Nordic Tug 32
“Vital Signs”

This Nordic Tug 32 is a classic throw back to boat building in simplistic form. Easy to operate, uncomplicated and straight forward. Our primary go to vessel for our trawler school and one of the best vessels to begin developing trawler handling skills. Our tribe matriarch, she has the experience to teach and patience to discipline.

Nordic Tug 32

“Vital Signs”
Specs and Floorplan

“Vital Signs”
Photo Gallery

Nordic Tug 32
“Red Griffon II”

Red Griffon is the newest addition to our trawler school and charter operation. This 1997 model has the rare Plan A with the galley forward and settee to port. Spacious V berth in the forward stateroom with a full hanging locker to port and storage in the half locker. Like Vital Signs, she is easily operated with updated electronics, reliable Cummins diesel power and AC to keep you comfortable in all conditions. An extensive 2024 refit brings RG II current with conveniences and amenities.n.

“Red Griffon II”
Specs and Floorplan

“Red Griffon II”
Photo Gallery

Nordic Tug 34
“Walrus”

Not only does “Walrus” have a cool name, it’s a cool 34. “Walrus” arrived to our program in 2023 well appointed. Outfitted with a full Garmin suite of electronics, interior comfort accoutrements and one shade of gray. She is certain to be a popular choice to learn on and explore Northern Michigan.

“Walrus”
Specs and Floorplan

“Walrus”
Photo Gallery

American Tug 395
“Serenity II”

The two cabin one head American Tug 395 floor plan flows well for function and form. A large L shaped settee to port and galley to starboard in the salon welcomes natural light and ventilation. Comfortable and roomy, her Cummins QSB 380 coupled with a dual MFD Raymarine electronics array is a joy to operate. “Serenity II” is a very nice fully outfitted AT395.

American Tug 395

“Serenity II”
Specs and Floorplan

“Serenity II”
Photo Gallery

American Tug 41
“Early Riser”

Space and comfort are the overtones of the American Tug 41. A two stateroom floorplan with en-suite heads offers exceptional comfort. The dedicated pilothouse with centerline helm is the focal point of any underway gathering to take in the scenery fore and aft. The AT41 is the queen of our tribe with stately looks and sea-kindly characteristics.

American Tug 41

“Early Riser”
Specs and Flooplan

“Early Riser”
Photo Gallery

Fleming 58
“45 North”

Our Fleming 55 grew to a 58 this fall. Check back if you have an interest in chartering ’45 North”.

Fleming 55

“45 North”
Specs and Floorplan

“45 North”
Photo Gallery

Charter Requirements

Our trawler charter portfolio is unique to the Great Lakes. The assets are owned by exceptional people we’ve helped on the path to ownership. The trust they bestowed us with on that path includes the utmost faith we will ensure our charter clients have total competence and care while aboard their asset. We strongly feel the process to bareboat charter with us will result in a favorable and rewarding outcome for everyone.  

Bareboat Charter

Nordic Tug 32 / Nordic Tug 34
Step 1
  • Call us to start the Q&A and check vessel availability
  • Complete and submit the Marine Experience Bio form (MEB)
Step 2
  • Book dates and forward the charter deposit
  • Dates are held for seven days for the deposit to arrive
  • Your MEB submission will be evaluated for bareboat charter
Step 3
  • Your MEB will be approved or an alternative charter suggested
  • Charter Contracts will be sent for your signature
  • Logins will be sent for vessel operations documents
Step 4
  • Charter balance sent 30 days prior to start
  • Schedule the Marine Check Ride
  • Receive checklist of what not to forget

First time charter clients will be required to undergo a Marine Check Ride. 
Your knowledge and skill as stated in the MEB to safely and competently pilot the vessel will need to be demonstrated to the Marine Examiner in order to start your bareboat charter.

Bareboat Charter

Nordic Tug 37 / American Tug 395 / American Tug 41
Step 1
  • Call us to start the Q&A and check vessel availability
  • Complete and submit the Marine Experience Bio form (MEB)
Step 2
  • Book dates and forward the charter deposit
  • Dates are held for seven days for the deposit to arrive
  • Your MEB submission will be evaluated for bareboat charter
Step 3
  • Your MEB will be approved or an alternative charter suggested
  • Charter Contracts will be sent for your signature
  • Logins will be sent for vessel operations documents
Step 4
  • Charter balance sent 30 days prior to start
  • Schedule the Marine Exam Ride
  • Receive checklist of what not to forget

First time charter clients will be required to undergo a Marine Check Ride Your knowledge and skill as stated in the MEB will need to be demonstrated to the Marine Examiner in order to start your bareboat charter.

