Hi all...

A while back I was given two Atlantic "Tugs" (by separate people). One was in very good condition (but with the old FM radio) which I passed on to another member and the other is the subject for this post.

These Atlantic "tugs" [sic] have a very toy like design, especially the hull's gunwale (curve) when viewed from the side. That being said, I would like to restore it, probably to another type boat as I don't want to start cutting the gunwale. to flatten it some.

Now the condition of everything is fair and the hull is pretty solid. (The hole in the bow area is a chop job done by the previous owner to install a bow thruster.) Everything is dirty bun ca be cleaned up. It is missing the wheelhouse. I would like to re-use (modify?) the superstructure.

So, here's where all of you come in. Given the shape of the hull and structure, do any of you have any ideas what this could be made into based on a real boat's looks? (If there are any real tugs in the style/looks, could you pass that info on to me?)

Thanks,

Lew

Roy, what a good call on the hull shape for the "Atlantic" tug restoration. Some the older European fishing trawler hull shape is quite similar to the Atlantic tug. Going one step further, I found the Kriegsfischkutter (KFK) a very interesting subject.

The KFK is about 24m (78.8 ft) in length and the Atlantic is 30.3 inches. That would be about a scale of 1/31.2 - close to 1/32 for figures. (Probably take 0.80 inch off the transom to flatten it.) Very interesting!

My problem is that I am in my RC armor mode (another Sherman arrived today) and was trying to get back to my RC boat mode with the major modification to my Dusseldorf FLB2 (fireboat). At 79 I have too much lined up. Decisions, decisions!!!

Lew

Also, check these out... The first one shows a modern day look (rusted, on land) and the second has a lot of detail info to use for a build:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/KFK_ex_20030417_001_whv.JPG

https://www.super-hobby.com/products/KFK-363-Kriegsfischkutter-KOMPLET-MODEL-I-LASERY.html#gallery_start

I still have this thought about converting the ugly Aquacraft "Atlantic" tug to something more real-ish looking. Running with the idea of a fishing vessel, I came across a Kriegsfischkutter (KFK for short), a WWII German patrol craft.

Attached is a drawing comparing both of the hulls. Not too bad! But is it worth the trouble? I would like to hear other opinions on this especially if you would do this if given a hull to work with. Looks like the scale would be close to 1/32, so figures and perhaps other items (guns?) should be available.

Keep in mind that in this example there is some difference in the hull shape. However, note that these boats were built in many countries and different shipyards. Looking at photos there seem to be noticeable differences.

What Would You Do?

Lew
Florida, USA

You can also search Kriegsfischkutter see photos, drawings, videos, etc.

Cash...

Thanks for the comments and photos. Despite the ugly design (at least for a tug), the Aquacraft fiberglass hull appears to be quite strong and a good base for a KFK.

It looks like the underside of the hull near the propeller is quite different and could be a problem, but it would not be that noticeable as the fantastic look of the boat above the waterline will distract from that.

Lew
Florida, USA 🇺🇸