A finer bow and purpose-built hull let the Boxer class reach about seventeen knots, removing the converted tankers' convoy-speed penalty. The deeper hull drew roughly five or six feet where the requirement called for two feet six inches, so vehicles needed an unloading bridge that grew from a minimum of 100 feet to about 140 feet. Carrying that bridge may help explain why the internal load was limited to about thirteen Churchills or twenty-seven military trucks. A vehicle lift, a stern repair area, and a forty-ton crane still made the ships capable and anticipated later landing ship logistics designs. HMS Boxer's internal volume, power generation, and speed also made her suitable for later conversion to other roles. Only Boxer, Bruiser, and Thruster were built because the more elaborate design was difficult to construct.
Chapter · 12:03-16:47
Boxer-class speed came with a landing penalty
The purpose-built Boxer class could make 17 knots, but its deeper hull needed a bridge roughly 140 feet long to unload at shallow beaches.