History
Owatonna's History
History
Owatonna's History
Owatonna was built in San Diego by the U.S. Army and launched in 1955 as LT (Large Tug) 2083. She was intended for service in the Korean War, but when the war ended soon after, she was laid up for about 8 years.
In 1964 the Army passed LT-2083 on to the Navy, which re-outfitted her in Alameda and christened her YT 756, USS Owatonna, in the tradition of naming boats after Native American chiefs. The Navy put her to work at Concord Naval Weapons Station. The later part of her military career was spent tending the big ships of the Reserve Fleet in Suisun Bay.
When the Kuwait War developed, the Navy did extensive refitting on Owatonna, planning to send her into service there. They remediated the asbestos, bringing her into modern compliance, did general clean-up, yet another haul-out, and most of an engine rebuild.
When events shifted with the Kuwait war, the Navy decided it was time to sell her at auction to private owners. They completed the Navy's work, and did a thorough redesign of the interior for use as a civilian live-aboard, while preserving the workings of the tug in the engine and machine rooms. They added the aft salon on the main deck, the aft salon on the pilothouse, resulting in the equivalent of a roomy and comfortable 4-bedroom home, including the 29-foot galley from which they entertained often.
But Owatonna wasn't all that interesting to look at when we bought her. We did a full redesign of the exterior, with her new color scheme, and added further improvements in the galley and in the cabins below decks. We also solved some issues below decks, doing extensive clean-up in the engine room, bilges, and some tanks, rebalancing the boat, and adding amenities to make recreational sailing and rowing easy with the tender we have onboard.
Owatonna is now an icon for visitors to Sausalito from all over the world. Tour boats and private charters stop and turn directly alongside so visitors can take pictures of her. Boaters in kayaks, on paddle boards, from sailboats and big cruisers regularly hail us, often saying, "This is our favorite boat in the Bay!"
Owatonna is now available to realize your dreams for life aboard the handsomest tug on the American West Coast.
Rest, Create, Recreate
Rest, Create
Rest, Create, Recreate
Rest, Create
A place of rest, a place to create
Owatonna is a place where memories, art, and agreements are made daily.
The richness and specialness of the environment and the intimacy of these salons make real conversation likely. Something opens up for people as they step aboard. We’ve seen it over and over again. It could be just because it’s so comfortable and quiet, but many have told us that being on the tug inspires them question their assumptions about life and what’s possible.
Owatonna is therefore also a great place for creative work. At any time of day it’s usually possible to find a sheltered place to sit with our laptops outside, or in any of the many salons, letting our thoughts wander as we write or plan.
We’ve recorded numerous videos and audios in our office in the pilot house and below decks. Our particular way of life led us to adapt the large forepeak cabin to a video studio, a meditation room, an exercise room, and an extra bedroom. But it would also make a great master bedroom.
We have had many life-affirming experiences on board, both personally and professionally. That’s not an accident. It’s part of being on the vivid edge.
Party! and The Following
Recreate
Party! and The Following
Recreate
The Following
Fireworks off Owatonna's port bow every July 4th and Lighted Boat Parade in December.
This Boat Has loyal friends ...
You will find that many love this tug. We have encountered people around the world who have taken pictures of Owatonna when they visited Sausalito years ago, and who still remember it. Visitors to the town and passing boaters and paddle-boarders have often told us:
“That’s my favorite boat in the Bay!”
“Every time I’m in town I bring the family to see her!”
“This boat is my goal!”
“Will you trade lives with us?”
Dinner boats pivot alongside so that tourists can take photos.
Many of our guests from years past have told us that parties onboard are now wonderful memories and will be for many years to come.
Annual Lighted Boat Parade
Your Tribe
Your Tribe
Your Tribe
Owatonna hat and tee
Taking something with them ...
We've never sold swag, but your guests may be interested in something like these.