Higgins LCVP (Eureka)

Higgins Industries World War II 1942-1945 $50,000-$200,000

Why it matters

Eisenhower said Andrew Higgins won the war. The LCVP — the Higgins Boat — put American soldiers on every hostile beach from North Africa to Normandy to Okinawa. That drop ramp was revolutionary. Twenty thousand were built, and they changed amphibious warfare forever. Every beach assault in the European and Pacific theaters depended on these boats.

Specifications

Hull Material Plywood
Length 36 ft
Beam 10 ft 10 in
Draft 3 ft aft, 2 ft forward
Weight 18,000 lbs
Engine Gray Marine 225 hp diesel
Engine Type inboard
Horsepower 225 hp
Passengers 36
Production ~20,000 built

Notable Features

  • Drop bow ramp
  • Shallow draft
  • Tunnel drive protection
  • D-Day invasion workhorse

Patina notes

LCVPs were disposable — literally left on beaches after assault waves. Survivors show their combat heritage. The ramps are dented and gouged. The hulls carry the scars of beach landings. Many have been rebuilt multiple times from components of different boats. The patina is the patina of war.

Preservation reality

Perhaps 30-40 LCVPs survive, mostly in museums. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans has several. Private examples exist but require significant maintenance. The plywood construction is vulnerable to rot. Every surviving Higgins Boat is a piece of history worth preserving.

Clubs

  • National WWII Museum
  • American Legion amphibious groups

Events

  • D-Day anniversary events
  • National WWII Museum programs

Sources