The U.S. Patrol Boat

[Here's a bit of a spiteful review from the September, 1917 issue of The Yachting Monthly for a boat design for the U.S. Navy that clearly follows certain design cues from the M.L. of two years before. Note the oblique, derogatory M.L. references throughout and the distinctly similar design approach. - JLC]

Profiting by our experience, the United States Navy Department has recognized the utility of an organized Motor Boat Patrol. It has also recognized the futility of individual effort, and decided to guide and direct this from the outset. In order to secure a type of vessel which will prove useful in time of war, it has sought and obtained designs to that end. Two sizes are contemplated: a 65 ft. boat, and one of 45 ft. -the first for sea, and the second for harbour use. For the former, the design of the Luders Marine Construction Company of Stamford, Conn., was selected, and I show the plans here.

The length is 66 ft. by 13.25 ft. beam, with a 4.5 draught, and the specified speed 26 miles per hour on a six hours' trial. There are two twelve-cylinder engines, developing 800 h.p. at 1,400 revolutions, the tank capacity giving a radius of 500 miles at 25 miles per hour. A three-pounder is provided for on deck, a little forward of`midships. The cost is put down at 28,000 dollars.

In the light of some recently acquired experience, we may marvel at one or two points. In the order of their importance, these are: price, type and speed. We now know the price of such boats built in America, so we may call the one quoted cheap, although Americans may have prices for export and home consumption which vary materially. However, from our experience of British work, the estimate is not low, although we may assume that the U.S. Navy Department will insist on a class of work with which we have not been conversant of late.

Then as regards the selected type, we have found it undesirable - too lively in a seaway, and hard to keep on a course. At 25 miles the stern wave may get clear away; but can that speed be obtained and kept up? At any rate, we can only get the stern wave without the speed to clear it. And against the latest submarine anything short of 25 miles an hour is of little use. Again, there is the gun. Judging by its position at the deck-break, the hull would not stand much of it. The boat shown is now being built, so it would be interesting to see if the chain locker, represented on the plan by the space between the stem head and the foremost bulkhead, proves practicable. Nor can one imagine the fore-end cabin arrangement workable with the necessarily fine entrance. We have here a type of boat of which we have " 'ad some," and if our American friends will wait till the bickering in Europe is finished, we could be of material assistance in designing and building something we can recommend.

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The Yachting Monthly, September, 1916
  
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The Yachting Monthly, September, 1916