PT-728
Last April, we posted that PT-728, a World War II Patrol Torpedo boat, was listed as for sale in the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog. The vintage PT boat has now been purchased by the newly opened Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton Ohio. She recently passed through Cleveland on her way to her new berth. PT-728 will be one of two PT boats at the new museum. The new museum has also acquired PT-724, which has been converted to a private yacht. The museum intends to restore the boat to its World War II configuration. Thanks to Phil Leon for passing along the news.
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I was told some PT’s were built in the rochester area during the war and shipped out on the canal . As an marine-diesel mechanic an the Erie it was great to see PT728 travel the canal once again !
Four or five years ago in Key West PT728 started selling rides. Three of us from Ohio, two who have summer homes in the Port Clinton area, were on the maiden for profit run. It was in late afternoon when we left the dock, the owners made arrangements with two airplanes to make a diving run on the PT coming out of the sun, just like the Japan Zeros would. It was quite an experience to see what it would be like during WWII on a boat.
Wow. Almost sounds too real for comfort. Thanks for the comment.
I am anxious to see the 728!! A friend of mine, 94 years old, served in the MTB Squadron that took Gen. Douglas McArthur off of Corrigedor, when he was ordered out by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, before the fall of Bataan and Corrigedor. Want to take pictures to take to him to see.
Great video, Today I’m taking my 12 yr. old grandson to visit PT728 in Pt. Clinton, Ohio. My Uncle (Leonard Thom) was XO to J.F.K. in WWII on board PT109. I can remember in the early 60’s the movie PT109 came to Sandusky, OH and our family was invited to view what a great portrayal of the legend PT Boat. Thanks again, Tim
Dear Tim: Your uncle was the unsung hero of the PT 109 saga. I am so sorry that he was killed in that car accident after the war. While JFK gets much deserved credit for the rescue of the crew, your uncle’s contribution is vastly unknown, like the fact that he wrote a rescue note to be taken along with the coconut. I wish he had lived and would have loved to meet him.
Question: Does anyone know if either PT728 or PT724 were originally purchased after WWII by the Ohio Oil Company (now Marathon Oil since 1962) before or about 1953? If anyone knows the history of these boats between 1945 and now, I would appreciate hearing about it.
I know 728 was owned by robert iannucci for quite some time i personally. Restored the boat last summer in Kingston ny before it was sold and taken to Ohio
I will always have a connection to this cool old girl. When she was a tour boat in key west I had the privilege of being the first mate on the key west harbor tours. The owner ran into financial trouble and the boat was taken by the bank and put on blocks on stock island until she was bought from the bank by a gentleman in New york that fixed her back up. Great boat and the coolest job I ever had. I hope to visit her again someday
728 boat is a Vosspar build , she lived in Canada for sometime then sold to owner of Key West Brewing Co. Not sure of total history, do know she has Detroit Diesels for power , in 2001 was in Key West went for ride rates up there with my flight in B17 and ten mim. In left hand seat.
I’m proud to say I am the first mate on pt 728. It is currently being restored and we hope to launch it in the port clinton Ohio area in summer 2014. The vessel is a true nation treasure and beautifully restored.
What was the original power plant used in the Vosspar PT Boat & what was the top speed?
In 2002 I took a tour on A PT Boat out of Key West FL I dont’t remember the number of the boat, but it must have been PT728. Our guide told us that that particular PT boat was built for Russia but the war ended and Russia never took possession of it. It was an exiting ride.
Glad to see 728 has finally found a good and appreciating home. Loved going out on the in Key West, hated to see it go especially to the jerk who bought it and then soon took it to NY and treated her badly.
Nice to see 728 has again found a loving home.
Makasih atas infonya , Adria
I worked PT-728’s, DD8V-71’s when it was in Key West, Fl. It was a great tour. Miss the boat ride.