Why Were US Naval PT Boats Burned After World War II? Could They Have Been Sold for Civilian Use?

At the end of World War II, the U.S. Navy proceeded to burn many of its Patrol Torpedo (PT) boats. This decision was not made lightly, but rather due to several critical factors. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this action and whether these boats could have been sold as surplus for civilian use.

Rapid Demobilization

Following the end of World War II, the U.S. military underwent a rapid demobilization process. The Navy needed to drastically reduce its inventory and eliminate surplus equipment quickly. This process was driven by the urgent need to return to peacetime economics and reallocate resources to other critical areas of the military. The PT boats, though heavily relied upon during the war, were no longer considered essential for the immediate post-war requirements.

Cost of Maintenance

One of the primary considerations in deciding to burn the PT boats was the high cost of maintenance. Maintaining a large fleet of these boats would have been both financially and logistically impractical. The boats were not designed for long-term use outside of wartime conditions, making it costly to keep them inoperable. Additionally, as the focus of naval operations shifted towards larger, more complex vessels and different types of warfare, the PT boats became less relevant for these new missions.

Obsolescence and Technological Advancements

The design of PT boats was becoming outdated. With advancements in naval technology, including larger and more capable vessels, the PT boats were no longer seen as suitable for future military needs. The capabilities of these boats, while impressive during the war, were no longer considered competitive with newer designs. These technological advancements included improvements in armor, propulsion systems, and weaponry, all of which made older vessels like the PT boats somewhat obsolete.

Logistical Challenges and Market Demand

Selling and transferring thousands of PT boats to civilian use would have posed significant logistical challenges. These challenges included the need for extensive repairs, modifications, and training for civilian operators. Additionally, the civilian market for small military vessels was limited. Most of the PT boats lacked the versatility required for civilian applications, further diminishing their potential as surplus items.

Financial Considerations and Practicality

While some PT boats were indeed sold or transferred to other countries, the overwhelming majority were deemed surplus and destroyed as part of the Navy’s efforts to streamline its operations post-war. The cost to ship these boats back to the US and refurbish them would have far exceeded their value, making it financially unfeasible to transport them for potential civilian use.

The Navy determined that the cost of transporting them back for salvage could not be justified. Consequently, any salvageable materials were removed, and the boats were beached and then burned. This drastic measure was taken to save on costs and ensure that valuable resources were not wasted on the impractical task of refurbishing and transporting surplus PT boats.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PT Boats

The big advantage of a PT boat, as noted, is its speed, capable of over 40 knots. However, they had significant disadvantages as well. One major issue was the high fuel consumption when in operation. The three Mercury engines required 100 octane gasoline, a fuel type often not readily available in civilian docks. Additionally, PT boats were not built for long-term comfort, making them less desirable for extended civilian use.

Conclusion

In summary, the decision to burn the PT boats after World War II was a combination of logistical, economic, and practical considerations. While it might have been possible to sell some of these boats as surplus for civilian use, the scale of the task and the realities of maintaining and transporting such a fleet made it financially impractical. The Navy's decision to burn the majority of these boats was a pragmatic approach to post-war demobilization and resource management.