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i have used both. Both are very polite and responsive. I will say that sea tow came 45 miles off shore to tow me in one day. However it is to my understanding that towboat will tow any boat you are on, sea tow will only tow a boat you OWN. i might be wrong about that.
quote:Originally posted by Monkeyfist:
Has anyone had to ever use one of these towing services before? I'm planning to joing one and would like to hear any opinions about them.
Thanks
Monkey, All I've ever heard was how expensive it is to be towed, even short distances so I signed up for unlimited towing with Boat US. That membership costs $100 a year. If I'm ever on a boat that has broken down whether it's my boat or not, the tow is covered. Anyway, last night we broke down a few miles from home. We called Boat US, they told us their boat would be there in 30 minutes which it was. He tied our 24' Maxum to the side of his boat, pulled us home and even helped us get the boat back on the lift. That 2 mile tow would've cost us $268. The fellow said the average tow could easily approach $500. That's the only experience I've had with getting towed but it was a good one.
always sign up for unlimited, or full coverage.
the time seat tow towed me in from big rock, approx 45 miles the boat capt'n said the bill would haver been 1300.00$$$$$$$
i did have a 21 cc that was not covered when i had seatow, it broke down about 3/4 mile from the dock, it cost me 150.00 to get it home.
Unfortunately had my first tow a few weeks ago when i blew my lower unit . Boat US got the call as i have the unlimites option. I was only a mile or 2 from home. They came in 20 minutes and were kind and professional. I would definately recomend them. good luck
I belong to both "Boat US" & "Sea Tow". The Hudson River can be VERY dangerous with the commercial traffic. When something goes wrong, I want to be sure someone is coming to get us! I used SeaTow once with a 1995 23' Maxum boat. The 5.7 MerCruiser engine locked up with water at 1800 RPMs. They were VERY professional.----Just my opinion. ----Greg
This subject comes up all the time. FWIW, I am a SeaTow member. However, I would suggest that you contact each service in your area. Ask about coverage for how you use you boat. Ask about their boats and where all boats are located. Visit the service, look at the boats, and the operation. Choose the one you feel can provide the best overall service for your needs....not what someone else tells you.
All of these companies are locally owned and operated either as franchises or licensed contractors. If you operate in one given area all the time then check who is the best locally and go with them.
I belong to both SeaTow and TowBoatUS (BoatUS). It just worked out better for me that way because I run two boats and one is trailered. SeaTow covers the subscriber (you) on whatever boat you are "operating" at the time. BoatUS covers the individual boat and, for a small fee, covers boat & trailer on the road.
Just ask around your area. You will get all kinds of feedback! I've heard that there are operators for all three companies that are just looking for salvage oportunities and others that perform a real local service to subscripers. I'm lucky here because both are very good and, they have been known to cover for each other when too many emergencies happen at once. Sh_t happens!
I'm seeing some info posted that conflicts with what I've learned.
Due to some recent threads pertaining to Sea Tow and their salvage operations (and my Sea Tow membership was nearing its' renewal time), I decided to check into TowBoatUS in my particular area.
Here's what I learned: The coverage area by TowBoatUS varies by location. The mileage limit is simply to "protect" individual franchises. In my area, the limit is 75 miles. In more concentrated areas, like Florida, the mileage limits are less because there are more franchises. TowBoatUS covers the person, on any boat. And finally, TowBoatUS's policy is to inform you of a salvage operation before it starts (not after you are towed into port).
I don't recall the exact amount, but salvage operations entitle the tow company to get a large fee based on a % of the value of the vessel (something like 33%?). Insurance (if you have it) might pay for salvage fees.
Try the "find" and "advanced search" feature on this forum if you're interested in reviewing the threads I mentioned. In addition, be sure to contact the local franchise of any tow company in your particular area before making your decision. It would also be a good idea to learn what your insurance company will cover.
I assumed that what I've shared here is correct (again, for my area), and I made the change to TowBoatUS.
I had my first opportunity to use TowBoatUS out of Beach Haven, NJ this spring. The Capt was extremly professionl and helpful. He arrived within 15 minutes of my intial call. Whomever you go with, get the unlinited towing package.
Out here on the West Coast I had Sea Tow and they seem to be closing lots of locations. I read a report that I think said Towboat was buying out Sea Tow. I just signed up with Vessel Assist this time around. Had Sea Tow and never needed them.
I agree with DRIFTER and signed up with Tow Boat/US for the same reasons. HOWEVER: I keep my boat in Milford CT and I have seen SeaTow bring in 3 or 4 boats this season. My marina has very tight manuvering room with tight slips and in every case they put the towed boat back in her slip without ever coming close to any other boat. It was amazing to watch. No muss/no fuss... Sea Tow in all cases had twin outboards..so no big advantage in handling...you'd never know there was a breeze, tide or current... I only wish I could pilot my boat around the marina half as well...
My money is with SeaTow. SeaTow has a captain right out of OIB. His name is Clay and I've had to use him one time when I got beached fishing a falling tide in some skinny water. Certainly not an emergency and I could have waited to float out, but Clay came right over and pulled me out. Showed my card, no questions asked, no extra charges, done.
If you read the fine print on TowBoatUS you'll see something like "Good within a 25
mile radius of TowBoatU.S. home port". But since they run out of Southport they eat up a good bit of this range just getting to OIB/HB area. There are no such limits with SeaTow.
I've always had Towboat and the only time I needed help was a battery failure(put in a 2nd after that). Another boat called Seatow. Towboat paid Seatow no questions asked. They just took my membership # and submitted it.
Sea-Tow, Vessil Assist, Towboat US
