Buying a Used Commercial Tugboat Online: Listings and Tips for Purchase

Interested in pursuing a maritime career in the commercial tug or towing industry? There’s plenty to learn about the industry, including the United States Coast Guard requirements for towing vessels.

Your search may commence by reviewing used commercial tugs for sale through online listings. Below, we have provided information to help you in your quest for a new or used commercial tug.

Websites Featuring New and Used Commercial Tugs for Sale

The three websites outlined below offer an assortment of commercial tugs and instructions on how to purchase such a vessel.

Boat Trader (boattrader.com) – While Boat Trader is used primarily to trade recreational vessels, the online trade publication also includes a number of commercial vessels for sale. The site has a search feature that allows you to narrow down your search by zip code, boat type, manufacturer, model year, price and with keywords.

Most listings include multiple color photographs and details about the vessel:

• length;
• propulsion type; and
• horsepower.

Many listings include a price, while others may instruct you to call for a price. Users may create a profile and save searches – and particular tugs – for a later date.

Yacht World (yachtworld.com) – Self-described as having the “world’s largest selection” of vessels for sale, Yacht World features listings for more than a dozen used commercial tugs in the United States. Locate used commercial tugs by using the following navigation from the site’s home page: Boats>Power>Tug. You then can select from various manufacturers.

Vessel listings may include such information as:

• length;
• year of manufacture;
• price;
• location;
• photos (some listings also include video);
• hull material;
• engine/fuel type; and
• warranty information.

Yacht World also offers information about securing boat loans, vessel insurance and transportation options. The site also provides a sign-up option for an online newsletter.

East Coast Marine Ship Brokers (shipsusa.com) – This commercial boat brokerage firm offers sales from around the world and features brokers who are licensed, bonded and insured. Locate a listing of tugs for sale from a menu on the left-hand side of the site’s home page.

Listings may include:

• photo(s);
• price (when available);
• length;
• engine details;
• fuel type;
• construction;
• endurance;
• equipment information;
• year of manufacture; and
• details about the condition and features of the vessel (including features requiring repair or additional work).

East Coast Marine is located in Port Canaveral, Fla., and advertises a ready stock of in-house commercial vessels. Call or email for more details about available tugs.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Used Commercial Tug

As you inspect a prospective commercial vessel, watch out for the following:

• signs of neglect and poor upkeep (moss, corrosion, pitted aluminum, etc.); and
• poor mechanical condition (a dirty engine, loose steering cables, etc.).

Order your Towing Vessel Official Logbooks online or by calling 888-468-3757.