Boat search

Having sold Snow Bird in 2012, we've been getting our boating fix by chartering.  And it is without a doubt the easiest and most economical way to enjoy cruising.  Since then we've chartered boats in Alaska, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, and several Caribbean Islands.

But you can't find anyone who will charter you a boat to do the Great Loop.
So, the search for a new boat began.

It took a couple of years; reading boating magazines, researching on the internet, and walking miles of docks looking at boats, but we eventually narrowed down on the model and features we wanted.  This included: made in America, single diesel engine, side thrusters, double cabin, enclosed shower, and helm access to the side deck.  This narrowed the choices considerably.  Our top candidate emerged to be an American Tug Mdl 395.  They are built in a small town just north of Seattle, WA, and have an American manufactured Cummins diesel engine.

Showing good judgement, we toured the factory and then chartered a 2013 model for a week this July cruising around the San Juan Is.  All was wonderful and highly recommended.