The trial group included Higgins, Philadelphia Navy Yard, Elco, Huckins, and British-derived rescue-boat designs. Sea state, position in formation, and individual helmsmanship made the accelerometer comparisons imperfect. The pounding order favored Philadelphia's PT-8, followed by Huckins' PT-69, Higgins' PT-6, and the 77-foot Elco boats. Some accelerometer readings exceeded the instruments' normal range, limiting confidence in precise comparisons. Low pounding and good turning did not automatically compensate for structural problems or lower speed. The August 1941 recommendations accepted the Huckins and Higgins types for immediate construction, required structural changes to the Elco design, and called for the heavy Philadelphia boat to be re-engined. Packard engines were recommended as the standard power plant.
Chapter · 41:39-53:02
The open-ocean trials that tested PT boats
The so-called plywood derby compared competing PT boats under load, exposing differences in pounding, speed, machinery, and turning ability.