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 since Bill Munson implemented it over 40 years ago. They have held up to the test of time – enduring decades of abuse that would destroy an ordinary vessel.

Our sealed self-bailing decks, watertight compartmentalized hull construction and exclusive Munson Drop-down Bow Door, a Munson Military Vessel will perform above and beyond the call of duty. Munson military vessels are no-nonsense machines that do their jobs extremely well with safety & reliability. Designed from the ground-up to be the best tool for the job, our military vessels are ready for action.

Our clients say it best…

“I am smitten! They are simply wonderful boats and actually thinking about one for my “post Coast Guard life when I retire”

Read Full Testimonial

Model: 30-8 Military

Cameroon, West Africa: Cameroon is blessed with gorgeously calm waters off its 400 km shoreline. But in recent years piracy has descended upon coastal settlements. The Cameroon Special Forces Rapid Intervention Battalion commissioned 9 high speed interception craft to give the pirates a real run for their money. The main deck is equipped with an extended roof T-top, six helm seats mounted on storage lockers and a canvas Bimini top.

Packcat

200 hp x 2

45 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

30 ft (9.1 m)

Beam:

10 ft (3 m)

Hull Type:

Catamaran

Power:

Yamaha 200 hp x2

Propulsion:

Outboard (25" shaft)

Fuel:

120 gallons

Speed:

45 mph, light ship

Model: 30-27 Dive

Portland, OR: This 30' Packcat supports the United States Air Force 304th RQS maritime operations including diving, water jumps, RAMZ jumps, search and rescue, and emergency response. It is capable of operating at night in extreme weather conditions and swift contaminated water. It is also used to support local authorities in the Pacific Northwest's disaster preparedness plans. Emergency equipment includes a roof mounted stretcher, defibrillators, generator, and first aid supply lockers.

Packcat

250 hp x 2

48 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

30 ft (9.1 m)

Beam:

10 ft (3 m)

Hull Type:

Catamaran

Power:

Yamaha 250 hp x2

Propulsion:

Outboard (30" shaft)

Fuel:

150 gallons

Speed:

48 mph, light ship

Model: 32-16 Military

Franklin, LA: As a response to military requirements, Munson and Marine Turbine Technologies designed this S.E.A.L delivery craft for stealth personnel and heavy transport. The MTT 650 hp turbines were mated to Mercury Speed master stern drives to deliver Special Forces submersibles at 50 mph. Turbine power was chosen to satisfy the Navy requirement that all equipment aboard military ships must transition from gasoline (a more volatile fuel than diesel)

Packman

650 hp x 2

50 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

32 ft (9.75 m)

Beam:

12 ft (3.6 m)

Hull Type:

Mono hull

Power:

Turbine 650 hp x 2

Propulsion:

Mercury Speedmaster Sterndrives

Fuel:

250 gallons

Speed:

50 mph, light ship

Model: 34-17 Military

Seattle, WA: The U.S. Coast Guard Icebreakers Healy, Polar Sea and Polar Star operate four "LCVP" (Landing Craft Vehicle - Personnel) as tenders and research platforms during polar exploration missions. An extensive shore power system supplies engine block heaters and AC heating units installed in the engine room and wheelhouse. This "life support" system ensures that the LCVP is always ready for immediate deployment in arctic conditions.

Packman

230 hp x 2

43 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

34 ft (10.5 m)

Beam:

12 ft (3.6 m)

Hull Type:

Mono hull

Power:

Volvo KAD43 230 hp x 2

Propulsion:

Volvo Duoprop sterndrive

Fuel:

250 gallons

Speed:

43 mph, light ship

Model: 34-18 Military

Seattle, WA: The Arctic Survey Boat, or ASB, is a small boat carried on the Polar Class icebreaker CGC Healy. During the 2010 summer mission the ASB was frequently used by NASA researchers to collect optical information in the undisturbed water away from the ship. The ASB is able to support a crew of nine for up to 18 hours in extreme artic conditions thanks to diesel cabin heat, a small galley and a large workstation for lab equipment.

Packman

230 hp x 2

43 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

34 ft (10.5 m)

Beam:

12 ft (3.6 m)

Hull Type:

Mono hull

Power:

Volvo KAD43 230 hp x 2

Propulsion:

Volvo Duoprop sterndrive

Fuel:

250 gallons

Speed:

43 mph, light ship

Model: 34-30 Military

Middle East: These 34’ military landing craft incorporate a 23’ long cargo deck with removable seating for 20 troops, rubber deck matting and side doors for diving operations. Additional outfitting includes two Shockwave G-Force shock mitigating seats, deck crane, tow post, tow line reel, motor guard, and lifting eyes. Electronics include a Garmin GPS, depth sounder, loud hailer, VHF and battery charger. Twin 225 HP outboards provide a 25 knot top speed with 6000 lb payload.

