What's a TuffTide?
TuffTide is a new boat company out of Enfield, Connecticut, with one big idea: build real boats from the same tough polyethylene most of the kayaks in our shop are made of. There's no gelcoat to baby and no wood to rot. Just a stable, hard-working hull you can drag over a sandbar, bump off a dock, and hose down at the end of the day.
Demo the TuffTide Line
Specs on a screen are one thing. Standing up in a boat this stable is another. We run on-water demos of the TuffTide 13 right here at the marina, on the calm, protected water of the Great Island Estuary while feeling for yourself what a tough little boat can do. Our crew will go over the whole boat with you and answer any questions along the way. A demo is $250, and if you decide to buy, the full $250 counts toward your $1,000 deposit.
Meet the TuffTide Line
Two boats, one tough family. The TuffTide 13 is in the water and ready to demo right now, and the bigger Bruiser 16 is on its way. Compare them below, then come see for yourself.
-
Tufftide 13
Starting at: $6,995
Whether you're exploring back bays, tidal creeks, quiet coves, or your favorite freshwater lake, the TuffTide 13 is designed to get you there with confidence. Its compact size, foam-filled hull, and shallow-water capability make it easy to launch, easy to maneuver, and ready for the places larger boats simply can't reach.
- Length: 13' 0"
- Beam (Width): 48"
- Hull Material: PE (foam filled)
- Dry Weight: 380 lbs
- Max HP Rating: 9.9 HP
- Steering: Tiller
- Seating: 1 to 2
- Fuel Capacity: 3 Gallons
- Deck: Non-Slip
-
Bruiser 16
Coming Soon
The Bruiser 16 adds a center console and rear bench seat to the same indestructible HDPE hull as the Drifter. Built for commercial work, guides, and serious recreational users who need more structure and the comfort of console steering.
- Length: 16' 0"
- Beam (Width): ~88"
- Hull Material: 1/2" Welded HDPE
- Dry Weight: ~1050 lbs
- Max HP Rating: 90 HP
- Steering: Center Console (wheel + throttle)
- Seating: Bow seat with storage, rear bench seat with storage
- Fuel Capacity: Portable Tank (user-supplied)
- Deck: Non-Slip
Buying One Is Simple
When you're ready, a $1,000 deposit reserves your boat, and the balance is paid by certified bank check. Already did a demo? That $250 comes right off your deposit. Questions? Call or stop by and our crew will walk you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
TuffTide FAQs
What are TuffTide boats made of?
What are TuffTide boats made of?
Tough marine-grade polyethylene, the same family of plastic as most of the kayaks in our shop. TuffTide builds two kinds of hulls: welded HDPE and rotomolded PE. Both laugh off the stuff that ruins other boats. No rot, no rust, no gelcoat to chip. Wash it down and you're ready for tomorrow.
Can I really stand and cast in the TuffTide 13?
Can I really stand and cast in the TuffTide 13?
You sure can. The 13 has a wide 48 inch beam, a foam-filled hull, and a non-slip casting deck, so it's a solid platform for standing and casting. It loves shallow water too. Slip into the back bays and tidal creeks where the stripers hide, and fish water bigger boats have to skip.
Who is TuffTide Marine?
Who is TuffTide Marine?
A Connecticut boat builder based in Enfield, right up the Connecticut River from our dock in Old Lyme. Their whole mission is boats that are tough, reliable, and low maintenance. Their motto? "Go Anywhere. Beat Everything." We think you're going to like them.
Demos at Black Hall Marina
How do I set up a demo?
How do I set up a demo?
Easy! Call us at (860) 785-9520 or stop by the marina at 132 Shore Road in Old Lyme and talk with any BHM crew member. We'll set a time, splash the boat, and get you out on the water.
What does a demo cost?
What does a demo cost?
A demo is $250. If you go on to buy a TuffTide, the full $250 counts toward your $1,000 deposit. So the ride isn't money spent, it's a head start on your boat.
Do I need boating experience to demo the 13?
Do I need boating experience to demo the 13?
Not at all! The 13 keeps things simple: a tiller motor, a stable deck, and not much else to fuss with. Our crew will walk you through the whole boat before you head out and make sure you feel comfortable on the water.
Buying and Payment
How much does a TuffTide 13 cost?
How much does a TuffTide 13 cost?
The boat on its own is $6,995. Boat, motor, and trailer packages start at $10,985, ready for the ramp. Stop by and we'll help you pick the setup that fits how you'll use it.
How does payment work?
How does payment work?
We keep it simple. A $1,000 deposit reserves your boat. The rest is paid by certified bank check. And if you already did a demo, that $250 counts toward your deposit.
When can I get the Bruiser 16?
When can I get the Bruiser 16?
Soon! The Bruiser 16 is the bigger TuffTide: a 16 foot center console rated for up to 90 horsepower. It's coming to Black Hall Marina, and we can't wait. Give us a call and we'll make sure you're one of the first to hear.