Tugs of the 2025 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.
Bar-B-Q
BAR-B-Q is a 2014 Ranger Tug 31 Command Bridge, built in the Pacific Northwest. At 35 feet in length with a 10-foot beam and a draft of less than 3 feet, she is a versatile and capable cruiser designed for comfort and independence on the water.
Powered by a Volvo Penta D4 300, BAR-B-Q delivers strong and reliable performance. Her onboard 5kW generator ensures self-sufficiency, making her well-suited for extended cruising without reliance on shore power.
The vessel is equipped with modern electronics including AIS, radar, and autopilot, enhancing both navigation and safety. With her combination of performance, efficiency, and thoughtful outfitting, BAR-B-Q exemplifies the Ranger Tug tradition of building seaworthy, comfortable, and adventure-ready boats.
Owner: Jack Grill
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.
Carol
Vessel Type: Working Tug
Owner: Portland Tugs
Primary Port: New Orleans, LA
Length Overall: 80'
Beam: 25'
Engine Type: Two Cummins K38-M diesel engines
Description: 2025 marks the first visit for the New Orleans, LA-based tugboat Carol, originally built as the Falcon in 1978 by Modern Marine Power Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana.
The tug was acquired by the Eklof Marine Corporation in 1989, the K-Sea Transportation Partnership in 1993, the Kirby Corporation in 2011, the Vane Brothers Company in 2013, and finally Portland Tugs in 2020. Originally powered by two Detroit Diesel 12V71 diesel engines, she was re-powered with two Tier II compliant Cummins K38-M diesel engines in 2014.
Carol is rated at 2,000 horsepower, with a capacity of 35,000 gallons of fuel, 350 gallons of lube oil, 350 gallons of waste oil, and 4,200 gallons of water. She is equipped with a single drum, HBL XS-27H-5 towing winch, and two 65 ton Patterson face winches.
Though participating in the tugboat parade from Albany, the Carol will not be docked at the Waterford wall over the weekend unless NYSDOT converts the 112th Street Bridge back to a draw bridge between now and Friday. She will be on the Waterford "pool" however, docked just south of the bridge at NYS Marine Highway's yard during the festivities.
Frederick Skene
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.
Three Sisters
Built in 2006 by General Electric in Albany, NY, the Three Sisters originally served GE before being acquired in 2016 by Coeyman’s Marine Towing of Coeymans, NY. Retaining her name, she was phased out of active service in 2019 and laid up at the Port of Coeymans. The steel-hulled tug measures 25 feet in length and is powered by twin Tier III John Deere diesel engines (300 hp) with a telescoping wheelhouse, twin screws, and flanking rudders. Electrical power is supplied by a 12kW John Deere generator.
Tucker the Tugboat
Vessel Type: Mini Kayak Tug
Length Overall: 8'
Beam: 24"
Description: Tucker the Tugboat, although diminutive in size, exudes a unique and endearing charm. She is a special vessel of the kayak origins, originally commissioned by the skilled Gina L. Freeman and now sailing with Gridlock Studios. 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. Tucker 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,
Hagrid
The Hagrid is a charming, custom-designed mini tug, completed in 2009 by David and Jan Evraets, who remain her builders and owners. At 25 feet in length with an 8-foot beam and a displacement of 3,500 pounds, she carries the solid, workboat-inspired lines of a traditional tug while maintaining the grace and coziness of a handcrafted pleasure craft.
Her hull, constructed of marine plywood and epoxy, is finished in cream-white with a deep green sheer stripe and cabin top, accented by varnished mahogany trim and warm wood-paneled doors. The two round portholes on her aft cabin sides lend her an unmistakably classic tugboat character, while her pilothouse windows offer excellent visibility and a welcoming charm.
Underway, Hagrid is powered by a Ray Electric 5kW outboard motor paired with 20 kWh Epoch batteries, giving her a hull speed of 6.5 knots and an impressive calculated cruising range of about 80 miles at 5 knots. Quiet, efficient, and environmentally friendly, she represents a thoughtful blend of traditional maritime styling with modern electric propulsion.
Her home port is Helena, Montana, though her lines and details speak to a broader maritime heritage. Whether resting at anchor or underway, Hagrid presents a picturesque balance of function, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal—a true one-of-a-kind tug that turns heads wherever she goes.
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.
Hebert P. Brake
Built in 1992 by Empire Harbor Marine of Thomson, NY, the tug has carried several names through multiple ownerships, including Rebecca Ann under DonJon Marine. In 2022, she was reacquired by D. Brake Marine LLC of Madison, CT, and restored to her original name. Powered by twin Cummins VT 1710 diesels (375 hp), she is a twin-screw, modified bow towboat, currently under long term charter to New York State Marine Highway.
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.
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.
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.
Rosie
Rosie is a Lord Nelson Victory Tug (LNVT), hull #21, built in 1985 in Taiwan at the same yard that produced Hans Christian yachts. Only 74 of these distinctive tugs were ever built, making them a rare sight on the water. Designed as recreational craft, LNVTs capture the charm and strength of a working tugboat while offering the comfort of a pleasure vessel.
Most of the fleet were 37-foot models, with just a few stretched to 42 feet. Rosie is one of the 37-footers, powered by a BMW D150 six-cylinder diesel engine—a unique feature, as these engines were no longer manufactured after 1987. Remarkably, Rosie still carries her original powerplant.
Today, Rosie makes her home at Point Bay Marina in Charlotte, Vermont, though her travels extend well beyond Lake Champlain. Notably, she voyaged to the Bahamas in 2019–2020, proving her seaworthiness and her owners’ spirit of adventure.
With her classic lines, sturdy build, and storied history, Rosie is a fine example of the limited-production Lord Nelson tugs that continue to turn heads decades after their launch.
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.
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.
