Vietnamese River Deltas

Speed, maneuverability, and fiberglass in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

The PBR (Patrol Boat, River), known affectionately as the 'Pibber,' was the United States Navy's primary small rigid-hulled patrol craft deployed during the Vietnam War from March 1966 until 1975. Designed for shallow, weed-choked rivers like those in the Mekong Delta and Rung Sat Special Zone, these fiberglass boats featured a unique water-jet drive that allowed them to stop from full speed in just a few boat lengths or turn within their own length. Deployed as part of Task Force 116, the force grew to 250 vessels, serving as the most common craft for stopping and searching river traffic to disrupt enemy weapon shipments.

Quick Facts

Region: Vietnam (Mekong Delta, Rung Sat Special Zone, Saigon River, I Corps)
Terrain type: Shallow, weed-choked rivers; delta environments
Primary threats: Enemy soldiers on boats and shore, weapon shipments
Era depicted: March 1966 to 1972 (US service); continued use by Vietnam People's Navy until 1975

Lore & Background

Development began after a January 1965 report from the Naval Advisory Group called for more effective riverine warfare forces. Existing French patrol craft were deemed unsuitable against heavy Vietcong presence. The first prototype was designed by Willis Slane and Jack Hargrave of Hatteras Yachts Co., ready in 90 days based on an existing sporting hull, featuring supercharged Daytona diesel engines and a 30.5-knot speed. However, the Navy awarded a contract to Uniflite for construction after trials revealed issues with the Hatteras prototype's incomplete nature. On November 29, 1965, Uniflite received an order for 140 PBRs, stipulating 120 hulls by April 1, 1966. The first Mark I came off the line on December 21, 1965, with the first 11 delivered to Cần Thơ on March 21, 1966.

Reader's Guide

The PBR drew only 2 feet of water fully loaded, powered by dual 220 horsepower Detroit Diesel 6V53N engines and Jacuzzi Brothers 14YJ water-jet drives, reaching top speeds of 25–31 knots depending on the load. A field modification removing armor from PBR 105 reportedly allowed it to hit 35 knots. Armament was heavy for its size: twin forward M2HB .50 caliber machine guns in a rotating shielded tub, a single rear M2HB, one or two side-mounted M60s, and a Mk 18 grenade launcher. Some featured a 'piggyback' arrangement with a .50 cal atop an 81mm mortar or a bow-mounted Mk16 Mod 4 Colt 20 mm cannon. Protection was minimal, limited to ceramic armor in the gun pit and quarter-inch steel for the coxswain's flat, relying instead on rapid acceleration and maneuverability to escape danger.

Did You Know?

The first PBR prototype was ready 90 days after a meeting with US Navy officials in Washington D.C.
Mark II PBRs were built during the Vietnam War era (late 1960s–early 1970s), not in 1990.
The Vietnam People's Navy operated captured American PBRs in significant numbers, often rearming them with domestic weapons.
The PBR's water-jet drives could pivot to reverse direction or turn the boat within its own length.