Tugs of the 2024 Tugboat Roundup
/Participating vessels at the Tugboat Roundup
8th Sea
Description: The 8th Sea was built at the American Electric Welding Company in Fells Point, at the foot of Carolina St, in Baltimore Maryland in 1953 for the United States Army. The 8th Sea’s original use was as a harbor tug in the Charleston, South Carolina Harbor. Compared to seagoing tugs, harbor tugboats are generally smaller and the width-to-length ratio is often higher, due to the need for a lower draft.
In the 70’s the 8th Sea found work more suited to her name. She worked on the St. Lawrence Seaway (leading to the Great Lakes, a.k.a the 8th Sea). She was used to scan the entrance to locks to determine where to dredge. She worked along side the Tug 4th Coast.
In the 1990’s, the St. Lawrence Seaway refitted the 4th Coast and auctioned off the 8th Sea. She found her first, and only, private owner, Bill Curry, then owner of the Lake Towing and Salvage in Plattsburgh, NY. The 8th Sea worked in towing and salvage until 2000.
Since 2000, the 8th Sea has served the purpose of summer home, cruise ship, evening gathering spot, meeting location, hide and seek base, and rescue boat. She is a staple in Waterford and Troy. Her captain spends his summers with the 8th Sea and his winters in Grand Cayman Islands.
Alyssa Brooke
Vessel Type: Working Tug
Owner: CD PERRY LLC
Primary Port: Troy Sea Wall
Builder: St John Boat Builders, Panama City, FL
Year of Build: 2016
Length Overall: 27'
Beam: 14'
Engine Type: Cummins Diesel, 800 HP
Description: Alyssa Brooke is a pusher-style tug built in 2016 by St. Johns Boat Builders in Panama City, FL. Designed for versatility, the Alyssa Brooke is transportable over highways, allowing it to be easily relocated to different job sites. This tug is a familiar sight on both the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, where it is frequently engaged in various work projects. Currently, the Alyssa Brooke is stationed at the mouth of the Hudson River, near Catskill Creek, where it is assisting with repairs using a 140-foot crane barge.
ATLANTIC HUNTER V
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Owner: Cap'n Ben
Business: Blue Dolphin Marine Towing & Salvage
Primary Port: Norwood, MA
Builder: Custom by owner
Year of Build: 2024
Length Overall: 25'
Beam: 8'
Engine Type: Outboard, 200 HP
Description: ATLANTIC HUNTER V is a custom-built mini tug, designed to the exact specifications of its owner, Cap'n Ben. This new addition to the fleet showcases the latest in tugboat design and innovation.
Bath Jr.
Vessel Type: Restoration Project | Mini Tug
Business: Granite State Towboat
Length Overall: 25'
Beam: 8'
Description: Bath Jr. is a mini tug under restoration by Joe Lannan. This 25’ mini tug, built 2016, is TBR regular and fan favorite.
Benjamin Elliot
Vessel Type: Working Tug
Owner: NYS Marine Highway
Primary Port: Troy, NY
Length Overall: 48'
Beam: 15'
Engine Type: Two Detroit Diesel 6-110 engines
Description: Originally built in 1960, Benjamin Elliot has served multiple roles, including for the Monahan Towing Company. Now, under the New York State Marine Highway, it continues to operate with the same name. At 640 hp, powered by two, Detroit Diesel 6-110 diesel engines, the Ben is the smallest tug in the NYS Highway Marine fleet.
Caprice
Vessel Type: Tug Trawler
Primary Port: Geneva, NY
Builder: North Castle Marine, Goderich, Ontario
Year of Build: 1985
Length Overall: 40'
Beam: 14'
Engine Type: Westerbeke Diesel, 100 HP
Description: Caprice is a well-traveled vessel on New York State waterways, previously owned by the former Director of NY Canals. It has been a fixture at the Schenectady Yacht Club and now enjoys life on the Finger Lakes.
Caroline M.
