Best use of Torpedo Boats?

[s96825]

Playing Guadalcanal Scenario as Allies vs CPU.

Tried sending a swath of PT boats to Lunga to attack surface groups. So far every TF of PT boats I've sent has been absolutely wrecked. I'm thinking of attaching them in the future to TFs with big warships as boats to draw fire while the DD CA and BBs take their shots.


How do you guys like to use PT boats?

[RangerJoe]

I like to use them to sink enemy ships.

[dr.hal]

On a more serious note, PT boats are delicate and easily defended against. However they can be effective even on their own. Night attacks are best. The phase of the moon is something to take into consideration. The darker the night the more effective their attack might be especially against an unalerted target. This is of course before radar becomes all pervasive. But no matter what, your using them against warships can be tricky. The best use for them is against anchored merchants where their short range torpedoes can be effective. I would not couple then with larger warships, which only alert the enemy. They are also useful in "tight" waters, such as right off ports or narrow water passages. Thus they act as a tripwire that might alert you without being sacrificed as they just might get away. I hope this helps.

[s96825]

On a more serious note, PT boats are delicate and easily defended against. However they can be effective even on their own. Night attacks are best. The phase of the moon is something to take into consideration. The darker the night the more effective their attack might be especially against an unalerted target. This is of course before radar becomes all pervasive. But no matter what, your using them against warships can be tricky. The best use for them is against anchored merchants where their short range torpedoes can be effective. I would not couple then with larger warships, which only alert the enemy. They are also useful in "tight" waters, such as right off ports or narrow water passages. Thus they act as a tripwire that might alert you without being sacrificed as they just might get away. I hope this helps.

I never thought of a night attack- brilliant. I'll have to try that next time.

[btd64]

I will sometimes use them on patrol at bases to keep enemy subs away....GP

[RangerJoe]

There was a player who sank the mighty Yamato with one torpedo from a PT boat . . .

[bigred]

There was a player who sank the mighty Yamato with one torpedo from a PT boat . . .

One night In early 44 against FatR off Rangoon, 0 visibility, a 3PT boat sqn attacked a BB TF and put one torp into the Musashi. Ship limped back to singers and did not return to the game. FatR was really upset about his loss.
The allies dont get as many mines as Japs to defend their ports. As mentioned above thread PT make excellent trip wire.
The game code breaks down night moves into points based on the of max night speed of the tf. If this TF happens to run into a PT boat or PT TF then the enemy TF will use up some of the speed to fight. This effect can cause a TF on a night bombardment mission to still be in range of LBA at daylight without aircover.