I'm about to start putting togeather a tug type boat designed to have a very low to the water profile. The intended purpose of this thing is to retrieve stranded float type airplanes from the middle of the lake. I don't need speed but I do need push power. I want to run it with a single prop using a 12 volt motor. I need both forward and reverse. Right now I plan to use a tugboat hull without any superstructure. A hull that's around 28" to 30" would be just about right. What do you suggest I use for a controller and motor? Any hull suggestions?

If I were to do this, I would choose a flat bottom hull, like a river towboat.
This, to keep the bow from rising (excessively) out of the water, as you begin your aerobatic (?) tow.
To give manuverability, I would have (linked) rudders at each end of the hull.
Like 4-wheel steering on a car.
And don't skimp on rudder size.
Instead of the pushing towers (on the front of a towboat) you could use a coarse screen, the kind used to protect flower beds. Even if it is in the weter, the drag will not effect your "capture". (Unless, of course, you plan to race "recovery" boats).

Richard
The PCF builder in Cincinnati