The PT Boat Forum
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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboard.cgi?cid=101&fct=showf

ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: Coincidental design changes??
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=2064

It appears that both Higgins and Huckins were working on lowering the silhouette of their respective PT boats at the same time with rather the same design concepts. The HELLCAT plans I have (dated between May and July 1943) show that the lower height of the cockpit and turrets was made possible by setting the steering station in a well-deck. In April 1943, Huckins drew up a revision of the standard 78' boat that had a cockpit of lower height, also made possible by a well-deck for the helmsman. The front of the charthouse was streamlined and the turrets moved forward to a position similar to that of the HELLCAT.

Both design changes were quite a departure from the existing boats, yet ELCO does not seem to have followed this path. Sure would like to see the correspondence that initiated these design changes.

Al Ross

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Jan 12, 2011 - 7:24pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm