Thanks Dave! We have all sorts of members at our club. I can't say that I'm not skilled when looking at some of the other models. We even have members that start out with a ready to run boat, and do some fantastic modifications to them. I've seen some members join with little skills and within a year or two they are doing great work. We are all in this hobby together and I am grateful for this website, not only to show my own work but to ask for help from those more skilled.
Lew

Lew,
Thank you for the compliment! Coming from you, it means a lot.
I was "gifted" the USCG MLB at our club's annual swap meet. As I was walking out the door, a fellow club member said "you know the hull leaks, right?" Which, of course, had not been mentioned. I am in the process of sanding the exterior of the hull down, and also removing spray foam from the inside. When I get it down to base material, I intend to glass/epoxy inside and out. I also noticed that the tubes where the rudder shafts come through look suspect, so I intend to address that as well. It is turning out to be more of a project than I anticipated but should be a fun boat when done.
Dave B

DaveB, I called it a "Dumpster Joker" (which I might name it) because of the condition it is in. Probably make it a dirty, well used tug, lots of rust and weathering just for fun. I was going to "Americanize" to a NYC tug it but the hull lines are not right and would take too much time.
I was looking at your harbor and you have a nice selection of boats. My 47 ft USCG MLB barely made it back (being pushed) to the dock. Only about 3 inches of the nose above water. Do you ever get water in yours?
Lew

Lewz,
I don't get "Dumpster Joker's" because I know I don't possess the awesome skillset you do.
I am in awe at the work you do, and the results you get.
There is no doubt in my mind that, should you choose to take on a restoration/build, your Atlantic Tug will be better than pristine and more spectacular than new.
Dave B

You got a "Shelf Queen" and I got a "Dumpster Joker." This Atlantic tug has seen better days! Why would anyone put a bow thruster in this? I'm thinking of making this a true fireboat, one that actually smokes and has [artificial] flames so my Krick Dusseldorf FLB 2 has something to spray water on (if I ever finish the major rebuild).

Recently I have been getting a lot of boats that other people either have given up on or no longer interested in. Before the Dusseldorf there was the USCG 47 ft MLB, before that another Atlantic tug (in good condition) which I passed on to my son, and a sailboat. Some boats I had to pass on. Today I got an email about someone wanting to get rid of a Graupner rowboat #2152, partially built.

Looks like I will never get back to building the Arne Christiansen towboat with Graupner Z-drives.

Lew

Good Looking Tug, Dave👍👍
Trev