Ottoman Warships

[Walter]

Well, you wanted it cheap, so that is why I said a land-based platform.

[Nobody]

Does anyone have any ideas for a cheap torpedo-launching platform?

I think those are generally known as torpedo-boats
;)

[Darman]

Ah but I'm looking for mass torpedo volleys.  In the Dardanelles these should be just as effective as mines

[KWorld]

Ah but I'm looking for mass torpedo volleys.  In the Dardanelles these should be just as effective as mines

I'm thinking a land-based torpedo battery would be cheaper and more effective than a sea-based platform in defending a narrow strait like that.

[Darman]

But then I lose flexibility if I run with land-based torpedo batteries. 

[Walter]

That may be true, but at least the Torpedo Tube operators don't have to worry about the ship accidentally running into a mine. If you were to install coast defense guns and shore based torpedo tubes and lay a bunch of mines, the Dardanelles would be a true death trap. And you really don't need big guns there. They should be big enough to take out the minesweepers of the enemy so it will be impossible for their other ships to break through. Any ship that does manage to get through will become a torpedo's snack.