Torpedo-boat construction did not resume until the 1905–1906 programme, when orders were placed for twelve of a new class of "Coastal destroyers" which were subsequently re-classed as torpedo boats.

These twelve (and a further twenty-four which followed them) were of similar size to the '160-foot' boats, but were turbine-powered, with the lighter machinery allowing a heavier armament to be carried.

[5] A triple expansion steam engine rated at 2,900 indicated horsepower (2,200 kW) drove a single propeller shaft, giving a speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph).

[11][12] The four ships remained part of the Nore and Portsmouth flotillas in July 1914, on the eve of the outbreak of the First World War.

[14] On 13 October 1914 TB 116, part of the Portsmouth defence flotilla, spotted the German submarine U-20 off Culver Cliff on the east coast of the Isle of Wight.