In March 1941, during a heavy weather run from Key West to New York by Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2 (MTBRON 2), Elco 70-footers pounded heavily in waves even at moderate speeds, and seas continuously broke high over the bows. Operating personnel reported extreme discomfort and fatigue. All boats suffered from some sort of structural failure: forward chine guards ripped away, bottom framing under bows broken, side planking cracked lack of longitudinal strength, and other weaknesses. In April 1941, MTBRON 1 reported enthusiasm over the 81-foot Higgins ("PT-6"), and with the Higgins showing such good seakeeping further purchase of Scott-Paine boats was unnecessary. And, in early 1941, the U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships (BuShips) lent Packard engines to both Huckins and Higgins, which wanted to build competitive boats at their own expense.