Keep It Simple, Stupid
Bill Munson was introduced to the K.I.S.S. principle while serving in the US Navy on welded aluminum Swift boats in Vietnam. K.I.S.S. is a design principle first noted by the US Navy in 1960, stating that simplicity should be a key goal in design and unnecessary complexity should be avoided. This same principle has been followed at Munson Boats for 40 years and is evident in our 38’ Series. Our 38’ Series have held up to the test of time enduring decades of abuse that would destroy most boats.
Our belief in the K.I.S.S. principle is as strong today as it was 40 years ago. We believe perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. When fancy shit breaks on a boat, it can cost lives. Munson Boats are relied upon to save lives by first responders, law enforcement and military personnel across the globe.
Our clients say it best…
” The 38′ Alaskan Hunter is a superbly functioning vessel that meets our needs for an additional vessel for our Alaskan fishing, hunting and vehicle transportation operation.”
Model: 38-29 Fire
San Diego, CA: San Diego Lifeguards are one of the largest professional lifeguard services in the United States. They are responsible for all fire, medical, and emergency services for 17 miles of coastline extending 3 miles offshore. This 38’ Munson Packcat Type IV fireboat was selected by the Lifeguards to enable quick response to waterborne emergencies. The cabin is equipped with four SHOX suspension seats, EMS bench with integrated SCBA bottle rack, refrigerator, head compartment and fresh water wash down. The main deck is outfitted with 3 dive ladders, side dive door, SCUBA tank racks, tow post, and heavy duty non-skid. A Hale 3000 GPM diesel fire pump with 50 gallon foam tank can supply 3,000 gallons per minute to the TFT electric roof monitor and twin bow monitors. Quad Yamaha 250 outboards are controlled with SeaStar’s Optimus 360 joystick controls which provides automated station holding and precise maneuvering at low speeds.
Specifications
Model: 38-28 OSR
Burnaby, BC: Western Canada Marine Spill Response Corporation operates a small fleet of Munson Boats, including four of these 38’ catamarans. Outfitting includes a heated cabin, pilot & co-pilot suspension seats, head compartment, tow post, engine guard, boom pen, davit with 12V windlass, port & starboard side doors and Raymarine radar/plotter/sounder with AIS.
Specifications
Model: 38-27 Sport
Kodiak, AK: Kodiak is the main city on Kodiak Island, and all commercial transportation between the island's communities and the outside world goes through this city. This 38’ Munson landing craft was built to transport equipment and supplies to remote properties in the area. Outfitting includes a side boarding door, lifting davit, 12v anchor windlass, diesel fired forced air heater, LED flood lights and Garmin navigation suite.
Specifications
Model: 38-26 Tender
Cyprus: This 38’ Munson Yacht Tender lives aboard an 130m super yacht and is used to ferry cargo and personnel to exotic ports of call around the world. Outfitting includes an enclosed wheelhouse with air conditioner, bench seating for eight passengers, Maxilift M230 Deck crane, port and starboard side boarding doors, tow post, bow and stern anchor pulpits, tie down pockets, four point lifting system, hydraulic bow door, flip up deck seats, dive bottle rack and Raymarine navigation suite.
Specifications
Model: 38-25 Research
Port Isabel, TX: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley selected this 38’ Munson for their School of Marine Science. A Maxilift telescoping crane and multiple lifting davits are used to deploy and retrieve research equipment 100+ miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. Other outfitting includes a side dive door with ladder, USM (Universal Sonar Mount), Onan 17kw diesel generator with hydraulic PTO, hydraulic deck winch and fresh water washdown system. The cabin includes air conditioning, head compartment, refrigerator and four person settee. Electronics include a Garmin 7612 radar/plotter/sounder with AIS and Mercury joystick piloting system with digital anchor.
Specifications
Model: 38-24 Dive
San Diego, CA: The Port of San Diego manages 34 miles of waterfront spanning five cities, including two cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals and 22 public parks. The port district selected this 38’ Munson for use as a dive/utility boat. Dive ladders are located on the bow, stern and sides of the vessel. The large walk around cabin includes dual roof top air conditioners, seating for six, head compartment and galley with microwave, refrigerator and sink. Hot water shower wands were installed on the bow and stern for rinsing divers and gear.
Specifications
Model: 38-23 Utility
Chatham, MA: Monomoy Island is a remote, 8-mile-long spit extending southwest from Cape Cod that is only accessed by boat. The US Fish and Wildlife Service selected this 38' Munson to transport personnel, full size vehicles, skid-steer loaders and ATV's. The vessel is USCG Certified for 20 passengers providing sightseeing tours for school field trips and tourists. Outfitting includes flip up deck seats, cabin heater, flood lights, tow post, side door, dive ladder and trailer.
