PT Boat Museum, Maritime museum in Fall River, Massachusetts, US
The PT Boat Museum in Fall River displays two restored patrol torpedo vessels that saw combat during World War II. Visitors can walk through the tight quarters, engine rooms, and weapons stations that defined these fast attack boats.
These patrol boats were built in the 1940s and became feared weapons in American naval operations along coastal areas. Most were lost after the war, making the surviving examples historically rare.
The museum displays wartime equipment and photographs that show how crews lived and worked aboard these combat vessels. Personal items, letters, and records give visitors a window into the daily experiences of sailors who served on these boats.
The vessels are located right along Fall River's waterfront and easily accessible by car. Visitors should expect narrow passages and multiple staircases, so sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness help with the full experience.
The two boats were built by different manufacturers: one by Elco and one by Higgins, showing distinct construction methods and interior layouts. Seeing these two different designs side by side reveals the technical choices each builder made.
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