The mid-engined self-righting, self-bailing 36-foot motor lifeboats came into use during the 1930's and generally had a three man crew. 

When the Revenue Cutter Service and the U.S. Lifesaving Service merged to become the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, the newly-formed service focused its attention on developing a new lifeboat.  That design was the initial 36-foot motor lifeboat, called a Type E.  In the 1920's, the Type H with the engine mounted amidships was introduced.  Further modifications continued in the 1930's and 1940's, when the Type T, TypeTR, and Type TRS were built.  The 36-foot lifeboat (number 36498) on display at the Port Orford Lifeboat Station is a Type TRS, built at Curtis Bay, Maryland in 1946.

To increase the top speed to 15 MPH, some of the 36-foot boats were re-engined in 1970's with a 120-hp diesel. The 36-foot boats were phased out and replaced by the larger 44-foot motor lifeboat.  The last 36-footer was retired in 1987.

(US Coast Guard Photo)