The Boating Forum - Sea Tow VS Boat US

Sea Tow VS Boat US

my sea tow runs out this month and Im really thinking about going w/ Boat US because of the SPOT link, hit the help button on Spot and the gps cord. goes right to Boat us and the come a runn'n. Some times I run out of cell and raidio range and Spot link would be nice if I get stranded out there, has anyone have any pros or cons on Boat US or has any one switched over. I fish SW Fl west of Ft Myers/Sanibel. just about same price for Boat US, 160.00, 99.000 Spot, and 99.00 for sign up, and 10. for the help link. 370.00 total. of coarse there's also 911 and messaging

Well in nc where I fish... Sea tow has pulled some boats off sand bars and claimed salvage fees trying to take the boat. I heard of at least two occasions. I go with boat us.

Sea Tow all the way, better equipment, better service and a much better one year agreement. I have used the Spot on a few trips that were all well offshore for days. The Spot has failed at one point or another on all the trips. I would hate to push the button and be waiting four hours only to discover, the spot never sent the message or boat us didn't recieve it because of issues on there end.

I've used Sea tow once for a tow about 2-4 mls and they were very good about the time and tow...I am happy with the service, but the Spot thing is whats making me think about switching. If I'm out of radio and cell range how would I call Sea tow for assistance? they cover 75 mls out, but if you can't reach them... what good are they!

they are franchise operations so a lot depends on the guy who owns the business in your specific area...some are first rate...others not so much. Id ask my friends who have direct local experience.

I will say the same thing here that I've said in all 236 of the previous threads just like this one. It largely depends upon the franchise operator in the area in which you boat.

First, compare their coverage for your normal operating area. I've found BoatUS works best for me.

With reference to your "out of range" question, that's what epirb's are all about. Also, you can generally talk to the coast guard with their tall antennas. They will gladly relay a call for assistance in addition to putting you on a timed watch until the situation is resolved.

what does that have to do with not having radio contact! if Sea tow can't be reached 60 - 70 mls out aren't you up shits creek no matter how great a franchise is?

First, compare their coverage for your normal operating area. I've found BoatUS works best for me.

With reference to your "out of range" question, that's what epirb's are all about. Also, you can generally talk to the coast guard with their tall antennas. They will gladly relay a call for assistance in addition to putting you on a timed watch until the situation is resolved.

didnt know that the CG would transfer the mess. over to Sea tow...that could make all the difference. thanks like I said, I have no problem w/ Sea tow it was the Spot link when out of range

I put together a set of instructions for my family on how to react to emergency communications when I am offshore. I tell them what to expect if I activate my EPIRB and list all of the normal information about my boat that the Coast Guard may want to know. I also carry a Spot that I use to check-in with an "OK" message so I also gave them the numbers to SeaTow in case I send a "Help" message. I believe the "911" message automatically goes to the CG.

didnt know that the CG would transfer the mess. over to Sea tow...that could make all the difference. thanks like I said, I have no problem w/ Sea tow it was the Spot link when out of range

He didn't say the CG would transfer a mess over to a commercial provider. How did you get that out of what he said?

Well in nc where I fish... Sea tow has pulled some boats off sand bars and claimed salvage fees trying to take the boat. I heard of at least two occasions. I go with boat us.

New to offshore boating.........whats up with the salvage thing? I subscribe to Sea Tow and I have a problem and they come and get me........ they may claim salvage rights on the value of my boat and bill me extra? Could someone explain this salvage thing and Sea Tow, Thanks.

New to offshore boating.........whats up with the salvage thing? I subscribe to Sea Tow and I have a problem and they come and get me........ they may claim salvage rights on the value of my boat and bill me extra? Could someone explain this salvage thing and Sea Tow, Thanks.

One of the franchise operators can explain it better than me, but here's the short of it. There are two categories of response. Simple tow jobs, soft ungroundings, providing fuel or mechanical assistance are non-slavage. Then there's what they call salvage. Salvage rates are exponentially higher than non-salvage rates because they are essentially saving your boat. If you are hard aground, sinking, adrift and in danger of drifting into rocks or into the surf, they can claim salvage. Salvage rates can run about $100/foot. If you buy one of their policies, make sure you understand whether you are simply buying a towing policy or if you are buying a comprehensive policy. Or make sure you understand what your insurance company will provide under their policy.

