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bubbletop409
MASTER
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Posted on: Mar 25, 2018 - 8:36pm
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My wife and I are going to New Orleans in May. Just booked our ride on PT 305, I never thought I would see a real WWII PT let alone ride on one. This will be a great contrast to the ride I took on the B-17 named " Aluminum Overcast " a few years ago. Will report back.
Larry
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David Waples
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Posted on: Mar 26, 2018 - 6:04am
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I'm hoping to be there in June. Looking forward to hearing about your trip.
Dave
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Mar 26, 2018 - 12:14pm
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You guys should consider coming out to Portland and riding the PT658. We have been doing it since 2004. Just sayin"
Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
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bubbletop409
MASTER
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Posted on: Mar 26, 2018 - 8:54pm
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Jerry
I just looked on 658's web site and found no information regarding rides, only deck tours.
Larry
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bubbletop409
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Posted on: May 15, 2018 - 9:50pm
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So on last Saturday my wife and I had the pleasure of taking a ride on PT305. We arrived at the Lake Ponchatrain boat house to find a very well constructed facility and greeting area. After a short presentation regarding our safety while underway we were invited to view the boat, her house, and the items on display, while waiting for departure time. They also have souvenirs available such a T shirt, cups etc.. They offer veterans a discount on all items. The boat itself was incredible, she looked factory fresh.
After idling out of her home marina we entered the lake an accelerated up to 1800 RPM, for approximately 45 to 50 minutes. We were shown the Industrial canal that allowed the completed boat to access the lake for shake down runs from the Higgins facility. The skipper showed her maneuverability, the ride was smooth, the breeze in my face felt great, and looking at the small flag flying from her mast reminded me of scenes from TWE. The one thing I found unusual was how quiet the boat was while running at RPM, she may have had a different sound from a distance.
The engine room, chart house, crew quarter and bridge are original equipped, with one non original item being a sensor screen off to starboard on the bridge showing essential information regarding all the boats systems. One of the crew told me the only feature not original was the deletion of the forward fuel tanks and that her onboard generator was now diesel fueled rather than gasoline.
Her weapon systems included a 60 mm bow mortar, two 20mm Orelikons, the twin .50 caliber tubs and a 40mm Bofors on the stern along with a below deck arms room with 1903 Springfields, Thompson SMG's and .30 caliber carbines. She also carries two Mk 13 roll off torpedo's with two more on display in the boat house.
The boats location on the lake is about a 20 minute ride from downtown New Orleans, they offer deck tours during the week and rides on some Fridays and all Saturdays. Having been an admirer of the boats for 60 years the ride was something I never dreamed would become a reality, I highly recommend checking it out.
As a side note the National WWII museum is also a must see, allow a day, during the week is better. A bit of trivia: the flag man on the USS Hornet who waved off the Doolittle raiders was named Ozzie Osborne, obviously not the same one.
Be happy to answer any questions if possible, and can forward some pictures to any one more computer literate than my self.
Larry
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David Waples
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Posted on: May 16, 2018 - 4:10am
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I'm thinking about that same trip. Would love to see some photos!
Dave
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bubbletop409
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Posted on: May 16, 2018 - 9:48pm
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David
You can send me an e-mail at bubbletop409@att.net I'd be glad to forward all I have.
Larry
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TED WALTHER |
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Posted on: May 17, 2018 - 6:31am
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Larry;
Good for you!!! Glad you had the opportunity to get underway.
Take care,
TED
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David Waples
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Posted on: May 18, 2018 - 9:22pm
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I volunteered to post Larry's photos. There may be more to come so stay tuned.
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TED WALTHER |
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Posted on: May 19, 2018 - 8:27am
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Larry and Dave;
Thanks for sharing!! She is absolutely stunning!!
Take care,
TED
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