The coastal boats built from 1914 continued the small, inexpensive defensive concept. At roughly 100-110 tons, they used coal-fired expansion machinery for about 20 knots and a maximum range of 900 nautical miles at 12.5 knots. Fewer than 30 crew operated a single light deck gun, two 450 mm torpedoes, and some mines. Their deck-gun calibre is given as 50 or 52 mm depending on the weapon fitted. The totals cited are 92 completed from 113 planned and 30 lost, mostly during World War I. Survivors served in the Polish, Belgian, Estonian, and Soviet navies, some until 1950. These useful coastal craft reinforced the political expectation that torpedo boats would remain cheap.
Notable Point · 11:44-15:03
The coastal boats built from 1914 remained small defenders
Small hulls, short range, and light armament explain the coastal role of boats whose survivors served several navies after World War I.