The Always Ready | National Historic Ships

Registration number 2324

Status Registered

a12admin

Previous names

Alaska 1

Details

Function Service Vessel

Subfunction Lifeboat

Location Gloucester

Vessel type Liverpool Class Lifeboat

Current use Private use

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder White, J Samuel & Co Ltd, Cowes, Isle of Wight

Built in 1933

Hull material Wood

Rig Bermudan

Number of decks 1

Number of masts 2

Propulsion Motor

Number of engines 1

Primary engine type Inboard diesel

Boiler type None

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam

10.00 feet (3.05m)

Depth

2.30 feet (0.70m)

Length: Overall

35.60 feet (10.85m)

History

THE ALWAYS READY is a Liverpool class lifeboat built in 1933 by J Samuel White, Cowes, Isle of Wight. She is of double diagonal construction, mahogany on oak and has a Lister diesel engine model 1PWS4. She was built as the Runswick lifeboat and operated there until 1953. In 1934 the name was changed to ROBERT PATTON THE ALWAYS READY after the loss of the Coxswain in a rescue. Sold out of service in 1954, she became the Sharpness pilot boat until 1978. After several owners she was bought by her present owner in 2007 and has since undergone a major restoration.

Key dates

1933
Liverpool class lifeboat built by J. Samuel White at Cowes, Isle of Wight
1934
Name changed to ROBERT PATTON-THE ALWAYS READY after loss of Coxswain in rescue
1953
Built as Runswick, North Yorkshire lifeboat and operated there for 40 years
1954
Sold out of service becoming the Sharpness pilot boat
1978
Sold and subsquently passed through several owners
2007
Bought by present owner
2007-08
Underwent major restoration with everything except hull and shelter replaced
2010
In use as leisure craft in Gloucester area