Asta: 1962 Sleepboot 1500

Sleepboot 1500 now in the online auction. everyone can bid until 16 November 2026.


Tugboat 1500 – project boatWhat type of boat is being offered?this 1962 tugboat 1500 is a steel round-bilge tugboat measuring approximately 15 metres in length, 4.5 metres in width and with a draught of 1.5 metres. its air draft is approximately 3.5 metres. inside, there is a headroom of approximately 1.9 metres. with a stated weight of approximately 35,000 kilograms, she makes a solid and robust impression.

Tugboat 1500 now in the online auction. everyone can place bids until 16 November 2026.

the boat was built at laboe shipyard in germany and originally served in the baltic sea. among other things, she was used for salvage operations, placing and maintaining buoys, and work on quays. this gives the tugboat 1500 a clear working-vessel background. she was later acquired with the intention of testing biofuels. due to developments in that market, the project was not carried out and the conversion was not completed.

What condition is the boat in?the current condition is described as reasonable. it is important to note that she is in the condition of a hull with the platework completed. the engine, gearbox and propeller are installed, but many components required for further conversion have been removed. these include piping, cables and parts of the steering system. for a future owner, this means that further work, completion and inspection of various systems will be required.

the inside of the boat has been cleaned and preserved. the platework was treated at the shipyard where she is currently located. the bow was sandblasted and coated with a two-component primer. two layers of epoxy tar were then applied. the last known antifouling treatment took place in 2018. you can assess the condition of the finish and the systems present yourself during the viewing day.

What engine and propulsion system does she have?the propulsion system consists of a single cummins nt355 td six-cylinder turbo diesel with a stated output of 355 hp. the engine has serial number 23163760 and is described as operational according to the available information. it is connected to a reintjes gearbox and a stork propeller. the fuel tank has a capacity of approximately 3,100 litres. the stated cruising speed is approximately 15 kilometres per hour and the maximum speed approximately 20 kilometres per hour.

the boat also has a hydraulic bow thruster. this was installed later to assist with manoeuvring in marinas. the steering position is located inside and is operated with a steering wheel. there is one rudder at the stern. the electrical system operates at 24 volts, but because cables and components from the original installation have been removed, the further completion of the electrical system requires attention.

What is still present on board?on board there is, among other things, a stainless-steel water tank of approximately 1,100 litres, davits, guardrails, fenders and lines. an anchor chain is present, and the anchor windlass is operated manually. windows, electrodes and a new exhaust silencer are also included. the exhaust silencer has already been installed. a trailer is not included in the sale.

the available documentation consists of various documents, including old shipyard drawings, photographs and invoices relating to the conversion. the build number and designer are unknown. these documents may be useful to someone wishing to investigate the boat’s history further or carefully prepare for its completion.

Who is this tugboat 1500 suitable for?this boat is a good fit for you if you are interested in an authentic working tugboat and are prepared to invest time, knowledge and budget in further completion. she offers a large steel hull, a substantial diesel engine and a history dating back to the early 1960s. the combination of her dimensions, weight and round-bilge hull makes her interesting as a restoration project, a conversion into a liveaboard vessel or for another maritime purpose.

according to the information provided, the boat behaves steadily in rougher water and is not very sensitive to crosswinds. it is also stated that the engine produces little vibration. these characteristics are based on the description provided and do not replace an independent technical assessment during the viewing day.

What should you look out for when buying a boat?when you want to buy a boat, it is important not to look only at its appearance. with this tugboat 1500, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the steelwork, the engine, the propulsion system, the electrical installation and the remaining unfinished work. also check what work is required to make her fully operational again. the viewing day gives you the opportunity to inspect her at close range and assess the components, documentation and finish present.

if you want to buy a second-hand boat, it is advisable to compare its technical history with its current condition. it is known that this boat was previously used as a seagoing tugboat, was later cleaned and preserved, and was subsequently partially converted. however, the work was not completed. this should be taken into account when making your assessment.

practical boat-buying tips include preparing a realistic budget for completion in advance, comparing the technical specifications with your plans and asking focused questions during the viewing day about the engine, gearbox, propeller, bow thruster and electrical system. this tugboat 1500 is offered through boatauction and is particularly interesting for a buyer who appreciates her character, scale and history and wants to develop her further step by step.