Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Which Is Better Sea Tow Or Boat Us

Why Do I Need Sea Tow If My Insurance Has A Towing Rider

Why TOW BOAT US is the BEST

Does your insurance company have boats to service you? We are most likely going to be who you call for on-water assistance, so why pay out of pocket and then have to submit the bill to your insurance company for reimbursement? When you are not a member the average tow can cost $600 or more. Additionally, there may be dollar, distance, calendar or geographic limitations in your towing rider coverage — your rider may not cover the full cost of the tow. And don’t forget, Sea Tow members get priority service.

Reasons Why You Should Join Sea Tow

On-the-water breakdowns are inevitable, and the Coast Guard no longer provides non-emergency towing. So shouldnt every boat owner join a boat-towing service like Sea Tow? It seems like a no-brainer, but like most aspects of boat ownership there is a cost associated. Its wise to do a little research before you sign a membership form.

We brought our questions about the benefits of a Sea Tow membership to Captain Ramsey Chason of Sea Tow and learned that membership definitely has its privileges.

Where Am I Covered

  • Does not have distance limitations, however request must be within reason.

TowboatUS

  • Service up to 50 nautical miles offshore
  • Towing up to 50 nautical miles from an on-the-water pickup point
  • Towing up to 25 nautical miles from one port to another
  • Some locations extend up to 100 NM such as the Bahamas

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What Vessels Am I Covered On

Sea Tow

  • Every boat the member owns
  • Members boat is covered even if the Member is not on board
  • Vessels the member charters, rents, leases or borrows

Lake Card

  • Every boat the member owns
  • Members boat is covered even if the Member is not on board
  • Vessels the member charters, rents, leases or borrows

Commercial Card

  • Any boat the member is operating

TowboatUS

  • Coverage on any boat which the Members owns, borrows, or charters.
  • Members boat is covered even if the Member is not on board
  • No coverage, regardless of who is at the helm, if the Member is a guest on a boat and the boats owner is also present

How Quickly Can I Expect Sea Tow To Respond To My Request For Help

WHY BOAT US

Response time varies with each situation, but we do everything we can to get to you quickly. Factors that affect response time include call volume, the size of the area your designated captain covers and the weather. Assistance calls are handled in the order they are received but as a member, you always receive priority service.

Read Also: What Does It Cost To Join Freedom Boat Club

Choose A Membership Plan To Fit Your Boating Needs

Basic Membership

BoatUS pays the first $50 for on-the-water towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery and soft ungroundings

Service good on all boats you own, borrow or rent

Opportunity for free enrollment as a West Advantage Gold Rewards Member, earning the highest level of rewards at West Marine

BoatUS pays 50% for dock-to-dock tows for repairs

Reimbursement up to $2,500 for tows outside of TowBoatUS service area

BoatUS pays 100% for on-the-water boat towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery and soft ungroundings

Service for all inland lakes, rivers and waterways

BoatUS pays 50% for dock-to-dock tows for repairs

Reimbursement up to $2,500 for tows outside of TowBoatUS service area

BoatUS pays 100% for on-the-water boat towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery and soft ungroundings

Service for all waterways, coastal and inland

Unlimited Saltwater Towing Membership, Plus:

BoatUS pays 100% for dock-to-dock tows for repairs

Reimbursement up to $3,000 for tows outside of TowBoatUS service area

Use your cell phone to call the closest TowBoatUS Company listed in our online service locator.

I Have Boat Insurance Is It Worth It To Join Sea Tow

Boat insurance is intended to protect your investments your boat, electronics, and gear in case of an unexpected accident or disaster. It also can protect you from legal costs and lawsuits after an accident. Sea Tow membership is not insurance, its assurance. We come to your aid when things go wrong, to provide a tow, deliver fuel, or jump-start your battery so you can bet back on your way. Its our job to help ensure your safety and we take that seriously.

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But My Boat Insurance Has A Towing Rider Do I Still Need Sea Tow

Insurance companies do not have boats we do, and Sea Tow members receive priority service. Sea Tow provides unlimited towing. There is no limit on the number of tows in a year, the distance, or the time it takes. We guarantee that members get towed to their home port or facility of their choice. This is a big difference from what you get from an insurance towing rider. Plus, you dont want a simple tow to increase your insurance rates.

