U.S. Army Landing Craft boat to cross the auction block

No dock required with this boat! The Defense Department is auctioning a Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM-8) boat, used exclusively by the U.S. Army, via its online auction site Government Liquidation (www.GovLiquidation.com).

The landing craft, manufactured for the Army by Marinette Marine, was used by amphibious forces to transport cargo, vehicles and troops from assault ships to the beach or pier. No longer needed by the military, but far from unusable in the private sector, they are now being offered by the public; starting bid for each is $25.

The LCM-8 vessel, also known as a Mike Boat, is 74 feet long, 20 feet wide and capable of loading 180 tons—that’s one M60 tank or 200 troops— it has a steel hull and is powered by two Detroit Diesel engines with speeds reaching 12 knots (13.8 mph). This particular landing craft has a bow ramp for on and offload and can operate in very shallow water. LCM-8s have been in service from 1959-present. They were used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war, as well as Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

While this boat can be used for its intended purpose (we like the idea of using it as a cargo carrier, a dive boat, or even as a dinner cruiser), it will need some work to get it back into ship shape. It has not been in active use for the last four years and remains docked in the water.

Bidding for the landing craft begins Monday, Oct. 28, at 12am ET and closes Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 5pm ET.

For more information on the auction including bidding info, photos and video, please visit: http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?auctionId=6765644.

The winning bidder will need to transport the boat off the premises by water. Previews for interested buyers will be held on Oct. 28 by appointment only.