Progress On a New Custom-Built 31' JC
The TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale team is excited to share a progress update on a custom 31' JC currently being built in-house and nearing completion. This project represents the perfect blend of heritage, experience and innovation.
These iconic vessels have built a reputation for their classic New England lobster boat profile and a smooth ride that captains can rely on in any sea conditions. Originally built by Jack Cadario and designed by legendary naval architect Royal Lowell, the first 31' JC launched in 1987. The design was later acquired by Eastern Boat Works and has continued to evolve while preserving the characteristics that make it so dependable. While most 31' JCs were built with a single engine, ours are fully customized with twin John Deere 6068 diesel engines. This twin-engine configuration significantly enhances maneuverability, giving our captains precise control and the confidence to operate independently in the demanding conditions of towing, salvage, and emergency response work.
Over the past several months, the talented TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale shop team, made up of mechanics, fabricators and fiberglass/paint specialists have made incredible progress bringing this project to life. It’s has been exciting to watch the transformation from a bare hull to a nearly finished, purpose built tug. The team is now finishing the wiring and beginning to test all systems, while the exterior is being sanded and primed for paint. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, and the craftsmanship and pride our team has put into this build shows in every detail.
Building this tug in-house gives us a unique advantage. It allows us to apply everything we’ve learned from operating our current JCs to modernize, refine, and build the ideal towboat for our needs. One of the biggest upgrades is in the construction itself. Unlike our existing JCs, which are balsa wood cored, this JC will contain no wood at all. Eliminating wood removes the risk of future rot, reduces overall weight and results in a strong, fast and durable tug that will serve our customers reliably for years to come.
We also redesigned the layout of the engine room and v-berth, making access to key systems like batteries, seacocks, and the oil change pump more efficient for our crew when performing routine service and maintenance. Inside the v-berth, the layout has been designed with dedicated storage for towing and salvage gear to keep everything organized, secure, and readily accessible. This ensures our captains can quickly access the right equipment when it matters most.
We couldn’t be more excited and proud to put this boat to work serving our customers here in South Florida. As we put the finishing touches on TowBoatU.S. #2, be sure to follow us on our social media platforms for updates, photos and details on the launch.