Whats The Biggest Benefit Of A Sea Tow Membership

Sea Tow – What does it take to be a Sea Tow Captain? – By BoatTest.com

For most recreational boaters, the biggest benefit of a Sea Tow membership is peace of mind. Being a Sea Tow member means having access to captains with tremendous experience and knowledge, and that provides a comfort level boaters cannot get with any other service. For example, I have a member who fishes offshore in the canyons, well beyond cell service. He bought a Garmin product that allows for communication via satellite text, and he uses my cell number as the contact. For him, membership is about knowing you have a direct link to someone who is always available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And, if something were to happen and he needed assistance, we have the assets including a 41-foot ex-Coast Guard vessel with the speed and range to get offshore and tow in larger sportfishing vessels.

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What Types Of Towing Services Are Included

Sea Tow

Gold Card

  • Unlimited assistance towing to dock of choice within members home area
  • Assistance towing to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside members home area
  • $225/hour for tow to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside Sea Tow operational area
  • Dock-to-dock tows from home port

Lake Card

  • Unlimited assistance towing to dock of choice within members home area
  • Assistance towing to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside members home area
  • $225/hour for tow to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside Sea Tow operational area
  • Dock-to-dock tows from home port

Commercial Card

  • 100% coverage for tow at sea to home dock or repair facility
  • 100% coverage for tow from a restricted use dock to home dock or repair facility
  • 50% coverage for tow from home dock or mooring to repair facility

Unlimited Gold

  • 100% coverage for tow at sea to home dock or repair facility
  • 100% coverage for tow from a restricted use dock to home dock or repair facility
  • 100% coverage for tow from home dock or mooring to repair facility

How Far Offshore Am I Covered

We do not have any specific offshore distance limits. How far offshore Sea Tow will go to get you is only limited by the sea conditions, fuel capacity of our boats and our ability to communicate with you. If, for any reason, Sea Tow cannot respond we will assist in arranging for an alternate provider and provide reimbursement up to $5000 per incident. In most cases, if we are unable to respond no other commercial assistance provider will be able to either, so we will defer to the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Sea Tow Vs Tow Boat Us

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Tow Boat Us Vs Sea Tow

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FROGMAN524 said:Ok so I checked both service locaters and it seems Sea Tow is on Havasu but none of the other lakes. Tow Boat US is on Mohave, Powell, Mead and Havasu and Pleasant. Guess I’m going with Tow Boat US. Anybody have a promo code or know of any discounts?

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FROGMAN524 said:Ok so I just signed up for the Unlimited Gold package and the Unlimited Trailer Assist package from Boat US. Also am a member now with them so that’s good. Glad to have it. Didn’t mention anything about the 48 or 72 hour rule but come Saturday it will have been 3 days.

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Cant I Just Wait Until I Need A Tow Before I Become A Sea Tow Member

You should join Sea Tow before you need it because you cant schedule a dead batteryor any other issueand its not always easy to get tow service on the water. When you are on a disabled vessel, the last thing you want to do is wait for hours, especially if you have your family on board. Sea Tow members get prompt service and always get priority over non-members when it comes to towing.

If a tow is required, we take our members to their home port or the repair facility of their choice. Again, we understand that time is limited, so well tow as fast as hull speed will allow, with the focus on getting back quickly and safely.

What Does Sea Tow Offer Beyond Towing

First, we understand that if a boat owner is having an issue, towing should be the last resort. Every day on the water is valuable, especially in the Northeast. My crew and I always strive to fix the problem through a troubleshooting process that begins over the phone and continues, if necessary, in person, with the goal of solving your problem and getting you back to boating as soon as possible.

Also, my crew and I are available 24/7/365, on the water and off, as a resource to boaters. For example, well provide a free escort through treacherous areas. We prefer to help our members avoid issues and keep them out of trouble. Ive also helped Sea Tow members plan trips along the East Coast, using my knowledge from years of yacht deliveries to guide them and plan an itinerary.

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Do I Need A Boat Towing Membership

This is a question that ultimately, only you can answer. That said, a huge number of boaters do opt for a towing membership of one form or another, and many people feel that the peace of mind that goes along with knowing youll have a tow boat on call whenever you need assistance, and not have to pay out of pocket, is well worth the cost.

Because as we said right up front, all mechanical things can break down. And unfortunately, that does sometimes include boats.

