The XP Class lifeboat was originally a commercially available tender and was purchased by the RNLI for use on the larger Trent Class lifeboats. However when it was given to us to try out we found it was an ideal craft for very shallow water work. With the engine tilted it can operate in water depths down to 2 inches allowing it to travel places that even a canoe would find difficult. It can also be carried easily by 3 or 4 people to locations previously thought impossible. With its 10hp Mariner outboard giving a top speed of approximately 24kts it is a highly capable and responsive boat.

The station XP is carried on a purpose built rack on the back of a Ford Ranger crew cab pickup with the engine and all gear stowed in the load bed. This vehicle can get the XP to any launch site within the stations 120 mile "patch" and within approximately 4 minutes of the truck being on scene the XP can be away.