Tow Services: South of Montauk and Block Island - The Hull Truth

John_Madison CT · 03-14-2005, 06:47 AM

Guys: I've asked this question to many, but never seem to walk away with a "warm and fuzzy" feeling as to what would actually happen.

OK, here is the scenario. You are 40 miles South of Montauk, your engine dies, you are dead in the water. Will SEATOW or BoatUS Tow come and get you??

How about if you're at the Canyon?

Thanks,

John

slapshotjh · 03-14-2005, 08:15 AM

Just buddy up with me when I upgrade, I owe you a tow.

Parapapam · 03-14-2005, 08:57 AM

John,

I believe that most services (Sea Tow. Boat US*and the like...) have a 25 mile limit in their contract.* This was covered pretty extensively on another forum. The basic scoop is that these operators get reimbursed from the companies at $140/hour up to a maximum of $1,000.* So they will want a different method of re-imbursement to come get you. After that the Coast Guard will put out a "Vessel needs assistance" alert to get a good samaratin to help.

There are several companies in New Bedford who will come to get you, but this service can quickly turn into a percentage of the vessel or a salvage situation.* Read this link:

http://www.boatus.com/towing/guide/salvage/towsal.asp*

Lastly, the Coast Guard may (the key word is "may&quot

come get you....they will if in a life threatening situation.* But this non-emergency assistance is "not officially allowed."* So it is hit or miss....

I'll tow you, if you tow me....I'll never leave a fellow boater stranded.* But that is just me.

74Formula233 · 03-14-2005, 08:58 AM

They are limited as far as distance goes, by fuel capacity, weather conditions, etc.

I think 40 miles south of Montauk, you stand a good chance of one of them coming out, provided, the weather isn't dangerous, in which case, Coast Guard would be your option.

At the Canyon, you won't see Boat US or Seatow. Not happeneing, it's too far, and they don't have the fuel capacity to get out there, hook on, and tow you back for 8 hours.

Best bet is to talk to your local tow companies, they all differ in their operation, some are like night and day.

Also, you rely heavily on fellow boaters out there. I towed a guy in from 27 miles out, thru the worst weather I have encountered out there. It blew up out of nowhere, from the Northeast, about 35-45 MPH winds, with downpouring rain, and thunder, lightning all around. It was just the guy's luck that his brand new "black" motor crapped out on him. I saw his flare right before I headed in. He was lucky.

It was a sloppy and miserable tow, but there certainly was no alternative

I would want the same type of assistance if it were me, so I am always more than helpful. Last year I towed a guy that was drifting just south of Narragansett Bay also with a dead motor.

We're "all in the same boat" (I know, that was BAAAD), so we need to help each other.

Major Woods · 03-14-2005, 11:12 AM

I'm gonna have to look at my seatow policy to confirm this but I believe I saw 50 miles on the policy.
I did see Seatow by the Ranger wreck last year towing a boat in.
Always best to buddy up John, there are plenty of us little guys around (CTF & THT) to do this with.

Take care, MW

Sparks Signs · 03-14-2005, 11:53 AM

Hey y'all,
I'm south of where you are but our membership is unlimited. As far as we can safely respond we will come and get you. Down here in NC we have been out 75 miles for a "member FREE" service. Best thing to do is call the local operator. Im not sure of the exact area where you are but there are several franchisees around you. There is Sea Tow Eastern Long Island which has Southold Mattituck and Montauk and Shinnecock/Moriches which has Hampton Bays/Shinnecock and Moriches/Remsenberg among others that are north and south of you. PM me if you need the contact info for your area.

Harpoon · 03-14-2005, 02:43 PM

yes