Leland Tug

We’re Amy and Rob. We call Southeast Michigan home and are often traveling, whether by land or by water. Leland Tug is our way of exploring by water—sometimes for weeks at a time, sometimes just for a few days.

On the boat, we’re not fast, but we are slow. It’s not that we can’t go faster when we need to; we simply choose eight knots or less most of the time. Going slow gives us something speed can’t: time to notice the world around us. We like our mornings that way, too.

We travel for the beauty of the country and the people we meet along the way. More days than not—especially on the inland rivers and the Great Lakes—feel like a National Geographic day.

In 2023 and 2024 we ran the Great Loop, a roughly 6,000‑mile circle around the eastern United States by river, gulf, ocean, and lake. Early in 2026 we traveled overland through Malaysia. That summer we circumnavigated Lake Superior. And later in 2026 we set out on the Great Loop a second time.

We’ve been shown a lot of kindness along the way, and we’re grateful for it—and for God’s creation all around us.

The boat

We’re not big, but we’re big enough. Leland Tug is comfortable for the two of us, yet small enough to explore the rivers, canals, towns, and anchorages that make the Great Loop so interesting. We’ve also found that when it’s time to tie up for the night, there’s almost always room for Leland Tug.

Leland Tug is a 2018 Nordic Tug 34—a sturdy, seaworthy trawler with one cabin, a proper pilothouse, and a simple galley. Her full keel protects the propeller, shaft, and rudder in shallow or unfamiliar water, which is reassuring in the skinny stretches of the rivers and when we anchor off on our own.

The pilothouse is the heart of the boat: the helm to starboard with its chartplotter and radar, a seat on either side, and windows all around. A few steps down, the galley and salon are compact but complete—an induction cooktop, a convection oven, a refrigerator and freezer, and windows that open to the breeze. Aft is the cockpit, where we spend most evenings; the cabin and head are forward, in the bow.

If you have questions about her, you’re welcome to reach out.

A few details

• Model2018 Nordic Tug 34
• Length overall34′ 10″
• Beam11′ 4″
• Draftabout 4′
• EngineVolvo Penta D4, 260 hp
• Fuel205 gallons
• GeneratorNorthern Lights 5 kW
• Thrustersbow and stern

For more on Nordic Tugs, Seattle Yachts has additional photos and background, and Nordic Tug Yacht Services handles support and service.

Fair winds.
— Amy & Rob