Vessel Type: Twin Screw Tug
Owner: Carver Marine Towing Company
Primary Port: New York, NY
Builder: Rayco Shipbuilders and Repair, Bourg, LA
Year of Build: 1979
Length Overall: 65.7'
Beam: 24'
Engine Type: Caterpillar 3412E Diesel, 1,440 HP
Description: Originally built as the Bayou Babe in 1979 by Rayco Shipbuilders and Repair, the Caroline M. has a rich history of service and several name changes. She was first acquired by Misener Marine Incorporated of Tampa, Florida, before being renamed Wauwinet under the ownership of Great Point Towing Company in 1988. In 1996, she was acquired by Weeks Marine Incorporated and renamed Virginia. Most recently, in 2023, the tug was purchased by the Carver Marine Towing Company and renamed Caroline M. Powered by twin Caterpillar 3412E diesel engines, the Caroline M. is a powerful and versatile vessel, with a towing capacity supported by a Smatco 44-DPS-75 towing winch. With a hailing port in New York, NY, the Caroline M. continues to be a vital part of the towing industry.
Frederick Skene (parade only)
Vessel Type: Debris Collection Vessel
Owner: Albany Field Office, New York District Army Corps of Engineers
Year of Build: 2024
Length Overall: 45'
Beam: 15'
Description: Named after a former New York State Engineer, the Frederick Skene is a new Debris Collection Vessel designed to keep New York waterways safe by clearing driftwood and other hazardous materials. The vessel operates from Lake Champlain down to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Equipped with a 40-ton crane on a floating plant, it tackles large debris while a smaller craft assists in shallow waters. This vessel replaces an older model that served since 1963, ensuring continued safety for commercial and recreational traffic along the Hudson River.
G AN' SEA
Vessel Type: Mini Kayak Tug
Length Overall: 8'
Beam: 24"
Description: The G AN' SEA, although diminutive in size, exudes a unique and endearing charm. She is a special vessel of the kayak origins, captained by the skilled Gina L. Freeman during the Tugboat Roundup. Her primary port of call is Waterford, N.Y. Another Ben Grudinskas masterpiece, she is both resilient and lightweight. With an air draft of just 4 feet and a water draft of a mere 6 inches, she is perfectly suited for shallow waterways and can slip through low bridges with ease. Her compact dimensions of 8 feet in length and 2 feet in beam make her an agile and efficient vessel. Powered by an electric engine, she offers eco-friendly cruising. The G AN' SEA may be tiny, but she embodies the spirit of innovation and passion for boating, making her a delightful addition to the Roundup.
Goosed
Vessel Type: Monk 36 Trawler
Length Overall: 40'
Beam: 13'
Description: Goosed is a Monk 36 Trawler, a type of pleasure vessel, offering a smooth and leisurely cruising experience,
Heave Ho
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Year of Build: 2009
Length Overall: 17'
Beam: 7'
Engine Type: 2-cylinder diesel, 10 HP
Description: Heave Ho is a mini tug with a sturdy build and a determined name. This is her first visit to the Roundup.
Henry
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Primary Port: East Greenwich, RI
Year of Build: 2023
Length Overall: 18'
Beam: 8'
Engine Type: Diesel, 25 HP
Description: Henry is a mini tug built by its owner, Chris Prata, by refurbishing a 50-year-old marshall cat sanderling and installing a tug-like wheelhouse.
