05/06/2026
At the Elco boatbuilding plant in Bayonne, New Jersey, PT boat construction began with the hull positioned upside down. Shipwrights first completed the bottom and side planking, allowing workers easier access to the wooden framework and hull structure. Once this stage was finished, the nearly complete hull was carefully turned upright using a specially designed sling system, enabling the installation of engines, armament, and other equipment. This efficient production method helped accelerate PT boat construction during World War II. 🕊⚓🇺🇸
The two principal PT boat designs adopted by the U.S. Navy were produced by Elco and Higgins Industries. Including boats built for Lend-Lease allies, Elco manufactured 320 PT boats, while Higgins produced 205. Both designs proved highly successful, though each possessed distinct advantages. The Elco boats generally enjoyed a slight edge in speed and provided a drier ride in rough seas. Higgins boats, on the other hand, tended to drive their bows into oncoming waves, often soaking the crew, but they were notably more maneuverable a valuable characteristic when evading enemy aircraft or performing sharp combat maneuvers. 🕊⚓🇺🇸
With the exception of a handful of early experimental craft, all U.S. PT boats were powered by three Packard 12-cylinder marine engines fueled by 100-octane gasoline. These engines were initially rated at 1,200 horsepower each, but as PT boats became larger and heavier, their output was increased first to 1,350 horsepower and ultimately to 1,500 horsepower. Developed specifically for PT boat service, the Packard engine earned an outstanding reputation for reliability, providing the speed and performance that made PT boats effective in patrol, attack, and reconnaissance missions throughout World War II.
