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 Author  Topic: Video Update on PT305 Status
  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: Feb 26, 2022 - 10:41pm
Hello Gents,
I came across this today on Youtube and thought you may be interested in hearing. The 305 was unceremoniously yanked from the water and shrink wrapped by the WW2 Museum. They let the lease of their boathouse go and pretty much fired most of the ships docents save for 1 or 2. I think all of the volunteers were told their services were no longer needed. It really angers me to see them treat this wonderful PT Boat like yesterday's garbage. Anyway watch for yourself the video news story and form your own opinion. I feel bad for all the fine people who spent countless hours and money restoring the 305 only to have this happen because of some bean counter at the museum felt that the boat ddnt make them enough money. Disgusting!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4iwY60cqlg

Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR

Total Posts: 1469 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm | IP Logged

Jeff H

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Jeff H  Posted on: Feb 27, 2022 - 5:33am
Jerry
This seems to be a odd decision considering it’s the beginning of the tourist season and covid looks to be less of a concern now. The last time we were down there the 305 was still in the annex and you had to see her through the windows. I have been wanting to head back down there to take a ride but looks like I missed that window. Hope they get to the point they will start giving rides again. At least they didn’t move her back for a static display at the museum, so maybe the decision is only temporary.

Thanks!
Jeff

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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: Feb 27, 2022 - 5:24pm
Thanks for sharing that Jerry. I didn't realize that the museum had a limited planned run time. I'm surprised they made that investment with no long term intent on keeping her. The museum seemed to be the perfect home for her. Hopefully she finds a good home where people can experience all the great work that went into her.
Dave

David Waples

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Robert J Stanton

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Robert J Stanton   Send Email To Robert J Stanton Posted on: Feb 28, 2022 - 6:46am
All,
We had a chance to speak with Stephen Watson, President & CEO of the WWII Museum after the Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration Ceremony. I asked about the 305 and he said it was very expensive to operate it had a longer run on the water than originally planned. He also told us that the plan was to put her back in the restoration pavilion for all the see.

As an aside, we stayed at the Higgins Hotel and loved it.

Bob
Ron16PT224 2nd Gen

Bob Stanton

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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: Feb 28, 2022 - 9:21am
Thanks for the update Bob. I am glad to hear they are planning on keeping her for display. Her story needs to be told. A lot of dedicated hard work and donations went into that boat. She deserves to live on and her legacy shared.

David Waples

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billpr

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of billpr   Send Email To billpr Posted on: Feb 28, 2022 - 4:01pm
Hope for the best for the PT boat. Leaving her tarped doesn't make any money for anyone. Sad day for us PT boat lovers.

Bill P Reese

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Jeff D

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Jeff D   Send Email To Jeff D Posted on: Feb 28, 2022 - 4:05pm
Thanks Jerry and Bob. I put in some hours of research helping a nice gentleman there, he sent me a cool t-shirt that I enjoy wearing. I love surprises in the mail like that! It beats the heck out of bills.


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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 2, 2022 - 12:48am
You know you have to take what they say about it being "very expensive to operate" with a large grain of salt, especially when we know exactly how much it costs to operate and have been doing just fine on a relative shoestring budget compared to the 305 here in Portland, operating the 658. I don't buy that line of BS at all. Also, the part where they say it was only originally planned to operate for 2 years sure sounds suspect to me. It just is an excuse if you ask me. Ask all those volunteers who put their blood sweat and tears into restoring the 305 if they were ever told that the museum only planned to operate it for 2 years? I am willing to bet this is the first they are hearing of that whopper! Yeah this whole thing stinks in my opinion. Cursed Bean counters making all the decisions with no regard for history or honoring the vets.

Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR

Total Posts: 1469 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm | IP Logged

Scott C

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Scott C   Send Email To Scott C Posted on: Mar 11, 2022 - 4:38pm
I am sad to see these posts. My son and I had the great privilege to ride her and had a great time!! . Gave us a little taste of what my Dad's life in the war was like and the engine room. The boat was full to capacity and with the cost to board her not sure how they were losing money. however this was in 2019 before covid. i agree there is something fishy going on here. Perhaps the history Revisionists ? I better stop before i get too cynical. .

Scott Campbell 2nd gen,PT 248
Ron 20

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Gerry McGovern

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Gerry McGovern  Posted on: Apr 5, 2022 - 6:51am
Jerry, I agree with your statement about the cost to operate compared to the 658. The WWII Museum also charged a hefty fee to take a ride. It is expensive to keep a USCG certified vessel operating to carry passengers, but the fees offset that cost let alone donations. The 486 was able to sail for more than 48 years carrying passengers on her original 1943 Elco built bottom. With the full restoration the 305 received, she could sail for a long time!

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

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