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World War II PT-728 Thomcat
The Liberty Aviation Museum is currently in the process of restoring PT-728, a WWII Vosper PT boat, reconfigured to resemble an Elco PT (in it's previous life prior to the museum acquiring the boat). The restoration is currently in progress, and visitors can view the project up close when visiting the Liberty Aviation Museum. Follow the PT-728 Thomcat Facebook Page to keep up with the latest information and photos regarding the PT-728 restoration project.
This PT boat was originally intended for lend-lease use to the Soviet Union in WWII, but the end of the war precluded transfer to the USSR. The boat is in the process of a complete restoration back to the original WWII military configuration and will be renamed the "Thomcat" in honor of Ensign Leonard Thom. PT-728 Restoration
Ensign Thom was a Sandusky, Ohio native and served as John F. Kennedy's executive officer on board the famous PT-109. After the sinking of PT-109 and subsequent rescue of the crew, Ensign Thom was assigned a boat of his own, which the crew named "Thomcat."
It is also interesting to note that several US built Vosper PT boats were used in the television series, "McHale's Navy." These boats were loosely reconfigured to look like 80' Elco PT boats, but the unique hull lines of the Vosper design can be clearly seen in many of the screen shots in the series.
PT-728 is currently undergoing extensive restoration.. Follow the PT-728 ThomCat Facebook Page to view photos of the progress and keep up on news & announcements.
Class: Vosper 72'
Built by: Annapolis Yacht Yard Inc., Annapolis, Maryland, under license from the Vosper Thornycroft company of Great Britain.
Restored & reconfigured (previously to the museum acquiring the boat) to resemble an Elco PT-Boat
Length: 72' long, 19' at beam.
Weight: 47 tons
Powerplant: (Originally) 3x Packard marine gas engines - (1550 hp each) 4,050 total horsepower.
This boat when completed will have 2x MANN 1550 hp turbo diesels.
Max speed: 38 knots (previously with Packard engines).
52 knots (60 mph) with the new MANN turbo diesel engines.
Crew: 13
Armament: 1x 20mm Oerlikon gun, 4x .50 cal. machine guns, 2x 21" Mark 13 torpedoes.
