The Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP) or Higgins boat was a landing craft used extensively in World War II. It is capable of landing a limited quantity of personnel, equipment, and/or cargo on the beach. It is normally carried by tank landing ships and is best suited as a carrier for floating dumps. Over 20,000 were built by Higgins Industries and licensees.

The LCVP was devised by Andrew Higgins of Louisiana, based on a design that he had perfected in the 1930s. His Eureka model workboat was intended for use in the shallow swamps and bayous of Louisiana. The boat could operate in 18 inches of water while running over vegetation and debris without any damage. Special design features of the hull kept aerated water under the bow, which reduced friction and swept objects away from the boat. The addition of a bow ramp completed the LCVP.

The LCVP was a small, wooden-hulled craft that could carry a single mortar squad and their equipment. Once loaded, the craft circled in a rendezvous spot a few miles from the shore, waiting for the signal to head in. The shallow-draft boats were made of plywood. Only the ramp on the front was metal. The boat was built tough to survive repeated groundings in the surf. Its shielded propeller enabled the craft to pull free of the beach and turn around in its own length. The LCVP served as a tug, liberty boat, water ambulance, ferry, carrying of troops/vehicle to the beach, and lifeboat during the World War II. It made many D-Day landings possible in both theaters of the conflict.

At Maritime Modelworks, we bring ordinary wood models to life. Each museum quality LCVP model is created step-by-step meticulously. No machines are involved in the process; everything is made by hand. Skilled craftsmen chip away at a piece of mahogany until a boat appears, which is then sanded and puttied. Hand-casted resin and handmade metal parts are also added. Gifted artists paint on the colors and all details, no matter how big or small. Afterwards, clear lacquer is applied for protection. Each model boat is complemented with a handsome display base with brass pedestals and a brass name plate. Products are always double-checked before being delivered to customers in professionally-packaged double-lined boxes with high density foam.