J. Arnold Witte
Description: The J. Arnold Witte, recognized as the 2022 Tug of the Year, is an impressive vessel with a bright future ahead. She was meticulously crafted in 2021 by the skilled hands at the DonJon Shipbuilding and Repair Company of Erie, Pennsylvania, bearing the distinguished hull number 145, and commissioned for the esteemed DonJon Marine Company Incorporated of Hillside, New Jersey. This triple-screw towboat, measuring 78 feet in length and 26 feet in breadth, exudes power and grace, perfectly designed by Boksa Marine Design to navigate the intricate waterways of the 524-mile NYS Canal System, New York Harbor, Hudson River, and beyond. With a draft of nine feet and a telescoping wheelhouse, she's primed for versatile cargo handling from her homeport in Port Newark, NJ. Powered by three robust Mitsubishi S6R2-Y3MPTAW diesel engines, complemented by ZF 3350 reduction gears, and turning three mighty 66-inch four-bladed stainless steel propellers, the J. Arnold Witte commands an impressive 2,400 horsepower. Her electrical needs are expertly met by two Kohler 65EOZJC generators, driven by two John Deere 4045TFM85 engines. With capacities including 29,281 gallons of fuel, 521 gallons of lube oil, 521 gallons of slop oil, 4,578 gallons of potable water, and 20,681 gallons of ballast, she's well-equipped for her maritime duties. Tug enthusiasts and maritime aficionados alike are undoubtedly captivated by her two 40-ton Nabrico DF-1-11L winches on the bow and one Nabrico DF-HC-15 capstan on the stern. As the youngest tug to be named Tug of the Year, the J. Arnold Witte's legacy is only just beginning, symbolizing the future of maritime excellence.
Joncaire
Description: The Joncaire is a 43 foot tugboat built in 1979. Its original was to install and remove ice booms on Lake Erie for the Niagara the Power Authority. Now she is owned and operated by the NYS Canal Corporation and works the canal system.
Jolly Bobber
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Length Overall: 14'6"
Beam: 7'6"
Description: .Jolly Bobber is a homemade 14”6’ mini tugboat built in 2021 that embodies the joy of boating. With its compact size and cheerful design, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser at the event.
Knot at Work
Vessel Type: Houseboat
Business: Mohawk Maiden Cruises
Length Overall: 40'
Description: Knot at Work is a houseboat operated by Mohawk Maiden Cruises. It serves as a comfortable and functional vessel on the water, providing a unique cruising experience on the rivers.
KO~HOG
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Length Overall: 14'3"
Beam: 7'
Description: KO~HOG is a mini tug that, despite its small size, is packed with personality. . Her home port is on Cape Cod where her owner enjoys shell fishing. She’s named for the hard shell clam “quahog.”
Lady Gabrielle
Vessel Type: Other
Length Overall: 32'
Beam: 11'
Description: This Nordic Tug is a member of the Troy Yacht and Canoe Club, just across the river. Lady Gabrielle was purchased in Annapolis, Maryland in August of 2012. The boat left Maryland a month before Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast.
Michael S. Noonan
Vessel Type Vessel Type: Working Tug
Owner: Barden's Boat Yard, Inc.
Primary Port: Marion, MA
Builder: Homemade, Marion, MA
Year of Build: 1986
Length Overall: 32'
Beam: 14'
Engine Type: Inboard, Twin Detroit Diesel, 110 HP each
Description: The Michael S. Noonan is a working tug built in 1986 in Marion, MA. Originally equipped with a single Cummins engine, the tug was purchased by Barden's Boat Yard in 2002 and has since been upgraded with twin Detroit diesel engines. The tug is primarily used for boat yard operations and has recently undergone a fresh coat of paint. With a draft of 4 feet and a robust steel hull, the Michael S. Noonan continues to serve effectively in its role, demonstrating the reliability and versatility of homemade maritime craftsmanship.
Moor Than E-nuff
Vessel Type: Pleasure Tug
Length Overall: 28'
Beam: 8'6"
Nathan G.
Vessel Type: Towing Vessel
Ship Builder: Marine Industries Inc., Morgan City, Louisiana
Year Built: 1977
Length Overall: 73.3'
Beam: 24.3'
Hull Depth: 8.1'
Gross Tonnage: 132
Net Tonnage: 89
Hailing Port: Troy, NY
Engine Type: Two Detroit 12 149 diesel engines
Horsepower: 1,200 HP
Propulsion: Twin screw, cast steel, fixed pitch propellers
Previous Names: Brute Force, Hinton, Joan McAllister
Description: Nathan G. was originally built in 1977 by Marine Industries Incorporated as the Brute Force. Over the years, the vessel has seen several name changes and ownership transfers. It was first acquired by Seabrook Towing Incorporated and renamed Hinton. In 1987, it was purchased by McAllister Brothers Towing Company and was later renamed Joan McAllister in 2004. Finally, in 2017, the tug was acquired by the New York State Marine Highway Transportation Company and renamed Nathan G. This steel-hulled vessel is powered by two Detroit 12 149 diesel engines, providing a combined output of 1,200 horsepower, making it a reliable workhorse on the water.
