Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Senators Urge Navy
To Grant Sea Otter
New and Full Trial
subcommittee Report
Says Vessel Has Not
Received Fair Test

A special Senate subcommittee
today unanimously urged new and
full trial be given the Sea Otter, the
revolutionary type of ship whose
inventor regarded 1t as q vessel that
could be built on mass-production
basis for trans-oceanic cargo service
during the war.
"The subcommittee Is forced to
the definite conclusion that the Sea
Otter type Of boat has not had a
full and fair consideration as to its
possibilities Of utilization the sub
committee report stated. 1t was
signed by Senators Gillette, Demo-
crat, OF Iowa; Gerry, Democrat, Of
Rhode Island, and Brewster, Re-
publican, Of Maine.
The report was made to the Sen
ate Naval Affairs Committee, which
set up the subcommittee. The three
Senators found that certain gov
ernmental agents in both the Navy
and the Maritime Commission had
preconceived convictions against
any value in this type of construc-
ton" which affected the official de-
c1sion that the Sea Otter had too
many imperfections to be practical.
Liaison Group Urged.
The three weeks study by the
subcommittee Of the way the Sea
Otter problem was handled moved
the Senators to suggest creation of
small contact or iaison group" Of
the Senate Naval Affairs Committee
TO work in close collaboration with
the Navy Department in all phases
OF Its work wherein the legislative
department could be of assistance
and aid"
The subcommittee pointed out
that Comdr. Hamilton v. Bryan, the
Sea Offers inventor. was forbidden
to be present when the first full
sized ship Of the type was con-
structed from his plans.
At the conclusion Of the trial run.
from Texas to Charleston, 8. c.. last
November. with Comdr. Bryan in
command, q Board Of Inspection
and Survey found the ship as con-
structed had advantages as well as
disadvantages. Although the board
refrained from making discouraging
conclusions in its report, the ship
has been tied up since then at
Charleston without any further
efforts made to develop 1t. A
British commission made an ad-
verse report on the ship.
The possibility of use of these
small boats for convoy protection
for small inter coastal tankers, or
for inter-coastal trade, which would
permit the release of larger craft
for inter-ocean trade, would seem
to justify the fullest of explorative
studies" the report said.
Advantages Enumerated.
The report disclosed that the board
Of Inspection and Survey found its
advantages included: .,
The ship has the advantage of
being able to get its propulsion ma
chinery from the automobile indus
try, which would avoid any conf1ic-
ton with the marine engines of
either the Navy or the Maritime
Commission.
Due to low visibility and short
length, the ship would not be an easy
target for submarines.
1t Is planned to use steel from strip
mills so as not to interfere with the
requirements Of other vessels.
Due to Standardization of design,
the ship can be constructed rapidly,
II quantity Is desired.
The subcommittee criticized the
general treatment accorded invent
ors, stating that the originators Of
mechanical and scientific ideas and
proposals for the better conduct
Of the war "in almost every case
claim they do not know where to
60 to receive a friendly reception
and consideration Of their pro-
posals."
1t urged establishment of a board
Of scientific review which would look
into all inventions and ideas sub
mitted to the Navy Department,
War Department and War Produc-
ton Board.