What Does Boat Towing Memberships Cover

Sea Tow pulls up sunken boat like a boss

What you may be surprised at is just how much boat towing memberships cover. In fact, it’s not just towing. Using the term boating mishap coverage would be a lot more accurate. Most provide service under the membership for many of the basic snafus that can put a stop to a fun day of boating, like running out of fuel or needing a jump start.

According to BoatU.S., the following mechanical breakdowns only account for about half the calls for assistance they receive and generally result in a tow:

  • Engine failure
  • Steering problems
  • Blown fuses

According to Sea Tow, over 25 percent of their calls for assistance are solved on scene with a jump start, fuel delivery or ungrounding and they can often assist over the phone to get you back to boating.

Towing, fuel delivery, jumpstarts and quick ungroundings are all part of the membership services offered by Sea Tow and TowBoatUS, with some reasonable exclusions .

In most cases, membership also covers part or all of the cost to tow your boat from your home port to a repair facility or trailer ramp so you can if service is needed.

And theres more! If you own more than one boat, generally they will all be eligible for service under the one membership, regardless of if your spouse, child or friend borrows your boat and breaks down. And if the member themselves borrows or rents a boat they are eligible for service as well.

There are also some added benefits to having a boat towing membership:

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How To Choose Towing Company For Your Boat

As we stated earlier, the two largest boat towing services, Sea Tow and TowBoatUS/BoatUS cover the majority of the nation. Their rates and membership options are competitive, however, depending on where you live you may find that one or the other has better coverage in your particular area. Since the annual membership fees are also minimal, some boaters also choose to get memberships to both companies.

You may also hear about having towing coverage as a part of your boats hull and liability insurance policy as some insurance companies offer a riders or include some level of reimbursement for certain towing expenses. If you are going to rely on this coverage only there are a few things to remember:

  • Not all coverage is equal. Be sure to check what services you can be reimbursed for and up to what dollar amount.
  • Since youll be dealing directly with the tower youll generally have to foot the bill up-front.
  • If you dont also have a membership with one of the towing companies you may have to wait longer for service. This could be hours and hours on busy weekends and holidays.
  • The Nasty Campaign Against Seatow And Towboatus

    Advocacy Group Compares Tow Operators to Criminals

    Thats right. Pirates were criminals, so when you accuse marine salvors of piracy, youre saying they are crooks. The above propaganda image from Stop Sea Piracy sets the tone.

    In fact, none of the practices decried by Stop Sea Piracy are illegal they are long-settled in maritime law, which is not to say reform is not needed. Maybe it is.

    Eric Hull of Brandon, Florida, certainly thinks so. Hes a tournament billfish fisherman with a slick center console and a guy you dont want to piss off. Heres Hulls story about his encounter with a “sea pirate,” as reported on the Capitolist news site under the headline “Forget the Somali CoastFlorida might be the sea piracy capital of the world”

    The Florida legislation does not address how much salvors such as SeaTow and TowBoatUS can charge. It requires that salvors inform customers orally and in writing when work will go beyond basic services covered in their membership towing insurance contracts.

    House Bill 469 and Senate Bill 664 specifically require that salvors tell customers that salvage work allows the salvor to present you, or your insurance company, with a bill for the charges at a later date. The salvor shall calculate the charges according to federal salvage law…The charges could amount to as much as the entire value of your vessel and its contents.

    Stand-by for more news and views on this legislation.

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    Where Can I Learn More

    As always, read and compare the fine print before making a final decision. Both Seatow and TowboatUS offer more information on their websites and by phone.

    Know what is covered, know what isnt, and choose the service that is best for you.

    Whatever decision you make, when it comes to coverage, remember: it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

    Whats The First Thing I Should Do When Looking For A House

    Sea Tow Newport Beach / LA

    The first thing you should do before searching for rental homes is decide on an ideal budget. Consider how much of your income goes towards bills and what you have left over at the end of each month. Also, remember that when first moving in, you will need to account for at least a deposit and first months rent.

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    Is Sea Tow Or Boat Us Membership Worth It

    Vietpimp999 said:Thank you Chris, I think in my insurance policy, they cover towing coverage up to $1k if I was stranded. I had Sea Tow for 4-5 years prior to last year when I didnt have anything. The one time I had to call them when I was in the bay, but was only about a quarter mile from my dock, the guy said hes on a call and would take about 3hrs to get to me, I said no thank you and jump down the water and pulled my boat in my slip. Maybe I will get Towboat US instead.

    Tidal Fish Commerical Lite Subscriber – My busines

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