1988 Lord Nelson Tug

History
Loren Hart cites the success of the Nordic Tug 26', which premiered at the 1980 Seattle International Boat Show, as being influential in his decision to design and build a tug himself. He believed there was a good market for a larger tug and decided on a 37'. James Backus, naval architect, credits Loren Hart with the original concept for the Victory Tug. Jim's inspiration for the yacht's dramatic sheer lines came from New York City's Moran Tugs of the 1950s and 1960s. He specifically incorporated the superstructure and raised bow which give the appearance of a working tugboat. Below the waterline, the full-displacement hull has elements of a Maine lobster boat shape with a full-length ballasted keel extending under a single propeller. Jim's design conforms to American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and American Boat Yacht Council (ABYC) 1985 standards for vessels up to 200 feet in length. A working mast and boom enables a steadying sail and provides a lifting capacity for hoisting a dinghy and other gear onto the upper or 'boat' deck. The design allows for the engine and fuel tanks to be removed without cutting holes in the boat. The interior design is that of a luxury yacht with features such as teak and holly sole and varnished cabinetry made from solid woods with detailed joinery.

A total of 75 tugs were built. Construction of hulls numbered 1-18 was at the Hai O Yachts Corporation yard in Taiwan. Work began on the first 37' in 1982. The hull was laid in May of 1983 and delivered to the first owner, Dr. Fletcher, later that year. Hulls from this yard show "HAO" within the hull number. Starting with hull #19, Victory Tugs were built by Ocean Eagle Yacht Building Corp., Pali Hsiang, Taiwan. Hulls from this yard show "OEY" within the hull number. The last 37' Victory Tug hull, #76, was laid in March 1989 and delivered later that year. Construction at both yards was managed by Tommy Chen. This very informative LNVT Sales Process spreadsheet shows when each tug was ordered, when it was built, when it was shipped, when it arrived in the U.S., who the first owner was, how much the tug sold for, and the cost of the equipment options.

Broker's Comments
Lord Nelson 37' Tug, 1989, Hull# 74
I was very impressed when asked to take a look at Cruz-In. She was having fresh bottom paint put on her when I arrived for the initial viewing. I love the classic tug lines and she did not disappoint! From the swept up bow to the stack, she looks vey authentic and proud of her heritage!
When entering the salon from the rear access you are stuck by the amount of polished wood that makes up the cabins and the salon. The salon is spacious and has a convertible setee for additional sleeping. The galley is well laid out and on the same level as the salon so you can prepare your gourmet dinner while entertaining your guests! There is lots of storage for your culinary items, a large refrigerator box and counters separate the galley from the salon! There is also a large dry box for storage as well!
There is great access to the engine room through a large door that is also a storage closet. Access to the engine room is generous as is the work space in that area. There is also engine access through the floor panels in the wheel house, again with plenty of room to work! Head up the stairs to the wheel house and you will find a great bench (suitable for sleeping) and a well laid out navigation station and Helm! Electronics are a combination of older and new but they all function. There is a newer Garmin GPS/ Depth/Fish finder, an auto pilot, radar, etc. There are two large access doors on the port and starboard side of the wheel house for easy access to the bow and for docking. There is a staircase down to a separate head and shower areas, each with their own sink for convenience. There is a full cabin just forward of the head/shower area with a queen size berth, hanging closet and a vanity area that can double as a work desk! The overall layout of the Lord Nelson is impressive. 
This is a great all around boat for living, cruising, diving, looping, exploring, and just plain old fun! Make an appointment to come see her. Time to start living your dreams!
There is a very active group of Lord Nelson owners. You can visit their web page at LNVT.ORG to meet other owners and see the histories of many of these fine crafts!

Contact Information
Capt. S. Lee Bowden
IYBA Licensed Broker
Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales
802 734 0757

Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.