, which occupied several months, and having everything at his command for making practical experiments, he succeeded in demonstrating the success of his invention by building a boat and arranging all the necessary gear, davits, &0., and they stood some severe tests successfully. The model is elliptic shaped, with angle iron frame, with fore-and-aft wooden stringers, giving great strength. The model is designed for a boat 30ft long, 7ft beam, and sft depth, and with everything aboard will weigh two tons. There are twelve water tanks inside, capable of containing 160 gallons, and also seat locker fore and aft, in which provisions, As., can be stowed. On the side are ventilators, in which are ball valves, and there are sufficient skylights to light the interior. The gear, &c., is neat and handy, and can be handled by two men, and from its peculiar construction the boat cannot be capsized or injured in the lowering. A boat of the above size will carry three tons on a draft of 15in, and will carry fifty men comfortably.