Founded in the early 20th century as a tugboat operator on Puget Sound, it eventually became a north Sound adjunct of Foss Launch and Tug. In 1969, Pacific Tow Boat was acquired by the Dillingham Corporation of Honolulu, Hawaii along with Foss. In 1974, Pacific Towboat's operations were consolidated into its larger partner, and the former fleet largely renamed with Foss family names.