Pilot Charters

NT34 / NT37 / AT395 / AT41 / Fleming 55

Step 1
  • Call us to start the Q&A and check vessel availability.
Step 2
  • Book dates and forward the charter deposit
  • Dates are held for seven days for the deposit to arrive
  • Fill out and submit the guest and crew list form.
Step 3
  • Charter Contracts will be sent for your signature
  • Logins will be sent for vessel operations documents
Step 4
  • Charter balance sent 30 days prior to start
  • Receive checklist of what not to forget
  • Get to Traverse City, We’re looking forward to having you here

Captain Charters

NT34 / NT37 / AT395 / AT41 / Fleming 55

Step 1
  • Call us to start the Q&A and check vessel availability.
Step 2
  • Book dates and forward the charter deposit
  • Dates are held for seven days for the deposit to arrive
  • Fill out and submit the guest and crew list form.
Step 3
  • Charter Contracts will be sent for your signature
  • Logins will be sent for vessel operations documents
Step 4
  • Charter balance sent 30 days prior to start
  • Receive checklist of what not to forget
  • Get to Traverse City, We’re looking forward to having you here

Charter Pricing

2024 Charter Rates

Nordic Tug 34 “Walrus”
Bareboat Charter 7 Day
$ 7,900
Bareboat Charter 4 Day
$ 4,700
Pilot Charter 4 Day
$ 6,645
Captain Charter 4 Day
$ 6,460
Captain Charter 7 Day
$ 10,680
nordic tug 37 “margin”
Bareboat Charter 7 Day
$ 8,900
Bareboat Charter 4 Day
$ 5,300
Pilot Charter 4 Day
$ 7,260
Captain Charter 4 Day
$ 7,076
Captain Charter 7 Day
$ 11,704
american tug 395 “serenity ii”
Bareboat Charter 7 Day
$ 10,900
Bareboat Charter 4 Day
$ 6,600
Pilot Charter 4 Day
$ 8,565
Captain Charter 7 Day
$ 13,740
Captain Charter 4 Day
$ 8,380
american tug 41 “eARLY rISER”
Bareboat Charter 7 Day
$ 11,900
Bareboat Charter 4 Day
$ 7,200
Pilot Charter 4 Day
$ 9,185
Captain Charter 4 Day
$ 9,000
Captain Charter 7 Day
$ 14,740

Bareboat Charter includes a fuel credit of $400, early boarding, late departure, linens for each stateroom and head, and sundries pack.

Pilot Charter includes fuel, Captain transportation, early boarding, late departure, slip fees, linens for each stateroom and head, and sundries pack.

Captain Charter includes fuel, slip fees, early boarding, late departure, linens for each stateroom and head, and sundries pack.

Michigan 6% use tax not included in pricing.  Marine Exam Ride fee is $250

Booking Information

How to book with us and what to expect. Call us.
231-941-5884

Booking

Our booking and reservations process is not online. We prefer to talk with you and make sure our charter program is what you expect.  

Reservations

A reservation deposit of 50% is required to confirm your charter dates. We will hold your dates for 7 days for the deposit to arrive. Bookings within 30 days of a charter reservation require the full charter fee.

Forms of Payment

We do not take credit cards.  Checks and ACH transfers are the preferred means of payment.  

Confirmation

Your charter dates will be confirmed when the deposit is received. Charter confirmation documents and contracts specific to your type of charter will be forwarded to you.

Balance

The balance is due 30 days prior to your charter start date. 

Cancellations

Life happens and unpredictable circumstances do occur. Our season is short and our charter opportunities are shorter. Read more for our cancellation policy

Frequently asked questions

Most of the questions we’re asked you can find below. Let us know if you can’t find an answer to yours.

what experience is necessary to charter with you?

We have charter options for all abilities. To bareboat charter with us, you will be required to complete and submit the Marine Experience Bio. We take many attributes into consideration when deciding if a bareboat charter request has the qualifications needed. Having previous or current ownership of a vessel of similar size or larger is heavily factored. Certification from a reputable power vessel training facility. Past history and documentation of any previous charters of a watercraft. If you possess a USCG Merchant Mariner license, STCW or an RYA certification. It is imperative that we and you are comfortable and competent to handle the vessel in a responsible and safe manner for vessel and crew safety.

What if I dont have the qualifications to charter?

We have two other charter options that do not require the experience to bareboat charter. Check out the Pilot Charters and Captained Charters. Pilot charters are very accommodating as the Captain vacates the vessel for the evening and returns the next morning to carry on to your next destination. Your left to manage the vessels systems and experience the social and camaraderie of trawler and marina life. A Captain charter differs as the Captain stays with you the entire charter. 

What is the Marine exam ride

The Marine Exam Ride is for first time charter clients and clients desiring to move up in vessel size to demonstrate proficiency of knowledge and skill to safely and competently skipper the chartered vessel.  

whats included with your charters?

We’ve included most of the ancillary costs typically associated with chartering. Diesel fuel, pump out, early board, and late departure, linens for each stateroom and head, and sundries are included with all bareboat charters.  Pilot charters include transportation to and from the vessel daily and slip fees.  Captain charters include slip fees as no transportation is needed as they stay aboard.

Do you provide provisioning?

We do not provide provisioning.  We have a nice grocery store within a mile of our facility and other specialty stores not far away if desired.  We have a few solutions if provisioning is desired.

can we fly into traverse city?

Traverse City is home to  Cherry Capital Airport and serviced by Delta, American, United, and Allegiant. Most connections are through Detroit and Chicago.  There are direct flights from Minneapolis, JFK and Atlanta during the summer months. Check with your preferred carrier for additional information.  CCA is 10 minutes from our facility.