A contemporary builder's full hull model of a Watson motor lifeboat (circa 1925), with cabin, built at a scale of 1:32. The model is built in ‘bread and butter’ fashion and rigged with the sails set. The mast is mounted in a tabernacle and could be lowered when stored in the boathouse. On deck, the model is fully equipped with anchors, towing bollards, steering gear, capstan, binnacle with working compass and spare oars lashed to the rails.

The hulls of these vessels were built of Honduras mahogany throughout, being diagonally planked, in two layers, with oiled calico in between. Its strength and resilience having been proved since the 1870s, this method of construction became standard for wooden lifeboats up until the late 1960s, superseded by the introduction of steel and aluminium. It was this class that introduced better protection for both the crew, with a shelter around the steering position, as well as providing a small cabin in the bow for survivors.