TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale has offered service on the busiest river of Ft. Lauderdale for many years. In 2005 TowBoatU.S. New River was established with additional tugs to accommodate the growing demand.

TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale is an expert in the mega-yacht industry. In fact, we have been working with Show Management since 1998, setting up the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, the Miami Brokerage Boat Show, and the Palm Beach Boat Show. Our tugs assist the yachts in maneuvering against the wind and current facilitating smooth entry into the slips.

Shillelagh is a 26' Custom Steel Tug, with twin 225 hp John Deere 6068 engines with 3:1 gears and 34" propellers. It was originally designed for salvage work both offshore and inshore where a vessel of compact size with substantial power was required. The hull is of extra heavy, all-welded steel construction, with Fernstrum keel coolers and fully protected running gear. "The length, maneuverability and power of Shillelagh make it the perfect tug to use in assisting our yacht customers on the New River," states John (Barney) Hauf, Director of Sales. "No other tug in the area has that combination."

In addition to our specialized equipment, we have the benefit of a skilled, experienced crew. Our captains take great pride in providing prompt, reliable, professional service to our customers and are excited about our Yacht Towing Division. Captain Mike Knecht, our Supervisor of Yacht Towing, has been involved in the marine industry since 1985. He is a Dive Instructor, a Submersible Pilot, holds a 500 Ton Near Coastal U.S. Merchant Marine License and maintains an STCW certification. Employed by TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale since 1998, he assists in the maneuvering and placement of megayachts in the three major boat shows in South Florida, specializes in megayacht river towing and assistance, and has assisted in numerous salvage operations.

TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale also offers crane services, for more specific information on our Yacht Crane Services, Click Here.

Navigating Ft. Lauderdale's New River can be a challenge for even the most experienced captain. The New River is filled with confusing markers, twists and turns, currents and very tight quarters. Capt. Michael Knecht, Supervisor of Yacht Towing, wrote an article including pictures and diagrams on "Local knowledge of the New River." The article was published in The Triton, a monthly newspaper targeting megayacht crew. Click Here to view a copy of the article.