Continue Reading about Used American Tug Boats For Sale

Who owns American Tugs?

American Tugs is owned by Tomco Marine Group which is located today in La Conner, Washington. Tom Nelson was the original brain child of Tomco Marine Group and along with Lynn Senour, a West coast marine architect, sought to create a new company built around high-quality, long-distance cruising vessels. Tom had previously been both President of Nordic Tugs and owner of the Nelson Yacht Corporation which built custom 70 - 90 foot yachts.

Today, Mike Schoppert is the President of Tomco Marine Group and has an extensive background in the boating industry in various aspects. Mike originally began his career in boating at Uniflite Corporation as an expert in fiberglass technology. From there, Mike worked for Chris-Craft, Tolly Craft, Oceanus, and at Nordic Tugs before coming to Tomco. Mike works closely with Tomco Vice President Kurt Dilworth who was also previously at Nordic Tugs. Tom, Mike, and Kurt are a great team that each bring unique backgrounds and ideas on how to elevate American Tugs and the owner experience.

What models does American Tug offer today?

American Tug currently builds five models. The smallest American Tug model is either the 365 or the Waypoint 36, both of which have a LOA of 36' 6". The "middle siblings" include the American Tug 395 and 435, while the largest and flagship model is the 485. 

How many American Tugs are built each year?

Tomco Marine Group produces approximately 6 - 10 boats per year from the Washington-based factory. The team also works hard with existing clients doing major upgrades, re-fits, wood sole upgrades, and other service work.

What makes an American Tug boat special compared to the competition?

American Tugs are semi-custom trawlers designed for extended cruising of coastal waters. The tug-like styling is a carry-over from the original commercial fishing boat hull every American Tug is built on. The forward raked windshield, high freeboard and dramatic sheer are all hints of a heavy-duty workboat, but the Ultra-leather upholstery, Sapele cabinetry, and warm lighting provide an extremely comfortable home for your time on the water. With our semi-displacement hull, we don’t have to wait for the weather to be perfect.  The extra horsepower that comes standard in every boat is designed to allow the captain to tune the boat for the conditions. 

Our delivery process is painless.  No spending months commissioning a new boat.  The boat can be made turn-key ready, directly from the factory. Customer service is a top priority for our boats, worldwide.  We work directly with customers and their own yards to handle warranty and repairs when necessary. 

Do American Tugs hold their value for re-sale?

The short answer here is yes they hold their value quite well compared to other builders, but of course this all goes into how well the boat was maintained, how many hours, and the current market conditions. As one of the leaders in yacht brokerage, Seattle Yachts has strategically placed offices in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle and Anacortes), Southern California (San Diego), and in South Florida (Jupiter) that can assist you in the sale of your American Tug. We also have a satellite broker in the Philippines! Seattle Yachts uses the latest in digital marketing tools, two MLS databases, and a very strong print magazine presence that can help move your pre-owned American Tug quickly and efficiently.

If you have an interest in long-distance trawlers, we also recommend you read our guide to Buying and Owning A Trawler Yacht. It's quite extensive and really offers several tips on the buying process and ownership experience.

What is the American Tug 485 like?

The American Tug 485 was originally designed off of the success of her sister model, the 435. They both are equipped with a hard-chine hull, a popular feature among owners, as well as a full fiberglass hull below the waterline. Above the waterline, the 485 has a foam core that has been vacuum-bagged for extra strength, durability, and insulation.

Powered with a single Cummins QSC8.3 550 HP engine, the American Tug 485 is fuel efficient for long-distance voyages. At a speed of 8 knots, the 485 can cruise 1,440 nautical miles or if there is a need to get to your destination more quickly, she can cruise at 14 knots for a range of 400 nautical miles.

The interior of the American Tug is clasically beautiful with plank-style wood floors and dark granite countertops. Large windows line both port and starboard sides of the salon and the galley is fully equipped with appliances and extra storage to meet all of the demands of the cruising enthusiast.

The pilothouse on the American Tug 485 is just a few steps from the salon and is equipped with a settee and a dedicated helm chair. Electronics can be customized by the owner and is elegantly integated into the cabinetry. Access to both side decks is present through Diamond-Seaglaze doors that also provide great visibility.

