`Boat test, interiors, engine performance results, photos, statistics, and critique of the American Tug 49.

Once the grid is in place and cured, workers install Nida-Core soles, which are both lighter and stronger than the typical plywood flooring. “We build thicker than standards recommend,” boasts Taitano.

So with the vessel tracking straight, good sightlines, a protected prop, and a hull ready for any incidental impact, I began to ease her over the silt bar, feeling confident that even if we hit, this boat could handle it. Of course, just because one is confident doesn’t mean he shouldn’t also be prudent. So I did what any sensible captain would do: I handed the wheel back over to Dilworth, the owner’s rep, who has full insurance coverage. About 30 seconds later, we were on the other side of the shallows.

I took back the wheel, and as we approached the dock, gave a quick burst of her standard bow and stern thrusters, spun the 49 around the outside pier, and nestled her side-to between a pair of her sisterships. If only all boats were so confidence-inspiring.

Noteworthy: Smart Electrics

Although it may seem like a rather odd item to put on a vessel that cruises in the permanent overcast of the Pacific Northwest, the pair of SunSei solar panels aboard our test boat provide quite a bit of extra power—up to 14.5 amps, to be exact. Tomco wanted to ensure that the panels could power one of the dual Nova Kool ‘fridges and simultaneously take care of all of the saloon lighting. (That’s one of the main reasons the builder chose LEDs).

But that’s not the only way to keep the batteries full on this boat. The company custom-built an assembly on the Volvo Penta D9’s flywheel, that not only powers the hydraulics,but also a second alternator that charges just the four 8D AGM house batteries. And you can check the charge level of the system on the Xantrex helm monitor that also controls the 2,000-watt inverter.

Tomco Marine Group (360) 466-9277

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