An assault boat is a boat used for landing in combat, specifically for inland waters. Their lightweight construction allows for them to be carried by multiple men on foot. They can either be paddled or fitted with an outboard motor for high-speed operation. Some assault boats can be fitted with small firearms such as automatic rifles. Larger assault boats are used in riverine and littoral water where the boat can easily berth in tight spaces and shallow waters. The length of assault boats is usually 5 to 20 meters and they are constructed from rubber, fiberglass, aluminum, or steel.
WWII U.S. military
Assault boats in the U.S. military during World War II were typically used by Combat Engineer Battalions, whose combat engineers deployed and crewed them.NARRATIVE ACCOUNT OF 270TH ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION Period 1 March 1945 - 31 March 1945, accessed 27 September 2018
The Americans deployed two types of assault boats, the "Storm Boat" and the "M2." The "Storm Boat" was an 8-man (6+2 crew) high-speed assault boat with a 55-horsepower outboard motor designed to breach at speed thus allowing the soldiers on board to "storm the shore". The "M2" was a ten-man boat (8+2 crew) that was paddled.
British The British used two types of assault boat: a "storm boat" and a lower performance canvas boat known as "The Goatley boat".
Overview of the differences between British and American Storm and Assault Boats
Assault Boats British Canvas BoatsU.S Plywood Boat, M-2PortabilityCould be carried by four menNot easily portableWater maneuverabilityEasily when loadedEasily when loaded or emptyFragility in transitEasily damaged by rough handlingNot likely to be damagedRepairabilityNot easily repairedEasily repairedPurpose Carrying up to ten menInfantry support rafts and assault boat bridgeAssemblyTwo minute assembly for two men
Storm Boats
a. British Storm Boat. (1) Heavier to carry across the country. (2) Would carry the heavier load (6-pounders or jeep though the latter a top-heavy load). (3) Carried ten men but at a lower speed.
b. American Storm Boat. (1) Carried by 6 men (plus 2 for motor). (2) Would carry up to 1500 lbs with very little reduction in speed. (3) Carried 7 men (above crew) at maximum speed. (4) Was the faster boat; would beach at full speed.
c. Conclusions: (1) For assault crossing of personnel the U.S. boat carried fewer men but got them across the river and in action much faster. (2) For cargo carrying, the British boat carried a greater load but at a slower speed.
See also Landing Craft Rubber Small Landing Craft Rubber Large Rigid Raider Mk 6 Assault Boat Combat Rubber Raiding Craft Goatley boat
References
External links WWII 40th Combat Engineers - Storm Boats WWII 12th Army Engineer Group - "The Rhine Crossing" "National Liberation Museum" of The Netherlands during WWII Engineer Assault Boats in Canadian Service