Insight on Sea Tow?

[Dave S]

Sea Tow has recently become a permanent fixture on our lake and I thought I would ask anyone that has used them for any insight they can provide.

I have never had to be towed in before but I have towed others who were disabled. Now that I have my 260DA I was wondering whether it would be worthwhile looking into some type of annual contract with them or maybe just pay the hourly rate if and when needed? I also understand BoatUS also has some arrangement with them but since I am not a BoatUS member maybe someone could tell me what that is all about as well.

Thanks.

Dave

 

[estebanj]

Regardless of provider, SeaTow or Towboat/US, the low annual fee will pay itself if you ever need to be towed. Towing rates are rather high b/c the clock starts from when they leave their dock to when they return to their dock.

Esteban

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

I was with BoatUS Dave. When I broke down two years ago, I called BoatUS who in turn called Towboat. I changed to Towboat because they have a larger presence in the area that I boat in now. BoatUS is however adding boats and might be a even match up this summer. Each location and Captain is a franchise and the quality of the tow is a direct reflection of the experience of each Captain.

 

[raffles]

I have been a member of both SeaTow & BoatUS. It really depends on which company services the area you are boating in. If they both service the area, how many boats do they have servicing your area? The unlimited annual towing is well worth the money for both companies, hopefully you will never use it and it gives you peace of mind. I personally changed from Seatow to BoatUS because they both service my area and the gas dock I use give a 10 cent a gallon discount to Boat US members (so in essence my membership is free!). The other nice thing about BoatUS is that they have a consumer affairs division. I had an issue with Mercruiser on some warranty work, I contacted the consumer affairs division, and they gave me some advice. Once they saw that I open carbon copied BoatUS consumer affairs, I received a telephone call within 24 hours from Mercruiser with a resolution. Needless to say I think highly of BoatUS due to my good experience with them

 

[280 SeaRay]

Dave.... I have subscribed to the BoatUS Unlimited Captains coverage since I owned my first 220BR..... cheap... very cheap... like $100 a year. I would think the most simple "tow" would be much more expensive than $100. I have never used the service but at $100 is a cheap piece of mind for me.

I think $100 of fuel evaporates into the air while I am fueling throughout the year.... and that does not feel as good as the promise of coverage. :lol:

 

[midway]

About 6 years ago the guy next door had to be towed in, $475.00, at the time membership fee was $75.00. Just something to think on Dave, it just might be cheaper to be a member. The fees are more now, unlimited towing is now $120.00, you probably would not need that much but it would still be cheaper that a tow.

 

[DavidS]

Years ago I stuck a SeaDoo Speedster on an sand bar and didn't have any coverage. After trying for an hour to get her off the bar (it looked possible) I realized that it was getting close to dark and the hundred boats that were 1/2 mile away on the island were all gone. I decided to give them a call on my handheld which barely reached their base. I never used it so the battery was weak, sound familiar? They showed up in about 20 minutes and I was on my way in about 5 more. He offered me a discount to join and since I had already ran up $300 in charges I figured what was another $80 at the time.

I had a problem in So. Fl. years later and called Sea Tow. I had a VERY serious complaint about the service we did not get and contacted their corporate office on 3 or 4 occasions and never got as much as a call back. I bite my lip every year when they send out their warm and fuzzy newsletter with stories about people they have helped. That doesn't change the fact that I did get great service from the local people here. I have had contact with them while on other peoples broken boats etc...since and again, good folks.

Moral of the story, don't leave home without a powerful enough radio and check around with the people in your area to see who has the best local reputation before you sign up, but sign up.


Dave