Other Office
Vessel Type: Express Cruiser
Primary Port: Schuylerville, NY
Builder: Wellcraft
Year of Build: 1997
Length Overall: 43'
Beam: 14.5'
Engine Type: Caterpillar, 420 HP x2
Description: Other Office is an express cruiser owned by David Mathis, serving as a summer residence. It has been a beloved part of family life, particularly enjoyed by Mathis’s grandson during the summer months on the river.
Reliant
Vessel Type: Trawler
Length Overall: 32'
Beam: 12'
Description: The Reliant is a 1988 Nordic Tug. She’s 32 feet with a beam of 11 feet. She’s powered by a reliable Cummins Inboard engine. With a draft of 3 feet and 9 inches, the Reliant is designed to navigate a range of waterways with ease.
Sarah D.
Vessel Type: Working Tug
Owner: NYS Marine Highway
Primary Port: Troy, NY
Length Overall: 90'
Beam: 29'
Description: The Sarah D, a distinguished tugboat, has been a stalwart presence in the maritime world since her construction in 1975 by Putnam Shipbuilding of Palatka, Florida. Originally known as the Lauren S. Coppedge, she was initially commissioned by Wayland T. Coppedge Jr. of the White Stack Towing Company in Jacksonville, Florida. However, the White Stack Towing Company later decided to rename her as the Helen D. Coppedge. In 1978, the White Stack Towing Company became part of the Turecamo Coastal and Harbor Towing Corporation of New York, New York, but the tugboat retained her name. Then, in 1998, when Turecamo was acquired by the Moran Towing Corporation of New Canaan, Connecticut, the Helen D. Coppedge continued to proudly bear her name. It wasn't until 2016 that she found a new home with the New York State Marine Highway Transportation Company of Troy, New York, where she was lovingly rechristened as the Sarah D. As a twin-screw tug boasting a robust 2,000 horsepower, the Sarah D stands as a testament to maritime excellence and tradition, and her legacy is further underscored by her past accolades, including being a former Best in Show winner at Tugboat Roundup. She is not just a vessel but a maritime legend in her own right.
Shoofly Pie
Vessel Type: Historic Tug
Owner: Tideland Institute
Primary Port: Brooklyn, NY
Description: Tugboat Shoofly Pie was designed to be a Distribution Box (L Type) Boat for the US Army, meant to work on harbor mines in the early years of WWII. She laid submarine detection cables in Maine, then spent the rest of the war working as a tugboat. After the war she continued as a tug in Texas, spent a few years working as a fireboat, then as a tug again in the Caribbean and on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Her current home port is Brooklyn.
Spirit of Albany
Vessel Type: Port Security Vessel
Owner: Albany Port District Commission
Primary Port: Albany, NY
Builder: Pasch Marine
Year of Build: 1966
Length Overall: 64'
Beam: 15'
Engine Type: 2 12V71 Detroit Diesel engines for propulsion, 453 Detroit Diesel engine for electrical power
Description: The Spirit of Albany, a Port Security Vessel owned by the Albany Port District Commission, is primarily used for inspections and as a work platform for wharf repairs. Originally serving as the survey boat "Sentry" for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the vessel has a storied history, now continuing its service at the Port of Albany.
