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Random Quote: Some Hatteras owners don't like Grey Poupon.
What are your SPECIFIC issues/questions? This subject has been beaten to death here and it seems an equal number of folks sit on either side of the fence.
Honestly I think talking with the local operators of both .... face to face if you can, will give you the best idea of which way to go for your area.
Good reply.. be more specific. Guess that would help. I run out of Little River and it seems that Sea Tow may have a less boats in that area. I could easily be mistaken but Tow Boat US seems to be all over the place down there. But I was wondering what others thought as well. Never really paid attention to it if it has been beaten to death..
It does sound like Tow Boat US is dominant in your area. In my area it's the opposite. I know one thing a lot of guys who fish far offshore want to know is HOW FAR is each equipped to run out and fetch you? Obviously some boats are equipped to go farther then others... so in that case I think type of boat(s) they run wins over quantity. I'd call each and find out what their max range is.
As far as the marina discount... is that something you'd be interested in? I mean what does it matter if you keep the boat at home right? (or did you mean discount on fuel... because that would be sweet!)
Will they both do fuel drops? Will they both jump start batteries (some won't)? Will they both un-ground you without claiming salvage on your boat?
I think you should make a list of questions.... ask both operators the same exact questions and see what they say.
BoatUS out of Little River and Southport have a service area of 50 miles offshore. BoatUS out of Ocean Isle has a service area of 25 miles offshore.
SeaTow out of Ocean Isle says they have no range limit.
BoatUS has three locations between Southport and Little River; Sea Tow has one location. Question is: How far out do you go?
__________________
ProLine 23 Walk 250 Merc
"No individual has any right to come into this world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it" - George Washington Carver.
I have had both and I prefer SeaTow, I like the guys better. Until my re-power I was a steady customer with that P.O.S Evinrude Ficht ram . I switched to Sea Tow three years ago and would recommend them any day. Just my opinion~JJ~
__________________ "Jay"- 04 HydraSport Vector 24 CC 250 Yamaha fourstroke
OK - time to re-up.. which one is really better. Always been with sea tow but this weekend, after some talking I am thinking of switching...
Any thoughts to help me out will be appreciated..
Jim
I am with Seatow and only needed them once ( was at Lighthouse rocks ) they said it would take 45 minutes to get to me and he came over the horizon 40 minutes later and he towed me back to OIB. My son was 12 then and he thought that was the "coolest" thing getting towed. Very nice guy so I will stick with Seatow. I have OIB listed as home port with them, I don't really know what difference that makes though.
Butch
I go to the stream quite a bit in the spring and late in the fall. I appreciate all the info from everyone! I was understanding that Boat US also had more boats available in the area and since I run out of Little River now maybe that is the direction I should go..
thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lockwoods
BoatUS out of Little River and Southport have a service area of 50 miles offshore. BoatUS out of Ocean Isle has a service area of 25 miles offshore.
SeaTow out of Ocean Isle says they have no range limit.
BoatUS has three locations between Southport and Little River; Sea Tow has one location. Question is: How far out do you go?
Sea Tow Wrightsville told me they go 55 miles straight out from land. Don't know about ST Beaufort....I am in between both geographically. I see them much more often in my area...that coupled with the fact that I am way out often made me go with Sea Tow.
Check the range limit before you commit. SeaTow is unlimited. I do not know what Boat US limitations are.
Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie1144
I would have to assume that the range depends on the boats the towers use.
Correct... every boat has a limit as to how far it can go based on fuel capacity and how much extra fuel can safely be carried on board in containers.
The good news is that even if you are past their limits.... if you get into trouble the Coast Guard will tow you to within the companies tow limit and then they can come out and fetch you from there. Of course the CG would prefer to NOT be acting as a tow service...but they aren't going to leave you out there to die so they will do it if you are truly stranded. I say TRULY stranded because if you have the ability to limp back to within limits on your own at reduced power then you have to do that. They won't tow you just so you can get in faster if there is no immediate danger.
What I'm NOT sure of is if you have a tow service that has a limit of say 40 miles and another company has a range of say 60 miles (but you are not covered by them) and you break down at say 80 miles. I'm not sure if the CG will tow you to within 40 miles so YOUR service can come get you.... or if they will tow you to within 60 miles and force you to bit the bullet and be towed by the company you don't have coverage with. I assume this is why it's best to go with the company that has the longest distance if you go far offshore.
I am with TowBoat because they did not ally with AAA to fight the towing bill (like ST) that is benefitting all trailer boaters nowadays. Political I know but stick with those who support you when it gets thick.
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We have received great service from the TowBoat US guy in Little River, both in giving us advice on navigating through there the first time we went through and pulling us off a snag just south of the LR bridge when we did something dumb (long story) the 3rd time we went through. Good "people skills" as well as seamanship.
I looked at both when deciding on a tow company. I fish from CapeFear to Little River. I chose Tow Boat US because they are like AAA sorry Scott! (just a comparison) for your boat. They will come and help replace a blown tire on your trailer. Also another selling point is any boat I am on they will tow in. A friend of mine in Florida told me he would only use them after he was on a boat in the Gulf and his buddy did not have either. They needed a tow and he called his company and they towed the boat in at no charge, because he was a member. But it all comes down to who you really want. But everyone should have one of them because getting towed in with out one can cost you a lot out of pocket.
I canceled AAA on our three vehicles but kept seatow, The local franchise at OIB sort of had his hands tied. I wrote David Pearsons a letter but of course recieved no response when we where in the towing battle.
Now that my daughter is in Charlotte at Queens I need to come with something for her there besides AAA.
Butch
I went with towboat because we go out of hatteras. Seatow does not have a boat there and towboat is cheaper to and have boats in more locations. I had to use it two weeks after signing up, the guy that towed us in was very nice. Also got the trailer ins. not bad for $150 a year. Mine is payed for for the next 12 years!!!!! On one tow.
Sea Tow VS Tow Boat US?? 
