Y-class lifeboat

Y-class lifeboat deployed from Severn-class All-weather lifeboat
Class overview
Name	Y-class
Operators	Royal National Lifeboat Institution
General characteristics
Length	3 m (9.8 ft)
Propulsion	1 × 15 hp (11 kW) outboard engine[1]
Speed	25 knots (29 mph; 46 km/h)
Range	Within visual range of ALB
Complement	2

The Y-class lifeboat is a class of small inflatable rescue boat, operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The Y-class is mainly used as a small tender carried on board the larger RNLI All-weather lifeboats. They were originally carried aboard the Arun-class lifeboats, but are now normally found on the Severn-class and Tamar-class lifeboats. They are also used as part of the RNLI's flood rescue team.^[2]

The lifeboat is powered by a single 15-hp outboard engine. It usually carries a crew of two and is primarily used for incidents where the casualty is near or on the shore, and where the larger All-weather lifeboat cannot get close in due to rocks or water depth.^[1][2]

Other small boats operated by the RNLI include the Arancia-class beach rescue boats, the X-class and the XP-class lifeboats.^[3]

Historical fleet information is correct with reference to the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbooks 2004–2024. Latest information is referenced to the 2025 handbook.^[4]

The Y-class lifeboat can be launched from a Severn-class All-weather lifeboat using the integral crane, or manually, depending on the fit-out of the Severn lifeboat.^[1]

On the Tamar-class All-weather lifeboat, the Y-class boat is housed in a built-in recessed chamber, within the stern section of the Tamar-class lifeboat. Access to this inflatable tender is achieved by lifting a section of deck and lowering a transom which doubles as a ramp. This allows the tender to be easily launched and recovered.^[5]