In the years after the end of the war surviving lifeboats were disposed of by the Air Sea Rescue service. Many were converted to pleasure use with the Royal Air Force Sailing Association in the UK and around Europe. A good number of these were later sold into private use.
The Mark I/IA in particular apparently made yachts which performed well, thanks to their hull form. Some lifeboats were converted into motor boats, like Centipede, a Mark IIA whose restoration is being documented in the Facebook group ‘Airborne Lifeboat Mk IIa restoration’.
Hi Nick, just to add to your attached images. The last two images, firstly the open top one is a MK2, recognizable because of the three rowlock blocks visible on the gunwales. Also she was never converted to 2a spec. The last image the boat was called Flying Cloud and belonged to an uncle of a friend of mine (a long time ago). He’s also a member of Nina’s website.
Thanks Neville. I have updated the page with your information. Nick