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 Author  Topic: PT 305
bubbletop409

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of bubbletop409  Posted on: Mar 25, 2018 - 8:36pm
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
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2
2016 Corvette Z51

Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm | IP Logged

David Waples

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of David Waples  Posted on: Mar 26, 2018 - 6:04am
I'm hoping to be there in June. Looking forward to hearing about your trip.
Dave

David Waples

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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: Mar 26, 2018 - 12:14pm
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
Portland OR

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bubbletop409

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of bubbletop409  Posted on: Mar 26, 2018 - 8:54pm
Jerry

I just looked on 658's web site and found no information regarding rides, only deck tours.

Larry
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2
2016 Corvette Z51

Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm | IP Logged

bubbletop409

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of bubbletop409  Posted on: May 15, 2018 - 9:50pm
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
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2
2016 Corvette Z51

Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm | IP Logged

David Waples

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of David Waples  Posted on: May 16, 2018 - 4:10am
I'm thinking about that same trip. Would love to see some photos!
Dave

David Waples

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bubbletop409

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of bubbletop409  Posted on: May 16, 2018 - 9:48pm
David
You can send me an e-mail at bubbletop409@att.net I'd be glad to forward all I have.

Larry
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2
2016 Corvette Z51

Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm | IP Logged

  TED WALTHER

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of TED WALTHER   Send Email To TED WALTHER Posted on: May 17, 2018 - 6:31am
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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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of David Waples  Posted on: May 18, 2018 - 9:22pm
I volunteered to post Larry's photos. There may be more to come so stay tuned.

























David Waples

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  TED WALTHER

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of TED WALTHER   Send Email To TED WALTHER Posted on: May 19, 2018 - 8:27am
Larry and Dave;
Thanks for sharing!! She is absolutely stunning!!
Take care,
TED


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