PT-728 Thomcat

 
 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.

Source

Museum info: The Liberty Aviation Museum
Address:  3515 East State Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Phone: 419-732-0234

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