The Atlantic 85 is one of the new generation of RNLI B-class Atlantic inshore lifeboats, first developed by the RNLI from a design originated at Atlantic College, South Wales.

The hull is made from a carbon fibre and foam core laminate that minimises the internal structure whilst maintaining overall stiffness. The foam is a very tough material that has the ability to absorb and recover from high impact loads such as pounding through waves at speed.

With a crew of four, and two inversion-proof 115hp petrol engines, the lifeboat is capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots, and is fitted with a manually operated righting system which, combined with her inversion proofed engines, allows her to remain operational even after capsize.

At Sunderland the boat is launched from a 6m man-riding davit which lifts the boat from the boathouse into the water.

Equipped with the latest in electronic equipment including radar, a chart plotter and VHF radio direction finding equipment, she has an endurance of 2.5 hours.

Length Overall	8.3 metres
Beam Overall	2.8 metres
Draught (engines raised)	0.5 metres
Draught (engines down)	0.9 metres
Displacement (no crew)	1.8 tonnes
Outboard Engines	2 x 115hp Yamaha (4-stroke)
Top Speed	35 knots
Endurance	2.5 hours
Crew	4