Cruel Seas: Elco Barge-BustersIn the summer of 1943, the primary mission of the PT boats was to interdict Japanese supply lines by shooting up the enemy landing craft (referred to as barges by American reports) being used to transport supplies. It was at this point that Pacific PT boats were upgraded to have 40 mm 37 mm cannon on the bow and stern. Three old Elco 77 boats were converted into barge busters by stripping off the torpedoes and adding extra armour, radar and more MGs.