Storm and Assault Boats

[Gretchen]

Hanno,
I am from Wayzata, MN. I grew up with Minnetonka Boat Works. We too are Looking for any design info. We don't think these plywood boats are just laying around. We are putting together a Boat museum. I read from you that theseStorm boats used a plastic bonded plywood. Do You have any more info? Gretchen

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Gretchen

Hanno,
I am from Wayzata, MN. I grew up with Minnetonka Boat Works. We too are Looking for any design info. We don't think these plywood boats are just laying around. We are putting together a Boat museum. I read from you that these Storm boats used a plastic bonded plywood. Do You have any more info? Gretchen

Hi Gretchen,

I would be amazed if any of the plywood boats would survive for decades, other than being put in long term storage by the armed forces. This is how a number of U.S. M2 Plywood Boats survived, these can be seen in museum and private collections today.

As for the American Storm Boat, other than the info provided here and in the link by David (see below), I don´t have any further info re. the design, manufacture or current whereabouts. Being local, I think you have the best chances to find out more information in local archives and from people who worked at the Minnetonka Boat Works? Also, you should try contacting the the US Army archives.

Sorry, I wish I could be of more help to you.

Regards,
Hanno

Originally Posted by cletrac

Here's a site with some pictures showing some details of storm boats.
http://www.40thengineers.org/storm_boats.htm

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Gretchen

We don't think these plywood boats are just laying around.

Gretchen,

Well it seems in France they do? See http://www.vehicules-militaires.com/...ieds&Itemid=48

Hope this helps,
Hanno

Barque-pont US
01-03-2010
Barque du génie en bois, double coque.
Très bon état.
500 kg environ.
Datée 1953.
500 euros.
Tél.: 0675517099

20100301142708_48381935.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Some more Life Magazine pictures:

boat laden bren carrier

crossing

crossing 2

crossing 3

Attack In Holland: British infantrymen unfold their wood and canvas assault boats and prepare to make a dash across the Wessem Canal under heavy German mortar fire during attack in Holland