CONTINUOUSWAVE

Hi everyone,

As many (all) of you surely know, Boston Whalers have been a part of numerous U.S. military actions since Vietnam. If you served in the military and utilized a Boston Whaler during your tour, I'd enjoy hearing your story as I begin to work on the chapter of the book looking at the history of the Commercial Division at Whaler. I want to explore the ways these boats were used and (hopefully) hear a few stories about how they stood up under fire.

If there are any current or former law enforcement officers or fire fighters, please consider this an invitation to tell me about your experiences, as well.

Thanks for any assistance.

Matthew Plunkett

www.thewhalerbook.com

thewhalerbook@gmail.com

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) probably owns well over a hundred Boston Whalers. I refer to the Civil Works side of the Corps not to the many uniformed Corps units serving around the world with combat forces.

USACE uses many small boats to help with maintenance, surveying, law enforcement, regulatory and other day to day work on USACE projects, dams, locks, impoundments, channel maintenance, etc.

The HQ USACE Public Affairs Office at Fort Belvoir, VA may be able to provide more information.

Thanks, Butch. The Army Corps of Engineers never crossed my mind. Great suggestion.

The 16 ft hull was used extensively for Harbor Patrol in Vietnam. And other uses throughout country.
That was Navy Inshore Underwater Warfare Group VN. Army had Danang Harbor.
They had 85 hp Evinrude or Johnson engines, and very low consoles which were constructed on site for the most part. These boats were generally left in the water, and taken out for routine maintenance. This was the first time I saw a boat with lots of holes drilled in the hull to dry. 3 to 4 months in the sun and they were lighter. I cannot say how much.
One was shipped into Cam Rahn with Hydrofoils for tests as a response boat in the harbor. It came with a 55 hp 3 cylinder Evinrude. Navy EOD checked ship hulls, often at night. This boat was wrecked almost instantly before much testing was accomplished. It hit a ship mooring buoy at night. The entire bow and forward foil assembly was wrecked. Those souls on board were damaged also.
I never knew what became of the foils. Possibly they were shipped back to Navy R & D. Possibly they were left behind.
Wish I had pictures of any of these boats, but have not found any.
These boats were called Skimmers, if that will help in your quest.