Prototype Information: PT117 WWII US Navy Torpedo Boat PT boats were the fastest and most maneuverable vessels available to the US Navy during WWII. They performed especially well in the restricted waters around the islands of the South Pacific and created considerable chaos to Japanese warships and transports. The PT boats were powered by 4 Packard V-12 engines which could drive them at up to 50 knots and they were armed with 4 torpedo tubes, machine guns, and anti-aircraft guns.