How did Higgins PT boats compare with the better-known Elco boats?
Short answerElco boats were much more numerous, but Higgins boats deserved their reputation for being tougher and more reliable.
NotesThe two American PT-boat families differed in production scale and service reputation. Elco supplied the more common design and built far more boats. Higgins craft were less numerous but gained a reputation for robustness and reliability. Wartime value depended on durability and availability as well as headline speed and armament.