There are two staterooms on board the 485, each with their own en suite head. The master cabin is placed amidships and stretches the full beam of the boat. There is a queen-sized, walk-around berth with nightstands on each side as well as additional storage. The guest cabin is placed forward and is equipped with a larger lower bunk and a smaller upper bunk.

American Tugs also offers a 10-year warranty that covers workmanship and blisters. The Tomco factory goes through painstaking quality control efforts and is sea trialed by the team. 

What is the American Tug 435 like?

The American Tug 435 is one of the most popular cruising yacht models offered by the Tomco Marine Group. The 435 is equipped with a hard-chine hull, a popular feature among owners, as well as a full fiberglass hull below the waterline. Above the waterline, the 435 has a foam core that has been vacuum-bagged for extra strength, durability, and insulation.

Powered with a single Cummins 500 HP engine, the American Tug 435 is fuel efficient for long-distance voyages. Here are some images of 435, hull #10.

The interior of the American Tug 435 uses its space intelligently and the result is a 43' 7" boat that feels closer to 50 feet or more. Elegant wood characterizes the 435's interior and extra storage spaces are everywhere. Long-distance cruisers should have no concern when it comes to packing down the 435 with supplies for a multi-day voyage.

What is the American Tug 395 like?

Known as a sturdy cruising boat, the American Tug 395 is perfect for the owner/operator who wants to cruise efficiently and comfortably without the challenges of a much larger vessel. The 395 has a gorgeous, classic trawler-style hull shape built to the same sophisicated levels as all of the Tomco Marine Group models.

Powered with a single Cummins 380 HP diesel engine, the American Tug 395 can cruise in the 15 knot range in shorter trip scenarios. For those travelling longer distances, a fuel efficient 8 knot cruise can give the 395 a range of 1,000 nautical miles. Below is a short video of various American Tug 395 hulls that have been splashed.

The American Tug 395 consists of a two-stateroom, one head layout with the master suite placed forward. The master features a queen-sized walk-around berth with lots of storage and closet space.The guest stateroom has a larger bunk below and a smaller one above along with additional storage as well. The main head is roomy and has a stall shower.

American Tug also offers a 10-year warranty that covers workmanship and blisters. The Tomco factory goes through painstaking quality control efforts and each boat is sea trialed by the team.

What is the American Tug 365 like?

Looking at the American Tug 365, the first thought that comes to mind is this looks like a miniature 60-foot trawler-style yacht. This pocket-sized cruiser packs a punch though, both in terms of performance and capabilities. It's easy to see from the dock this boat is made for cruising from the shape and construction of the hull to the large windows that open in the salon for good ventilation.

Designed to run efficiently from the design and choice of engines, the American Tug 365 has some speed to it, but she truly shines in a slower, fuel efficient cruise. The single Cummins 380HP engine can push the 365 to 17 knots at WOT and will burn about 20 gallons per hour. At 9 knots however, the 365 will only burn about 7 gallons per hour. At either speed, one thing owners appreciate is the quiet ride thanks to an abundance of insulation throughout the boat.

At just over 36 feet in length, the interior of the 365 has a surprising amount of room to walk as well as all of the essential appliances, storage, and comfort features needed for cruising. As you walk in front the cockpit, the galley is placed starboard and includes a propane cooktop, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, multiple outlets, four drawers and four storage cabinets. Portside is an Ultra-leather, right-angled couch with a dining table as well as a large window and storage cabinet. The ceiling has stainless steel handle bars for walking around the salon when foul weather has the boat rocking.

For overnight accommodations, the American Tug 365 has a large private stateroom placed forward on the boat. It includes a queen-sized berth with plenty of hanging lockers and storage spaces. There is a large head on the boat with a shower stall, sink, and extra storage. This is a great boat for a owner/operator and partner, but if guests are coming along the settee in the salon can be converted to a bed.

American Tug also offers a 10-year warranty that covers workmanship and blisters. The Tomco factory goes through painstaking quality control efforts and each boat is sea trialed by the team.