What constitutes salvage is subjective. If an operator claims a salvage on your boat, under some complicated laws, they may legally keep your boat if you don't pay the fee.

One of the franchise operators can explain it better than me, but here's the short of it. There are two categories of response. Simple tow jobs, soft ungroundings, providing fuel or mechanical assistance are non-slavage. Then there's what they call salvage. Salvage rates are exponentially higher than non-salvage rates because they are essentially saving your boat. If you are hard aground, sinking, adrift and in danger of drifting into rocks or into the surf, they can claim salvage. Salvage rates can run about $100/foot. If you buy one of their policies, make sure you understand whether you are simply buying a towing policy or if you are buying a comprehensive policy. Or make sure you understand what your insurance company will provide under their policy.

What constitutes salvage is subjective. If an operator claims a salvage on your boat, under some complicated laws, they may legally keep your boat if you don't pay the fee.

Thanks for the response and explanation. I found another thread with stories about Sea Tow and salvage............scary.

they are franchise operations so a lot depends on the guy who owns the business in your specific area...some are first rate...others not so much. Id ask my friends who have direct local experience.

The way it has always been explained to me

I use Sea Tow since most of my saltwater fishing is in Charleston SC and they have a good reputation there. We have TowBoat US on our local lake but in all honesty I can get to a ramp pretty much anywhere I am with trolling motor if needed

I am also told that TBUS has a good reputation in Charleston area as well so flip a coin I guess but been with ST since it was $99 for the year so just stuck with them again this year

No matter what service you have its best to always make contact with CG tower in some way. If things go sour I want them to be on watch.

He didn't say the CG would transfer a mess over to a commercial provider. How did you get that out of what he said?

With reference to your "out of range" question, that's what epirb's are all about. Also, you can generally talk to the coast guard with their tall antennas. They will gladly relay a call for assistance in addition to putting you on a timed watch until the situation is resolved.

from this post!

didnt know that the CG would transfer the mess. over to Sea tow...that could make all the difference. thanks like I said, I have no problem w/ Sea tow it was the Spot link when out of range




coast guard will relay a message to sea tow,and a family member if need be.

EPIRB's are for life threatning situations NOT engine probs or dead batteries....things like that, that;s why spot....I have the EPIRB

thanks all I've made my decision, :thumbsup:

EPIRB's are for life threatning situations NOT engine probs or dead batteries....things like that, that;s why spot....I have the EPIRB

If you are 60 miles out with no means of getting back in, it is an emergency situation.

If you are 60 miles out with no means of getting back in, it is an emergency situation.

use your epirb and the CC come get ya, your gonna loose your boat, CC will take you to land but your boat stays. Weather good....engine don't start...not life threatening in my book. I'd use Spot, and let some one come for me or get in touch w/CC to relay to Sea tow or Boat US, your life is not in danger in my book just stranded, not a great way to be, but not life or death either. May be if thats life or death for you...you shouldn't be out there, but its not to me. Using the Epirb should be Last resort.

use your epirb and the CC come get ya, your gonna loose your boat, CC will take you to land but your boat stays. Weather good....engine don't start...not life threatening in my book. I'd use Spot, and let some one come for me or get in touch w/CC to relay to Sea tow or Boat US, your life is not in danger in my book just stranded, not a great way to be, but not life or death either. May be if thats life or death for you...you shouldn't be out there, but its not to me. Using the Epirb should be Last resort.

If the weather was good, and no one was sick or injured, it would be wise to try to contact the nearest vessel and CG and report the situation. If you have SeaTow or TowBoatUS, at that time, someone should be able to forward the message to them. Maybe you can get someone on the radio that has a SAT phone who can put in a quick call for you with your coordinates. The only thing that sucks is that you are probably not anchoring 60 miles out so you will be drifting. It would be critical to stay in touch with another vessel, and the CG, during the whole episode.

Now, if you try for say an hour or two, and you cannot get anyone on the radio, and you are drifting without power, say 60 miles out like you guys are talking about... Then what else are you supposed to do other than active the EPIRB (assuming you do not have a SPOT)? How long do you wait before you react and do something? I would think, and hope, that there would be a vessel within range that could provide some type of assistance, even if it just means keeping in contact with you, and not leaving you out there alone.

This has never happened to me, thankfully... Does anyone else have an experience similar to this they can share and provide the details regarding how they handled it?

