UGears Tugboat

Sitting quietly on the dock while tugboats chug on past is a favorite pastime for so many people. There’s something special about watching those small, determined vessels cut through a calm harbor, with or without another boat in tow. The only thing missing from that peaceful experience is being able to see how the tugboat works from the inside. The UGears tugboat model gives you a hands-on opportunity to enjoy some of that maritime spirit at home. We bring you a replica of sea transportation with exposed inner mechanisms to indulge your fascination with all things mechanical.

The unique open interior of this model gives you a clear view to the inner workings of the system.

This tugboat model features a rubber-band motor that transfers energy to an asymmetrical wheel pair and a drive wheel. The asymmetrical design of the wheel pair replicates the side-to-side rocking motion of a real tugboat out on the water. A pendulum smooths and slows that motion while simulating the sound of a diesel motor, giving you an experience that is as close to the real thing as a small model can be. A start lever engages the motor and a stop lever shuts it down. The open design and moveable parts allow you to control the motion of the tugboat and make it easy to replace or repair important components.

The striking appearance of this boat is certainly eye-catching, but the intricate and realistic design of the tugboat is not just for aesthetics. This is a tugboat model that actually tugs. Use the hooks, ropes, and thread to tow small, lightweight objects, such as paper boats or smaller wheeled models. The rubber-band mechanism gives it enough power to move from 1.5 to 3 meters, depending on the type of surface. It is important to point out that, while this model does its best to replicate the real thing, it is much better suited to dry land than the open sea. Fortunately, its unique and durable design will let you enjoy it on shelves and floors as often as you like.

Like all UGears models, this tugboat is crafted from premium, sustainably sourced wood. The 169 parts are laser-cut into plywood using hairline cuts, lending to the intricate design of this model. You will need to remove each of the pieces from the plywood before assembling. The kit comes with all the parts you need, including rope, thread, and hooks. You do not need glue or specialized tools to complete the project. Follow the full-color, step-by-step instructions to create this incredible tugboat model in about three hours. Instructions are printed in 11 languages (English, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Italian, Korean, German, and Chinese) to make this project accessible to model boat lovers all over the world.

Model Size: 11.2 x 4.7 x 7.3 in
Package size: 14.6 x 6.7 x 1.3 in
Number of parts: 169
Level: Intermediate
Assembly Time: 3 hours
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit weight: 1.79 lbs
Manufacturer: UGears