Sea Tow or TowBoat US for Cape Fear area - The Hull Truth

mhedrick · 03-07-2006, 04:59 PM

Does anyone have opinions as to which service is better for the Cape Fear area out to about 15-20 miles?

NCDave · 03-07-2006, 09:26 PM

(knock on wood) never had to use any one of them, but I have both.

BoatUS only comes out to get ya at 25 mile radius v.s. Sea Tow will come get ya any distance.

Make sure to read all material they provide to have an understanding of what they provide before you decide, also, Sea Tow just raised their rates too, went from $119 a year to $140 (or somethin similar).

Like mentioned, I've got both and haven't had to use/call them... but I do know their helpfull in the Wrightsville area and seem to respond fairly quick (from what we've heard over the radio). Hopefully someone that's had experience with their services will chime in.

UNCWCraig · 03-07-2006, 09:59 PM

I would have to select BoatUS. The 25 mile radius Dave is speaking of doesn't really exist. That is a guaranteed distance that headquarters sets up, it is up to the captain of the boat how far offshore he chooses to go get you, I asked the same question of the local BoatUS captain and got that answer. At that time he also told me the major difference in the 2 companies. Seatow gets a portion of each membership sold in each area, while BoatUS does not get any share of the membership, in fact all the moneys go to BoatUS headquarters.. why is this important you ask. When seatow goes out to a call it is costing him money in fuel to go get you, a cost that he has already been paid a percentage of through membership. BoatUS captains on the other hand are paid solely on the time they spend on the water with the customers. So from the minute he leaves the dock to the minute he returns he is getting paid. In my eyes seems like BoatUS would be the better choice, I have had their service for 5 years used it multiple times and have always been happy.

Just my 2 cents

onesourcemike · 03-08-2006, 11:10 AM

SAY NO TO THE YELLOW AND YES TO TOW BOAT US!!!
Boat US all the way!!!!!!!!!!

HOTSPOT · 03-08-2006, 12:14 PM

Long time Sea Tow member here. Best coverage I have never used.

offshore3144 · 03-08-2006, 12:55 PM

Towboat US is based out of the Southport Marina and SeaTow is Based out of Ocean Isle. Mark

UNCWCraig · 03-08-2006, 02:19 PM

Both also run boats out of Wrightsville Beach.

lynyrd · 03-08-2006, 03:25 PM

i've had sea tow for years i've had them get me at baldhead and get me back to wrightsville beach

i've heard bad things about them but all my exper has been good even had a tire come off they sent a rollback to get it and take it to my camper

ghurt · 03-08-2006, 03:36 PM

I have had SeaTow for 10 years....used them 3 times. Always prompt, courteous and very professional.

mhedrick · 03-08-2006, 09:05 PM

Thanks Guys.

Preoccupation · 03-10-2006, 12:07 AM

I have SeaTow, see Capt. Clay out of OIB running the ICW a lot. Don't see too many TowBoatUS boats, although I was with a buddy one time who needed a tow from a good way out and they provided great service.

originalsin · 03-10-2006, 07:38 AM

I have had the occasion to use my SeaTow service twice in the OIB area. Both times I was extremely pleased with the service I recieved and was pleasently suprised about a year later when the capt. that pulled me in after burning a piston noticed that I had repowered and even remembered my name. Don't have any on the water experience with Towboat US but have had the occasion to use the local captains other service for a welding job that I needed on my t-top. Final product was good and is still holding up a year later.

dubbs · 03-10-2006, 08:54 AM

I do not have any experience with tow boat so I cant comment. I have been a sea tow member for the last 8 years and have called on them on three occasions. Very prompt and professional. I was impressed with their operation and would reccommend them.

tugbug · 04-18-2006, 06:51 PM

Preoccupation keep your eyes open skipper....we are docked right at the mouth of the Shallotte River. Our area here covers from the Sunset swing bridge to Lockwoods Folly.......We are only a call away.......either by phone or vhf......

And to clear up distance we run......we will run just as far as we have fuel for (I carry 200 gallons).......also a TowBoat US Membership covers you the member and will cover as many boats as you own, borrow, beg or steal.........we do not care what boat you are on..........

One last thought.........if you would like to learn how to get 2 people covered for the price of one, contact me....

Stay Safe Out There
Best Of Luck

Weekend-Hooker · 04-18-2006, 08:15 PM

I second Clay and Sea Tow Ocean Isle, I also notice you're in kannapolis, Sea tow is on lake Norman and numerous locations other than the beach if you use the lakes.
I'm a happy Sea Tow member.

ClarkLLC · 04-18-2006, 08:43 PM

Used the "good ole Yellow boats" three times in the past 8 years........and the Ocean Isle folks always are quick to respond...and if they hear you back up on the air later, always check in to see how you are doing and if you got your problem solved....(computer twice for me)....I am sure the Red Boat guys are good....just happen to a Sea Tow member.........

Ain't nice though to have such services on the water now as opposed to 20 years ago.......

t3rockhall · 04-18-2006, 09:16 PM

I have TowBoat/US nd called them for the first time 2 years ago. They were prompt, courteous and VERY professional. No problems at all. I wish that I could handle a boat like that guy did.

hblac · 04-18-2006, 09:38 PM

I use TowboatUS and have had to get towed a few times in my previous boats. Both the Southport based boats and 'Tugbug' have towed me with excellent service and very quick response. In fact, I'm the friend Preoccupation was with when 'Tugbug' towed my old Albemarle in from Atlantic Ledge. He was going a 'perfect' 6.5 knots so I put out four lines while under tow. We ended catching a 25lb blackfin tuna during the tow that would have spooled us if the towboat hadn't stopped for me to fight the tuna.

Having said that sounds like there's a high level of satisfaction with both services.

Hal

Fishing Lady · 04-19-2006, 11:55 AM

Years ago, I had SeaTow. I sold my old boat and bought another but forgot to call SeaTow to tell them. Shortly after I purchased my new boat, I ran out of fuel due to a faulty fuel gauge and called SeaTow. Since I had not called and given them the description of my new boat, I was charged just like I was a non member. (very expensive fuel I can tell you that) I then found out TowBoat US did not cover the boat but covered the person. Just like AAA does. Needless to say, I have been a memeber of TowBoat US ever since and would never leave the dock without it. My son also does a lot of boating and I was able to add his name to my membership at no additional cost and now we are both covered. Like getting 2 for 1.

Some of you may not be aware but TowBoat US has the largest network of on-water towers in the country. I have yet to be in an area where you could not get service, including lakes and rivers and I have traveled the entire East Coast and a lot of the Gulf Coast.

So, which ever company you choose, don't be misguided rumors.....do some investigating on your own.....and as they say, how can over 635,000 members be wrong.

Just my 2 cents worth

Happy Boating & Fishing

gmanoffshore · 04-20-2006, 08:56 AM

I have had Towboat US for years and thankfully never needed it but have talked to JD several times and feel very confident knowing he is waiting for the call.