Specifications
Model: 38-22 Fire
Tampa, FL: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, located in west-central Florida, protects approximately 250 square miles of water. Included in this response area is Port Tampa Bay, the largest and most industrial port in Florida. HCFR’s new 38’ Munson Packcat Type IV fireboat provides Fire Suppression, CBRNE Detection, and Emergency Medical Services to the Tampa Bay Maritime Community. Quad 250hp Yamaha outboards ensure a quick response to emergencies on the area’s vast waterways. The Duramax Diesel/Hale firepump will pump over 3,000 gallons per minute to the TFT electric roof monitor and twin Akron Brass bow monitors. The boat is also equipped with a Cummins/Onan 7.5 kw generator and two Dometic roof mounted air conditioners. Steering is accomplished thru SeaStar’s Optimus 360 joystick controls which provides automated station holding and precise maneuvering at low speeds. The cabin is well outfitted with a Pilot Station, Fire Control Station, Command/Control Station, EMS Bench, and a Head Compartment.
Specifications
Model: 38-21 Utility
Bahamas: Children’s Bay Cay is part of the pristine Exuma National park in the Bahamas. This 38’ Munson is used to transport supplies, personnel, and equipment to the environmentally friendly resort located on the island. Outfitting includes a fully enclosed wheelhouse, full length cargo tie down rails, search light and flood lights. Twin Yamaha 250 outboard motors are installed on hydraulic jack plates for shallow water operation.
Specifications
Model: 38-20 Tender
Abu Dhabi, UAE: This 38’ Munson is used as a tender for a superyacht in the Middle East. Its multifunctional design serves to transport personnel and vehicles as well as diving excursions away from the mothership. The air-conditioned cabin includes seating for 10 persons. Additional outfitting includes four-point lifting eyes, port and starboard side dive doors, bow and stern dive ladders, dive bottle racks, push knees, tow post, anchor windlass and Hamilton Jet Blue Arrow MouseBoat maneuvering controller.
Specifications
Model: 38-19 Sport
Key Largo, FL: This 38’ Munson is used as a private sports boat in Southern Florida. The 12’6” long walk around cabin is outfitted with seating for 6 passengers, galley with sink, stove and refrigerator, head compartment with shower, air conditioning, and Garmin 7616 radar/plotter/sounder. Additional outfitting includes a 5kw generator, tow post, engine guard, rod holders, anchor windlass, side dive doors, davit and washdown pump.
Specifications
Model: 38-18 Research
Yellowstone Lake, WY: Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration uses their 38’ Munson to explore the depths of Yellowstone Lake, a large volcanic crater. The lake bottom contains hydrothermal vents with microbes and geology that are similar to what is found in the deep ocean. The 2-ton deck crane is used to deploy an underwater robot with sampling and filming capabilities for studying this extremely unique environment. The cabin is outfitted with a large workstation, head, air conditioning, and CPU rack. Twin Hamilton Jets with Blue Arrow controls and JET Anchor provides station keeping to set a single GPS point mooring for hands free operations while conducting deep water research.
Specifications
Model: 38-17 Utility
Anchorage, Alaska: Hamilton Construction Company specializes in large scale projects over bodies of water, such as highway bridges and railroad trestles. Their 38’ Munson is outfitted with a tow post, engine guard, push knees, side door, lifting eyes, davit, anchor windlass and canister life raft. The cabin is outfitted with seating for 8 passengers, head, forced air heater, and galley with sink, stove & refrigerator.
Specifications
Model: 38-16 Military
Middle East: These Munson 38’s are used as military search & rescue craft. Outfitting includes 8’ wide side doors, lifting davit, rubber deck matting, 10kW generator, anchor windlass, lifting eyes, tow post, and motor guard. The air conditioned cabin incorporates seating for five persons, fresh water system, two refrigerator lockers, Furuno NavNet radar, plotter, sounder, loud hailer, and VHF. Triple 225 HP outboards provide a 35 knot top speed with 5000 lb payload.
Specifications
Model: 38-15 Patrol
Anacortes, WA: Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife uses their 38’ Munson as a patrol vessel on Puget Sound. It is also called upon to respond during severe weather to perform search & rescue duties. Outfitting includes an aft helm station, bow thruster, davit with 12” Hydroslave, in-deck fish holds, washdown pump, side boarding doors and dive ladder. Cabin accommodations include a galley, dinette table, Webatso AT5500 heater, and cuddy cabin with head compartment. Electronics include Furuno TZT-14 MFD displays at the pilot & co-pilot stations, auto pilot, EAIS, VHF, CB radio, loudhailer, police radio with siren, cell phone antenna, and Flir M-618CS gyro stabilized thermal night vision camera.
Specifications
Model: 38-14 OSR
El Segundo, CA: The Chevron El Segundo Refinery is the largest refinery on the West Coast. Its Offshore Marine Terminal is located 1.5 miles from land and is connected via underwater pipelines. The M/V Walt K is a dedicated oil spill response vessel responsible for protecting beaches and wildlife. A Lamor LPP6 HA/75C diesel power pack provides power for running oil skimmers and equipment. Two 4' x 6' under deck holds are installed on the foredeck for storage of equipment. The elevated cabin is outfitted with seating for 4 passengers. Additional outfitting includes a MaxiLift 110 telescoping boom crane and port & starboard side dive doors.