TooT TooT
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Primary Port: Middleboro, MA
Builder: Mike Magnant
Year of Build: 2002
Length Overall: 14'3"
Beam: 7'4"
Engine Type: Tohatsu, 20 HP
Description: TooT TooT is a Berkley designed mini tug that was built by Mike and Louise Magnant. Mike actually built the boat around the steering wheel that Louise gave him for Christmas way back in 1996. Before Mike could build the tug however, he promised Louise that he would build her a three season room on the side of their house. It took four and a half years, working part time, before TooT TooT was launched in August 2002. TooT TooT is 14'3" long and 7'4" wide and has participated and won many awards in events all over the northeast.
Tender 3
Vessel Type: Workboat
Owner: New York State Canals
Year of Build: 1926
Length Overall: 43'
Beam: 10'
Engine Type: Detroit Diesel, 220 HP
Description: Built in 1926, Tender 3 is a classic workboat based in Waterford, NY, and serves as a crucial part of the New York State Canals fleet. This vessel, which is a sister ship to Tender 5, was the first boat the captain ever operated within the NYS Canals system. With a length of 43 feet and a beam of 10 feet, Tender 3 is primarily used in dredging operations and for yard work. The boat is powered by a robust 220 HP Detroit Diesel engine, making it well-suited for its demanding tasks. Despite its age, Tender 3 continues to be a dependable and essential vessel in maintaining the canals.
Toto
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Length Overall: 21'
Beam: 6'
Description: Toto’s owner was on duty as a firefighter during a tornado in Massachusetts in 2011 when a tree worker brought a stranded kitten into the firehouse. Jonathan has since written a book about the Toto the Tornado Kitten and named a tug boat after her. Toto (the boat, not the kitten) is a 21’ 2014 Ranger 21EC.
Tracy’s Landing
Vessel Type: Ranger Tug
Length Overall: 25'
Beam: 8.5'
Description: Tracy’s Landing is a 25’ Ranger Tug, designed for both comfort and function.
Tuggin Teeth
Vessel Type: Mini Tug
Primary Port: Califon, NJ
Year of Build: 2007
Length Overall: 29'
Engine Type: Diesel
Description: Tuggin’ Teeth is a 29-foot long, 8-foot wide mini tug now owned by Russ O'Connell. Originally known as the Atlantic Hunter II, the 2017 Tug of the Year. The Atlantic Hunter II was built by Ben Grudinskas. After changing hands, Russ O'Connell purchased the vessel and, with the help of Ben, undertook a refurbishment to restore and enhance its distinct character.
The tug’s interior is adorned with solid wood paneling, mahogany and teak trim, and working bronze portholes, all sourced from 1960s-era wooden boats. This craftsmanship, combined with its steel fore and aft “H” bitts and quarter bitts, makes Tuggin’ Teeth both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
USCGC WIRE
Vessel Type: Icebreaking Coast Guard Cutter
Owner/Business: U.S. Coast Guard
Primary Port: Saugerties, NY
Builder: New Bern, NC
Year of Build: 1963
Length Overall: 65'
Beam: 19'
Engine Type: Caterpillar 3412 DIT, 500 HP
Description: Commissioned in 1963, USCGC WIRE has served New York for 61 years, primarily in icebreaking and Maritime Law Enforcement on the Hudson River. It remains a vital vessel in ensuring the safety and navigability of the waterways.
Xanadu
Vessel Type: Antique Cruiser
Primary Port: Schenectady Yacht Club
Builder: Pacemaker
Year of Build: 1963
Length Overall: 39'
Beam: 12'
Engine Type: Gasoline, 600 HP
Description: The Xanadu is a beautifully preserved antique cruiser built in 1963 by Pacemaker. With a wooden hull and a length of 39 feet, this vessel boasts a rich history and classic design. Rebuilt in 1984 by Everett Klein, the Xanadu has been carefully maintained to ensure it remains in excellent condition. The cruiser, which has an air draft of 14 feet and a water draft of 4 feet, is powered by a gasoline engine with 600 horsepower. Homeported at the Schenectady Yacht Club, Xanadu offers a timeless cruising experience on the water, combining vintage charm with modern reliability.
