Protec Tugboat Version 1

Well I was looking for a reliable working boat, dependable looking, mod and non mesh, since SL is quite willing to push the stuff on us but still hasn't a clue how to handle it. Anyway, this one quickly came into consideration as it had the appearance of a Berdav, even the same format photo but while it said 'Berdav' on the pic and 'Protec' in the shop name I initially suspected a copybot abuse. It turns out that Alan used to build for Berdav and that the Tugster has indeed been sold under that name but he apparantly went solo. Well, good for him I suppose and certainly good for us, as the boat has all the looks and performance associated with Berdav motorboats at a far more, shall we say 'modest', price. It has some features I particularly like, among others the cruise control, planing and - my personal, quite childish favorite - the functioning compass on the instrument board. There are, however, a few things I'd like to bring to the attention of the builder; Firstly, I'd give the boat a way slower 'harbour' speed, or at least a very slow 'maneuvering' speed. The slowest it will go is 10 kph, which is a bit too fast in my opinion. In the same optic, I find the controls are good at low and normal speed, but again, when in harbour speed, the maneuvering is just too fidgety. The slightest nudge and the boat swings 10-15 degrees. Not very practical for precise maneuvering into a narrow slip. My last remark would be about the cruise control itself, on my Berdav Sedan - very alike in scripting if not identical - I can engage cruise mode by keeping PgUp depressed for a second. On the Tugster, we have to open the menu every time to get cruise mode back.

But at the end of the day a fantastic working boat with rational functions that will certainly appeal to those like me who embrace simplicity and functionality. At this price, you'll be hard pressed to find anything even remotely alike, quality wise. Five stars, hands down. Thanks, Alan.

For an under-32 prim vehicle, the detail on this boat is amazing. Not only that, but you can download the hull texture from BERDAV's website and customize the boat. (the flag is customizable too!) It's easy to drive, the menu controls are intuitive, and it looks better than any drive-able tugboat in SL.