A contemporary full hull model of a Greathead lifeboat, circa 1790, built plank on frame at a scale of 1:12. The hull is double-ended with a distinct curve or sheer in shape and built with clinker planking on heavy wooden frames. It is fitted internally with cork blocks, for additional buoyancy, around the gunwale underneath the thwarts, or seating. It is also fitted with an external cork banding again for buoyancy as well as providing extra protection when coming alongside a casualty.

Being double-ended, it can be rowed in either direction and was pulled by up to 12 oars (missing) on thole pins, with a larger single oar (missing) over the stern for steering. There is a brass plaque fixed to the gangplank on the thwarts, inscribed ‘Presented to the Right Hon Lord Vincent by the inventor and constructor Henry Greathead of So. Shields’. The model was presented by Henry Greathead who was petitioning for a reward as inventor of the lifeboat.

Initially, this boat was a pioneer in the design of the lifeboat and as such over 32 were built, with some being sold to societies abroad. However, because of the heavy and robust nature of construction, it became too heavy to launch and also maintain and so was eventually replaced by lighter and safer designs in the 1840s.