Arthur Foss
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The tugboat Arthur Foss, built in 1889, is one of the oldest wooden-hulled tugboats afloat in the United States. She gained worldwide fame when the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie studio leased the vessel for its 1933 production Tugboat Annie, starring Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery. In World War II, Arthur Foss was the last ship to escape before the Battle of Wake Island began in late 1941.
The six-cylinder, 700-horsepower diesel engine powers the tug at speeds of up to 13 knots. The vessel is 120 feet long with a beam of 25 feet and a draft of 16 feet. Donated by Foss Launch and Tug (now Foss Maritime) to Northwest Seaport in 1970, the owners completed a $315,000 renovation in 2004. The vessel is a National Historic Landmark as well as a city landmark and a featured attraction at Seattle's new South Lake Union Park. The vessel is open for public tours on most summer weekends, or by appointment.
In 2005, Northwest Seaport launched several new programs on board the Arthur Foss in partnership with the Center for Wooden Boats and local diesel mechanics. These programs include opportunities to fire up the tug's antique diesel engine, learn more about the history of tugboating on Puget Sound, and even to sleep on board.
