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 Author  Topic: PT-486
Frank Andruss

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Frank Andruss   Send Email To Frank Andruss Posted on: Apr 12, 2016 - 12:13pm
It looks as though nothing is going to get done with the restoration of PT-486 in New York. A while back I had decided to drop out of the initial meeting with the owner. Decided that being 4 hours away from a massive project like this was too much for me. I am pretty certain that Jim Melanson met with the owner, but I get the feeling nothing will become of it. My only thought is that these boats are going to just rot away, unless this owner turns the boat over to someone or some group under 501-C3. Although I never really checked on the price for purchasing the boat, I was told it would be much more than it is worth. I think your looking at maybe getting it for $150,000 to $175,000. I would not pay a penny more. PT-48 has been on craigs list for a long time, which I never called to see what they want for it. This boat will also turn to saw dust in time. I don't care if they are shrink wrapped, this only last's so long.

We have right now one running Higgins PT Boat in Portland, in the 658, a real beauty, and the 305 which should be ready for water testing before you know it. No Elco boats are in the works, and the 486 would be a perfect project, as it the least bastardized below decks than the others. It needs plenty of work, but some areas remain below. Good starting point and a wonderful project if someone can just get the boat away from the present owner, for a decent price.


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  Jerry Gilmartin

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Jerry Gilmartin   Send Email To Jerry Gilmartin Posted on: Apr 12, 2016 - 2:02pm
Somber news indeed Frank. I trust your judgement in this matter. I know of all people if you have lost hope for this project, it is probably a nonstarter. I wish it could be otherwise, but you cant control what motivates other people. Some people are only out to make a buck and could not give a hoot for the historic value of things.

Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR

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Frank Andruss

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Frank Andruss   Send Email To Frank Andruss Posted on: Apr 12, 2016 - 2:39pm
I would be the first one to tell you Jerry, I wish that I was wrong on this one. I still have hope a group or someone will step forward. I know one person that would buy it, but not for the price the present owner would be asking.


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Jimbo Melanson

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Apr 13, 2016 - 6:09am
I never met with Rob but had a lengthy conversation with him. However it does need to be under a 501 C3. At least I did that right with the 761 when I had it under the DoANM group. After 309 they got the 305 and the locals were not keen on hosting another project only to have it taken away (long story there) but she is now at least in the hand of the National WWII Museum.
These things can become an albatross quickly...........486 and the rest need to go to a group that has great ability to raise funds as a 501 c3

I may not get there for the re launch or get a ride aboard her but for all my years working on getting 305 to Texas (where she went before the WWII Museum took her over) so she would not get cut up by the Crow Brothers at least I have a life time charter membership to the museum "IF" I can ever get there.......

Jimbo

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  Frank Andruss

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Frank Andruss   Send Email To Frank Andruss Posted on: Apr 13, 2016 - 9:02am
That group needs to step forward before these boats are lost. Lose the 486 and there might go the last chance to have an Elco on the water. I only wish the present owner would turn the boat over to someone or a group and take a nice tax write off, no money exchange. Then the boat can be moved to a location where restoration can begin. Tall order but it can be done, if only this owner would get it through his head that he is asking crazy amounts of money for these boats. No one is going to pay 500,000 for one of these boats. I mean does anyone actually know what he wants for these boats, I am only guessing here.



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ThePTboater

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of ThePTboater  Posted on: Apr 13, 2016 - 7:47pm
I agree frank 500,000 is a huge number for a boat that doesn't even run yet, or have any deck structure, I feel like he's giving people a price that one would give for a working boat.
I also believe something should be done, 658,309,305,796,459 are all fine restored or not restored, but where is the tribute to Elcos contributions to the war effort, you know?
We only have four Elcos at this point, we can't lose anymore.
ThePTboater


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ThePTboater

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of ThePTboater  Posted on: Apr 13, 2016 - 7:50pm
I wish someone could start a site or something that helps get people aware of this historic boat, and ways to contribute. Hint hint somebody lol
ThePTboater


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Glenn Anderson

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Glenn Anderson  Posted on: Apr 14, 2016 - 4:45am
Yes sad to hear! And plastic wrapping wooden boats will speed up the decay.


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mcgovern61

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Oct 7, 2016 - 2:28pm
FYI The 486 should be able to float right now. The bottom is covered and sealed and that product was USCG approved. I believe the engines (12v71's) should still operate. The steering system was intact last I saw except for the fact the house was removed for transport to New York.

The entire hull, sides and deck were replaced between 1982 and 1985 with new mahogany and sealed with 5200.

Below deck, her arrangements are different than any of the Elco plans I have seen. I am assuming for USCG certification back in the day when Otto Stocker had the boat certified.

I would love to restore the boat to service. It may not be practical to re-configure the below deck arrangements back. She still has 3 engine rails, but not setup for V-drives like with the old Packards.

I would love to get the topside restored to her RON4 arrangement and colors from her service at Melville. I am also a Licensed Captain and can operate the vessel. I can tell you, there is not a plank or frame onboard I have not already touched (or painted).

Gerry

Former crew member of the Big Blue Sightseer ex-PT 486

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Jimbo Melanson

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Oct 8, 2016 - 7:18am
she has been out of the water for a long time now both covered and uncovered. She can't just be dropped into the water and go. She will need proper hull restoration. Capt Schumann put two layers of veneer with monel staples on the bottom and topsides up the water line which worked quite well but it has been years (well over 20) since a proper refastening program. He replaced the planking because of furring at the water line and age of the original planking. Years of fresh water and rain along the water line gets tough on the wood. Below the weather deck the bulkhead was cut when the 12 71's were put into her. Anything else if it was not needed was removed from the config. From what Schumann told me she had three diesels prior to the 12 71's.
Mr Sinn said he had her up to 19 knots with the 12's once he removed all the supplies and debris from her.

501 c 3, a safe place for her where she not get kicked out of...etc...and so on and a "ship load" of money and volunteers.

I still dream!!

Jimbo

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