How would a World War II American PT boat fare at the Battle of Trafalgar?
Short answerIt could attack with torpedoes and then damage sails with gunfire, but .50-calibre penetration through thick oak to a magazine remains doubtful and untested in the exchange.
NotesA PT boat would begin with its limited torpedo armament and then depend on gunfire against wooden ships. Reaching a magazine with .50-calibre fire is doubtful because the exchange cites oak timbers roughly 12-18 inches thick. That judgment is challenged, and the penetration question is left open to an actual test. The boat could shred sails even if its gunfire failed to reach a magazine.