Used Nordic Tug buying guide: what to check on a 26, 32, 34 or 37

Nordic Tugs was founded in 1979. Its original 26-footer sold 37 boats at its first boat show and 54 by the end of that month; the 32 followed in 1985, and the company moved to Burlington, Washington in 1990.¹ The 32 has a semi-displacement hull with a full keel and a single diesel on a straight shaft,² a simple, rugged setup that protects the propeller and suits Pacific Northwest and Great Loop cruising alike.

Tugs like these appeal to people who want to go a little faster than a trawler without the systems of a big express boat. They keep their value, which is good news when you sell and harder when you buy. Be patient and wait for a well-documented one.

Nordic Tug at a glance

Is a Nordic Tug right for you?

A good fit if you want a salty, simple single-engine cruiser that can go faster than a trawler, you value strong resale, and you'll cruise as a couple.

Think twice if you need a lot of interior space for the length, your budget is well under six figures, or you want a flybridge-style layout.

What to check

Engine and engine room

Over the years, Nordic Tugs used several engine makes. Find out which one she has, check its records against the maker's schedule, and take an oil sample. Our engine guides cover the common ones: Cummins and Yanmar. On a single-engine boat, a clean fuel system (filters, tank pickups, fuel condition) is what keeps you going.

Shaft, cutless bearing and keel

Full-keel boats get taken into shallow water. At the haul-out, look at the keel for grounding damage and repairs, wiggle the shaft to check the cutless bearing, and look at the propeller.

Windows, doors and trim

Look for leaks around windows and doors, and the condition of the wood trim.

Thrusters

Most Nordic Tugs have thrusters, and most owners rely on them. Test them in short bursts on the sea trial.

Questions to ask the seller

• Which engine does she have, how many hours, and who services it?
• Has she ever run aground? Any keel or running gear repairs?
• When were the cutless bearing and shaft seal last replaced?
• Which windows or doors have leaked?
• How old are the thrusters and batteries?

Paying for resale

Because Nordic Tugs hold their value, you'll rarely find a cheap one in good condition. That's fine if you plan to sell one day: much of what you pay comes back. Compare carefully with sold prices, not just asking prices. See how much a used boat is worth.

Common questions

Are Nordic Tugs good boats?

They have a loyal following and strong resale, with a simple, rugged single-engine layout. As always, judge the individual boat's engine, running gear and leaks.

How fast does a Nordic Tug go?

They use semi-displacement hulls, so they can cruise faster than a classic full-displacement trawler, at the cost of more fuel at higher speeds. Check the specific model's performance on the sea trial.

Nordic Tug or Ranger Tug?

Nordic Tugs are generally bigger, more traditional single-diesel boats with full keels; Ranger Tugs are smaller, more modern and often trailerable. See our Ranger Tug guide.