Home Search Links About Us Updates Login
BUTCH CENAC
Photo by: Captain Ted

Built in 1974, by Terrebonne Shipbuilding Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #5) as the Flipper for the Dolphin Marine Service Incorporated of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

In 1987, the tug was acquired by the Cenac Towing Company Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana. However, she sank at the dock in Mobile, Alabama.

In 1990, she was raised, and was rebuilt as a triple screw tug, with a raised house.

In 1992, the Cenac Towing Company renamed the rebuilt tug, as the Jackie Cenac.

In 2004, the tug was leased to Horizon Maritime Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where she was renamed as the Dorado.

In 2005, she was acquired by Horizon Maritime Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2008, she was acquired by Teppco Marine Services Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Butch Cenac.

In 2009, the tug was acquired by Enterprise Marine Services Incorporated of San Antonio, Texas. Where she was renamed as the Butch.

In 2014, she was acquired by Pinnacle III LP. of Pasadena, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Gracie Lee.

Re powered in 2004, she is driven by three, Cummins KTA19-M2 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears at a ratio of 7:1. Turning two, stainless steel, fixed pitch propellers. She is a triple screw towboat, rated at 1,590 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: BUTCH CENAC
  • USCG Doc. No.: 561957
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 8992601
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDE4800
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 5
  • Ship Builder: Terrebonne Shipbuilders Inc.
  • Year Built: 1974
  • Length: 72
  • Hailing Port: FREEPORT, TX.
  • Hull Depth: 10
  • Hull Breadth: 30
  • Gross Tonnage: 144
  • Net Tonnage: 115
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Flipper, JACKIE CENAC, DORADO, BUTCH CENAC, BUTCH
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Dolphin Marine Service Inc., CENAC TOWING CO INC, HORIZON MARITIME LLC, TEPPCO MARINE SERVICES LLC, ENTERPRISE MARINE SERVICES LLC, PINNACLE III LP