CG works actively with the local tow operators. If all you need is the kind of service a local tow operator can provide, the CG will ask you which if any you are a member of and set up a hand off. I have heard/seen this in action action on both coasts of the USA and the gulf. If your EPIRB goes off, they will issue a broadcast seeing if any one is in radio range of you (helped by providing the coordinates) if they can't reach you, and set up a relay.

use your epirb and the CC come get ya, your gonna loose your boat, CC will take you to land but your boat stays. Weather good....engine don't start...not life threatening in my book. I'd use Spot, and let some one come for me or get in touch w/CC to relay to Sea tow or Boat US, your life is not in danger in my book just stranded, not a great way to be, but not life or death either. May be if thats life or death for you...you shouldn't be out there, but its not to me. Using the Epirb should be Last resort.

This is dumb. 60 miles off shore adrift may not be imminent peril but it is certainly life threatening as no power means no control pumps die and you sink.... While I don't think the Coast Guard will not tow you in, do you really think they are going to leave your boat adrift and create a floating hazard and potential environmental disaster??? Of course not. Sea Tow or who ever will be called....

If the weather was good, and no one was sick or injured, it would be wise to try to contact the nearest vessel and CG and report the situation. If you have SeaTow or TowBoatUS, at that time, someone should be able to forward the message to them. Maybe you can get someone on the radio that has a SAT phone who can put in a quick call for you with your coordinates. The only thing that sucks is that you are probably not anchoring 60 miles out so you will be drifting. It would be critical to stay in touch with another vessel, and the CG, during the whole episode.

Now, if you try for say an hour or two, and you cannot get anyone on the radio, and you are drifting without power, say 60 miles out like you guys are talking about... Then what else are you supposed to do other than active the EPIRB (assuming you do not have a SPOT)? How long do you wait before you react and do something? I would think, and hope, that there would be a vessel within range that could provide some type of assistance, even if it just means keeping in contact with you, and not leaving you out there alone.

This has never happened to me, thankfully... Does anyone else have an experience similar to this they can share and provide the details regarding how they handled it?


I'm calling on the radio for 1 hour MAX, I am hitting DCS with nature of my distress and turning on EPIRB.

well, I didn't mean to start a confrontation with anyone, I guess its a matter of ones comfort zone. I've got great info from all of you and will take all of the input that has been tossed out and take it into consideration, thanks

SPOT is not a Boat/US exclusive.You can program it yourself to call Sea/Tow , Marine Assist , your brother-in-law, or anyone else. You decide what message you want it to relay, and to whom.
Sea/Tow is not the only Towing Firm that makes Salvage Claims. Towboat/US does it too. Marine Assist does it, Vessel Assist does it. Independent Towers do it. If you survive in this business, you have to charge Salvage Rates for Salvage Jobs.

N fact didnt know that the CG would transfer the mess. over to Sea tow...that could make all the difference. thanks like I said, I have no problem w/ Sea tow it was the Spot link when out of range

Spot link is basically a downgraded version of an EPIRB so it's range is less. The Coast Guard is there to help boaters its one of there top priorities , they will gladly transfer to either Sea Tow or Boat US if it is not a life threatening emergency. If you are a member of either one you can ask the Coast Guard to have them contacted for you.

We use Sea Tow for Charlotte harbor and they are great. Unfortunately, in the keys, they don't service the Marathon area, they come down from Islamorada to get you though you will be waiting several hours. A few years ago, we were out 30 miles and the wind shifted to out of the north and the waves got crazy quick; 3-5 and choppy. We headed for home and all was well. Some numskull in a flats boat that was staying at our hotel was out 20 miles and lost his hydrolics. He had Sea Tow also and couldn't wait for 3 hours for them to come get them. The coasties went and towed them back to the reef and safety while Sea Tow made their way down to bring them back to the dock. By the way, the wife was in a life jacket and soaked and hardly looked happy.

well, I didn't mean to start a confrontation with anyone, I guess its a matter of ones comfort zone. I've got great info from all of you and will take all of the input that has been tossed out and take it into consideration, thanks

Get a SPOT or similar device your significant other(s) will love the check ins and your location will be easier to ascertain if you do need help. I also have a auto EPIRB and PLB

Set up your SPOT account to send a Help message to multiple reliable people that are not on the boat with a message thats gives instructions on how to call Seatow, your member # and the coordinates listed and that you need help. If the SPOT is the problem it won't matter on service provider. Then do lots of OK messages to see if it is the SPOT or not.