Patrol torpedo boat PT-617 facts for kids
PT-617
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | PT-617 |
| Builder | Electric Launch Company |
| Laid down | 29 March 1945 |
| Launched | 28 July 1945 |
| Completed | 21 September 1945 |
| Out of service | 28 January 1946 |
| Nickname(s) | Big Red Cock, Dragon Lady |
| Status | Museum ship from 1 September 1985 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 55 long tons (56 t) |
| Length | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Beam | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Draft | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Installed power | 3 × 1,350 shp (1,007 kW) Packard 4M-2500 12-cylinder engines |
| Propulsion | 3 shafts |
| Speed | 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) |
| Range | 500 nmi (930 km; 580 mi) |
| Armament |
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PT 617
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 Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Battleship Cove, Fall River, Massachusetts |
| Built | 1945 |
| Architect | Electric Boat Co. |
| NRHP reference No. | 89002465 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 20 December 1989 |
| Designated NHL | 20 December 1989 |
The PT-617 is a special kind of fast attack boat called a Motor torpedo boat. These boats were very important during World War II. PT-617 is the only surviving boat of its type, the 80-foot Elco PT boat. This type was the most used and successful PT boat during the war.
Today, PT-617 is a museum ship at the PT Boat Museum in Fall River, Massachusetts. It's the same kind of boat as the famous PT-109, which was commanded by future U.S. President John F. Kennedy. In 1989, PT-617 was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical site.
Contents
What Makes a PT Boat Special?
Building the PT-617
The PT-617 is an ELCO PT-103-class motor torpedo boat. Its hull was built using two layers of mahogany wood. These layers were placed diagonally over a strong frame made of spruce, oak, and mahogany. A special fabric with marine glue was placed between the wood layers for extra strength.
Size and Speed of the PT-617
This boat is 80 ft (24 m) long and 20 ft (6.1 m) wide. When fully loaded, it weighs about 55 long tons (56 t). The boat has three powerful Packard engines, each with 1,350 shp (1,007 kW). These engines allowed the PT-617 to reach a top speed of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) (about 46 miles per hour). With a full tank of fuel, it could travel up to 500 nautical miles (930 km; 580 mi) (about 575 miles).
Weapons on Board the PT-617
For its size, PT-617 was very well-armed. It carried four 22.5 in (570 mm) Mark 13 torpedoes. These were its main weapons for attacking larger ships.
It also had several guns:
- A 37 mm (1.5 in) gun and two 20 mm (0.79 in) guns at the front.
- A Bofors 40 mm gun at the back.
- Two twin .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns near the cockpit.
For fighting submarines or other threats, it had two depth charges. These were dropped into the water to explode underwater. It also had a smoke generator to create a smoke screen for cover. Two Mark 50 rocket launchers and a 60 mm (2.4 in) mortar were also installed. The crew also carried small arms like pistols and rifles for close combat.
The History of PT-617
Building and Early Service
The PT-617 was built by the Electric Launch Company in Bayonne, New Jersey. Its construction started on March 29, 1945. It was launched into the water on July 28, 1945. However, it wasn't fully finished until September 21, 1945. This was after Victory over Japan Day, which marked the end of World War II.
The boat was supposed to join the United States Pacific Fleet. But because the war ended, these plans were cancelled. PT-617 was taken out of service on January 28, 1946. It was then sold on October 23, 1947.
Life After the War
After being sold, PT-617 had a different life. It was used as a private yacht. It also served as a platform for diving and salvage work. This means it helped recover things from underwater.
In 1979, a group called PT Boats, Inc. bought the boat. They worked to restore it to how it looked during World War II. On September 1, 1985, PT-617 was officially put on display as a museum ship.
