Nordic Tugs 26

Nordic Tugs 26 Details

First introduced in 1980, the Nordic Tug 26 was an instant success, and for good reason. This new cruiser, designed by Lynn Senour, won the hearts of so many people because its tugboat look was decidedly different, appealing, and cute. It was also well built in Washington State. Nordic Tugs founder Jerry Husted took 54 orders at that first boat show in Seattle. The Nordic Tug 26 became the first model in what would become a sizeable Nordic Tugs fleet from 26 to 54 feet, and while the builder ceased production of the small tug for some years, Nordic Tugs reintroduced the 26-footer in 2009 because of its lasting popularity and demand.

With a solid fiberglass, semi-displacement hull form, this tug is more stable at anchor than either a Deep-V or round bilge boat. The builder intends its owners to run the boat at trawler speeds up to 8 knots, and equips it to do so economically, but the Nordic Tug 26 can get up and reach 13+ knots when there is a need for higher speed.

Over the years, the boat has not much changed except for upgrades and improvements in materials and construction, and advances in machinery, equipment, and finishes. Today the standard engine is a single 110hp diesel engine. Those wary of boats with single engines have no need to worry on this boat. With its heavy hull not easily blown around, standard bow thruster, and large rudder, maneuvering in close quarters is a breeze.

The Nordic Tug 26 is proof that less is more. Given its dry weight of 8,500lbs, and beam of just 9’6”, the little tug is often put on a trailer (an aluminum trailer is a Nordic Tugs option) and trucked around the country with only a “Wide Load” permit. Owners have taken these tugs to British Columbia from Southern California, to Mexico, and around New England before driving down to relaunch the tug in the Florida Keys. This is an impressive capability few boats can duplicate, owning a quality cruising boat that can go wherever your dreams take you.

A well-protected cockpit offers seating, lazarette storage, and easy access to dinghy or dock. Stepping inside through the cockpit door, down a couple of steps leads to the saloon. A full galley is on the port side, with refrigerator/freezer, dual burner stove, microwave, sink, and storage. Opposite the galley is a comfortable dinette that can be transformed for additional sleeping accommodations if needed. Large Diamond Sea Glaze windows and doors throughout the boat make for outstanding visibility and an inviting bright interior. Screens are also included on all opening windows.

The tug’s pilothouse is over top of the engine and machinery space. Access to the engine room is through a hatch in the helm sole as well as removable steps. Two roomy pilothouse bench seats are the perfect place to enjoy the journey, and the helm console is large enough to hold a full complement of electronics, switches, thruster and engine controls, radio, and autopilot.

Unusual for a boat of this size, there are also two pilothouse doors, port and starboard, so it is easy for the helmsman to reach out and secure a spring line to a handy midship cleat. These design details make boat handling easy for a short-handed crew.

The forward stateroom has an offset full berth, with additional seating, a hanging locker and storage space for clothes and personal items. The wet head is a one-piece molded structure for low maintenance. An electric head is standard.

The new Nordic Tug 26 is the latest form of this classic, built using the best materials and latest technology, from LED lighting and electrical equipment to your choice of Garmin electronics. Nordic Tugs builds the boat heavy enough to be seaworthy, but small enough to go places, with true yacht quality in finishes and equipment. Wherever this boat arrives, there are smiles and pleasing nods all around, as it really does stand out in a crowd. Experience this for yourself!

Most owners use the space atop the pilothouse and aft saloon roof for kayaks and SUPs, and the smokestack, so necessary for that tugboat profile, offers handy storage inside.

The list of options helps create a proper cruising boat for wherever the owners want to go. Optional diesel heating systems make sense for those wanting to cruise the Pacific Northwest. Air conditioning is popular for those cruising in warmer waters, as is a generator, and screens can be ordered for all opening windows. Wherever your adventure dreams take you, this tug cruiser can be built to fit your plans.

The Nordic Tug 26 has stood the test of time and remains every bit as unique as it was when first introduced. There is a certain thrill of nostalgia from its working boat profile, and she is big enough to be a comfortable and easy-to-handle cruising boat for one or two people. Those who desire a little more space only need to look at the other models in the Nordic Tugs lineup to find the perfect cruiser for their adventures.

It is truly fitting that being the first and smallest in the Nordic Tugs family puts the Nordic Tug 26 at the very top of Nordic Tugs’ continued success story.