News-Dockside 2006

American Tug Featured in
Dockside Magazine

November 2006

Marine SUVs: American Tugs have much more than classic styling

by Susan Colby

“Sport utility vehicle” takes on a whole new meaning when you look at the American Tugs built by Tomco Marine Group in LaConner, Washington. Maintaining the profile of old-style tugs, these boats are designed for people who love traditional but want all the goodies as well.

Tomco is Tom Nelson’s dream. It came to fruition after meeting with his childhood friend, Lynn Senour, the well known West Coast marine architect. As the idea grew, Nelson called on Mike Schoppert and Kurt Dilworth, whose skills and experience from a variety of boat builders complement his; together they formed Tomco Marine Group.

Tomco recently celebrated the launch of their one-hundredth 34 hull, known at AT34. Now called Endeavor, she was bought by a local boater, Carrol Walker of Snohomish, a retired schoolteacher and active member of the Everett USCG Auxiliary. “Being close by, Carrol took an active part in the building of his AT34 with frequent visits to the factory while we built this special boat,” remarked Dilworth.

Not all buyers are fortunate to live so close, but they can be assured that the quality of workmanship is watched closely. This shows in the fine finish of the interiors, which boast finely finished teak. The design is carefully thought out, with large windows around the pilothouse, including aft, so the skipper is not the only one with a great view.

Tomco produces two tugs—the 34-footer and the 41-footer. The 34 is a couple’s boat, and the saying, “Drinks 6, eats 4, sleeps 2,” fits this boat perfectly. She has a single stateroom and head forward and a settee in the salon that makes into a double berth, plus ample seating for the other guests. The 41 offers two staterooms, both with heads en suite. An outstanding feature of both the 34 and 41, is the vast amount of storage space, always a plus when cruising.

Steve Scruggs of the Marine Servicenter of Seattle knows the American Tugs well, “The 34 is a small pilothouse motor yacht,” he said. “They can cruise with much bigger yachts while giving up nothing,” due to size. He commented that the design of the pilothouse adds to the entertainment area of the boat.

This year Tomco introduced a new option for American Tug owners. They can choose the classic pilothouse or the new fly bridge, on both the 34 and 41.