36-foot picket boat (USCG)

The 36-foot picket boat was a type of small, wooden-hulled patrol boat utilized by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), primarily during the Prohibition era and into the early years of World War II. These boats were designed for inshore patrol duties, including enforcing maritime laws, intercepting rum runners, and assisting in search and rescue operations. The "picket" designation reflected their role as the first line of defense, patrolling and monitoring coastal areas.

Characterized by their relatively small size and shallow draft, 36-foot picket boats were well-suited for navigating shallow waters and maneuvering in harbors and inlets. They were typically powered by gasoline engines, providing sufficient speed for chasing suspected smugglers. The crew complement was usually small, consisting of a few Coast Guardsmen.

While not heavily armed, they generally carried small arms, such as rifles and machine guns, for self-defense and law enforcement purposes. The boats played a significant role in the Coast Guard's efforts to combat illegal activities at sea. Their service continued until gradually replaced by larger, more modern vessels during and after World War II.