M/V Lady Katherine is the Latest Addition to the TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale Fleet
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale took delivery of an incredibly robust 55 ANB (Aids to Navigation Boat) in mid-May 2020. The boat has a rich history serving as a United States Coast Guard vessel and was built to service Coast Guard Aids to Navigation. She is 55 feet long, equipped with twin 12 cylinder, Detroit Diesel engines, has berthing for 4 passengers and has a crane mounted to the work deck. The buoys that mark the entry channel to your local inlet have likely been serviced by a boat just like this one. This particular vessel served the Galveston, Texas area prior to being purchased and placed into commercial service several years ago. These boats were designed by the Coast Guard Yard and this class was built by R. E. Derecktor in their Mamaroneck, N.Y. Shipyard. The boat was built in 1977 to military specifications and has stood the test of time with amazing grace. She has been named in honor of the President and Founder, Larry Acheson’s wife, Katherine Acheson.
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale purchased the vessel to help fill a void left when their 46’ Launch boat entered a long term charter agreement. The company made several improvements to the boat since taking delivery. A water maker was installed along with a new air conditioning system. Several new pieces of electronics were also added to increase safety and efficiency. She has been used for many launch, charter and long distance towing operations over the past several months and has performed beyond the expectations of the company and their customers. She has not yet been painted red or lettered with the TowBoatU.S. Trademarks in order to continue servicing the company’s loyal customers. The boat will be painted and lettered during her 1st yard period in 2021. For full specs or more information on the Lady Katherine, email bhauf@towboatusftlauderdale