Specifications
Model: 38-13 Utility
Seattle, WA: The 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington is the longest floating bridge in the world carrying over 115,000 vehicles each day. Washington State DOT uses their 38' Munson as a multipurpose workboat for pushing & towing barges, transporting work crews and dive inspections. The walk around cabin is outfitted with seating for 10 passengers, head compartment, galley and heating & air conditioning. An Onan 11.5 kW diesel generator provides AC power.
Specifications
Model: 38-12 Fire
Friday Harbor, WA: San Juan County consists of 172 islands with over 300 miles of shoreline and is the only county in Washington not to have state highways. San Juan County First Responders required an all-weather, fast response, day/night patrol vessel capable of performing missions of up to 10 hours. This multi-purpose vessel serves Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS agencies and provide adequate space for the Sheriff's Office Dive or Tactical Teams. The cabin allows for protected transport of a stretcher bound patient and EMS gear. Additional outfitting includes a Hale 1500 GPM fire pump with bow and stern discharges, Flir night vision camera, head compartment, galley, 5kW generator, and seating for 10 persons.
Specifications
Model: 38-11 Water Taxi
Bridgeport, CT: The City of Bridgeport operates the M/V Lewis Howard Latimer to service Pleasure Beach, a barrier beach that was abandoned in the late 1990's after a fire on the bridge that connected it to the mainland. This US Coast Guard certified passenger vessel is outfitted with wheelchair accessible side doors, air conditioned cabin with seating for 20, Furuno NavNet electronics, and 12V bow thruster for tight quarter maneuvering.
Specifications
Model: 38-10 Utility
Snow Island, ME: M/V Snow's Haul services a private island estate in Quahog Bay on coast of Maine. The vessel will be used to transport heavy equipment, vehicles, building materials and passengers. It is also used as dive boat and includes dive bottle racks, side boarding door and dive ladder. The cabin is thermally insulated and includes a forced air diesel cabin heater for year round operations.
Specifications
Model: 38-9 Patrol
Stockton, CA: The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Boating Safety Unit operates 365 days a year, providing law enforcement services to residents living on the 700+ miles of rivers and waterways. Their Munson features a 2250 GPM Fire pump system with a Scorpion joystick controlled roof monitor, twin 2.5" stinger discharges and dewatering intakes at each corner. A RAID S2 Toxin Sniffer and FLIR night vision camera are located at the co-pilot station.
Specifications
Model: 38-7 Utility
Grand Lake, OK: The Grand River Dam Authority operates two Munson Boats, including this 38’ Packcat. Special outfitting includes a Maxilift 230 hydraulic deck crane and Darley 500 GPM fire pump with bow monitor and hose discharges. The cabin includes a Webatso heater, rooftop air conditioner and seating for 6 persons. Twin Mercury 300 outboards are installed on hydraulic jack plates for shallow water operations.
Specifications
Model: 38-3 Utility
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Fort Island lies in the mouth of the North Sea 20 minutes from Amsterdam. It was built in 1885 to defend against unfriendly warships. PBN Sport and Adventure hosts events and tours of the island to visitors. The M/V Fortwachter is used to transport groups of 40 or less and material to the island. A bow thruster was installed to assist in docking in fast currents and the bow door sports folding ramps to accommodate wheeled cargo.
Specifications
Model: 38-2 Utility
Wilmington, NC: The M/V Zulu Chief was built to transport large cargo and crews to remote worksites on the Carolina Coast. During the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill it established itself as the "go to" vessel in the region by transporting cleanup crews and containment booms to near shore and offshore spill zones. The walk-thru wheelhouse features a galley cabinet with sink, stove and refrigerator. A convertible settee offers sleeping for two and a concealed porti potti.
Specifications
Model: 38-1 Patrol
Lake Havasu, AZ: The Mohave County Sheriff's Office is the primary enforcement agency on the Arizona side of Lake Havasu and has boats stationed on the lower Colorado River and Lake Mead as well. Their Lake Havasu command vessel operates during search and rescue dive missions and standard enforcement patrols. It features a fly bridge that provides excellent visibility during search and rescue operations. The wheelhouse offers a four person settee, galley cabinet and glare-resistant window tint.
Specifications
Our clients say it best…
“Just a quick note to express my appreciation for a fine vessel from your organization. You and your foreman, Jon Wise, have been very helpful and cooperative in working with me during the design, construction, sea trials, and any warranty coverage. The 38′ Alaskan Hunter is a superbly functioning vessel that meets our needs for an additional vessel for our Alaskan fishing, hunting and vehicle transportation operation. We are particularly impressed with its operation in rough sea conditions. Keep up the good work.”
Jimmie – Master Guide & Outfitter
Gustavus, Alaska