Packman

225 hp x 2

41 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

34 ft (10.5 m)

Beam:

12 ft (3.6 m)

Hull Type:

Mono hull

Power:

Honda 225 hp x 2

Propulsion:

Outboard (30" shaft)

Fuel:

150 gallons

Speed:

41 mph, light ship

Model: 35-17 Military

Albany, New York: The New York Naval Militia is the naval component of the New York State defense forces. As part of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the Naval Militia complements the Army and Air National Guard programs. Their new 35’ Munson Packcat is equipped with twin Mercury 250HP engines, widely spaced on the transom for increased maneuverability. The vessel is designed to carry up to 3 tons of cargo or personnel. With a 7.5’ wide bow door, it can embark a skid-steer, gator, or other types of vehicles.

Packcat

250 hp x 2

41 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

35 ft (10.6 m)

Beam:

12 ft (3.6 m)

Hull Type:

Catamaran

Power:

Mercury Optimax 250 hp x2

Propulsion:

Outboard (30” shaft)

Fuel:

300 gallons

Speed:

41 mph, light ship

Model: 36-13 Military

Patrick Air Force Base, FL: The 308^th Rescue Squadron consists of Combat Rescue Officers and enlisted Pararescuemen, known as PJs. They selected this 36’ Packcat to provide water rescue capabilities to recover downed aircrew as well as provide humanitarian and disaster relief activities. Outfitting includes a 1000 lb. lifting davit, tow post, engine guard, dive bottle rack, dive ladder and anchor windlass. Electronics include a Garmin 16” touchscreen with 18” radome, Flir M Series thermal imaging camera, and VHF with hailer horn. A 12V Warn winch was installed on the front of the console to assist in pulling objects on board via the bow door.

Packcat

400 hp x 2

54 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

36 ft (11 m)

Beam:

10 ft (3 m)

Hull Type:

Catamaran

Power:

Mercury 400 hp x 2

Propulsion:

Outboard (30" shaft)

Fuel:

250 gallons

Speed:

54 mph, light ship

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.

Chinook

225 hp x 3

43 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

38 ft (11.5 m)

Beam:

13 ft (3.9 m)

Hull Type:

Chinook

Power:

Honda 225 hp x 3

Propulsion:

Outboard

Fuel:

280 gallons

Speed:

43 mph, light ship

Model: 44-1 Utility

Cameroon, West Africa: The Cameroon Special Forces Rapid Intervention Battalion is responsible for border protection and the defense of public petroleum interests on the Bakassi peninsula. They operate a Munson as a logistical support craft. A lengthened bow door was installed for the loading of an 8-ton military vehicle. A Palfinger hydraulic telescoping boom crane and auxiliary fuel transfer tanks assist the unit in routine operations.

Packman

350 hp x 2

40 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

44 ft (13.4 m)

Beam:

14 ft (4.25 m)

Hull Type:

Mono hull

Power:

Yamaha 350 hp x2

Propulsion:

Outboard (30" shaft)

Fuel:

300 gallons

Speed:

40 mph, light ship

Model: 52-1 Military

Mediterranean Sea: This Special Forces transport craft is designed to pack 7 tons at 30 knots and built to ABS Classification. Primary duties include the transport of armored personnel carriers, troops, and gear. Outfitting includes a 26" side door an 8 Kw generator, tinted wheelhouse windows, dual wheelhouse air conditioners, bow and stern anchor windlasses and removable foredeck storage lockers.

Packman

660 hp x 2

43 mph

Specifications

Hull Length:

52 ft (15.8 m)

Beam:

16 ft (4.9 m)

Hull Type:

Mono hull

Power:

Caterpillar C12 660 HP x2

Propulsion:

Hamilton 364 water jet

Fuel:

450 gallons

Speed:

43 mph, light ship

Our clients say it best…

“I am stationed aboard the USCGC HEALY and have had the pleasure of operating two of the Packman LCVPs during the past year and a half. I am smitten! They are simply wonderful boats and actually thinking about one for my “post Coast Guard life when I retire”. Thank you very much for your assistance and for these marvelous boats. I personally enjoy driving them over anything else I’ve had the opportunity to operate during my 21 years in the ‘Guard.”

BM1 Elsa
USCGC HEALY (WAGB-20)