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Random Quote: Life is but the sea I go a fishin in!
Does anyone have any experience with either towing company in Wrightsville Beach NC. I am joining one or the other this week and was interested if anyone had any direct experience (good or bad) with either one here. I have heard good things about the local sea tow operator but I dont see their boats on the water as often as towboat US.
If I am not mistaken, I believe the closest harbor that Sea Tow resides in is in Georgetown, SC. I know that is the closest coming from the South. I am not sure if there is a closer place North of Wrightsville. I do know that Sea Tow is good. They have gotten me out of a bind before. They got me in pretty quick considering i was 30 miles off the sea bouy in the dark.
There is a Sea Tow at Topsail and Wrightsville...I have Sea Tow and thankfully haven't needed it. After reading concerns on THT I called Sea Tow to make sure they would tow me when outside of my listed "homeport".....which is Wrightsville...but I may be fishing Southport or Morehead..etc... Greg
Towboat US have boats at wrightsville and Southport. The Bruton family runs both. I know George Bruton and he is a stand up guy. I currently have Sea Tow (wrightsville Beach) and they have come to my aid in a timely fashion. I have nothing but good things to say about both.
Say No to the Yellow and Yes to Tow Boat US!
I would go with Boat US all the way. I have had experience with both and would pick Boat US. All the captains in the Wrightsville Beach and Southport area are stand up guys. Your Boat US membership will work for you on your boat and if your on a buddies boat it will work there also. The membership goes with the customer not the boat. You will not go wrong with Boat US. I have been boating in the Wrightsville Beach area for over 10 years and have always heard nothing but the best from Boat US members.
I also prefer Boat/US, but have my membership with SeaTow. Reason is that SeaTow doesn't limit you to 25 miles away from thier homeport like the Boat/US contract states. If the Boat/US "unlimited" was truly unlimited, I'd go with them.
I know for a fact that Boat US here in Wrightsville will come get you out at the gulf stream. I have unlimtied towing with them and so does several of my buddies and I know he will come get you. Each Towboat base has different guidelines on how far out they will go. I have been on a buddies boat coming back from the stream and had to call them and be towed in the last 40+ miles.
I have both just in case. I used TowBoat US about ten years ago and no problem. I saw two TowBoat US boats at Southport Marina two weeks ago I beleive they are docked to work out of SP Marina. Talked to a young guy working on their boats and seemed like a nice guy. Hopefully wont need them anytime soon. I beleive that SeaTow has a boat in Ocean Isle.
JCCLaude do you have facts to go with your accusations that you care
to share. Inquiring minds want to know. If I am thinking about switching over,
please tell.
Facts, yes.
Several years ago, I was 11 miles offshore of Carolina Beach in my 17' Whaler. Developed an ignition problem with the engine and I could not get it to fire. Called Sea Tow. Tow Boat US intercepted the call and said they would respond. About 1-1/2 hours later, Capt George showed up and towed us in to Carolina Beach at 20 + knots. He explained at the ramp that he had experienced problems on the way out. Seems that his hailer had fallen and wiped out some of his electronics wiring. He had to stop and repair his vessel before he could proceed.
When he gave me back my credit card and handed me my bill, he had charged me for (If I remember correctly) about 4 hours of his time. I was shocked at the bottom line but at the time didn't have much recourse, since he had already swiped my card. When I realized how much time he was charging me for, I asked why. He explained that since it had been 2 hours since he left his dock, he had to double the time for his return, despite the fact that he was only 8 miles away right up the ICW. Subsequent telephone conversations and requests for adjustments to his fees were essentially a waste of my time. He did finally ask me if I would accept a one year membership to Tow Boat US as compensation for his overcharging me. Reluctanly, I agreed, as it seemed that I wasn't going to get anything else. He never delived on the offer that I agreed to accept. I've been advertising for him ever since, with the story of my experience with Tow Boat US, and will continue to do so.
Thank you very much. That was informative. I realize they charge from the time they leave the dock, but we all know in your situation that 1 1/2 hrs should have not been charged. I have used Sea Tow WB 3 times (broken LU, ran out of gas, and steering failuer), and found them expedient and professional.
James
I find that story hard to believe! That sounds like something that would come out of a Sea Tow member. Where was Sea Tow during this. Sound like if it took 1 1/2 hours to get to you that Sea Tow should have been there to help.
Say NO to the YELLOW!!!!!!!!!!!
I just renewed my Sea Tow membership. I chose Sea Tow because I have no "home port" , my boat is on a trailer and if I get stuck I want to be towed back the ramp.
My father has been a Sea Tow member for years and has used them about three times in the last three years off Emerald Isle NC. Each time they have been prompt, courteous and effective. (he has to run his engine through a lot of shallow water and seems to be ruining the hubs on his props a lot).
Last winter I decided to file a float plan with Sea Tow Charleston because we were planning to do some bottom fishing about 30 miles offshore, in the middle of the week, in January in my 21 Seapro. If needed, help would be hard to find.
As I arrived back at the ramp, my cell phone rang. It was Captain Mike of Sea Tow Charleston. He said, "we did not hear from you and wanted to be sure you were ok".
Great Service! I have spoken with Sea Tow Beaufort (NC) via email and they have answered all of my questions quickly.
Not sure what more they could do. I am a Sea Tow member, and happy to be one.
Hope this helps.
Yea, I found it pretty hard to believe, too. Someone asked that I share my reasons for my negative opinion of Tow Boat and I did so. Surely, you must have something you can share about your position on Sea Tow.
I have been a Sea Tow member ever since I got ripped off by their competitor and have nothing but praise for them.
I have seen the SeaTow boats at Shallotte inlet, Lockwood Folly Inlet, and Cape Fear Inlet. I spoke with the ST captain at Ocean Isle while he was at a Marina. I don't know if he is based there or not tho. I'm a member with SeaTow and fortunately haven't had to use them yet. They do answer my radio checks just fine tho.
I joined SeaTow when I first bought my boat last spring. On my third trip out I spun my prop hub near Southport, and had to call SeaTow. They responded from their Ocean Isle location in prompt fashion, towed me back to a marina across from the ramp where I put in, and waited until I bought and installed a replacement prop. Very professional, prompt and courteous. Best $99 I ever spent. No experience with Tow BoatUS, but with such a positive experience with SeaTow I have no reason to consider them.
I hear that different TowBoat/US franchises have different distances they will come to assist, but as long as the contract says 25 miles, I'll stick with SeaTow.
Change the "written distance" and I'll change to tBoat/US.
I can't speak for the Sea Tow operator in WB but I can speak for myself. The only limits we have for towing is our local area fleet limts. Up here we run 25.5' Ridged Hull Inflatables. Just a basic range is 50 miles but as our membership guidelines state "in Writting" we are unlimited. If you need further in depth information you can check out our forum on ncwaterman.com.
Capt. Dan Sparks
Geneeral Manager
Sea Tow Beaufort
sea tow/towboat us in wrightsville bch 
