The Ramsgate-class motor lifeboat was a special design produced by the RNLI for three stations covering the Thames estuary and required to operate in shallow waters.

Designed at a time when the RNLI was happy to build special boats for the particular needs of individual stations, the Ramsgate-class (named after the first station to operate one) was essentially an amalgam of Norfolk and Suffolk and Watson design principles intended for the shallow waters of the Thames estuary.

All three had long careers at their respective stations but when they were replaced between 1953 and 1955, it was with standard 46ft 9in Watson boats.

The other two boats were substantially redesigned, being six inches (15 cm) longer and powered by two 40 bhp Weyburn built CE4 4-cylinder petrol engines driving twin screws.

The sailing rig was much reduced and the boats had a shelter ahead of the cockpit covering the engine controls.