Sea Tow Services ????????

[biloxiriver]

Having been "broken down" at sea, and towed in by the CG once (both in someone elses boats) I am considerding buying a sea tow type of service. In our area we have two, Sea Tow and Vessel Assist, both priced in the $85 - $95 per year range. My question is, which one do I choose? Does anyone have experience with either of them? Any pros/cons? Help.

 

[surftrish]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

I have Vessel Assist as they were the ones that responded to me when my boat, and trailer, broke down the first time I took them out. They were very helpful and I signed up on the spot. Prior to that I did some comparison shopping and they seemed the best price-wise. I'd specifically ask about the coverages though because you have to register your boat with them and i'm not sure that it would work for you to be covered on your friends' boats. Also look into the $10 extra for trailer coverage as that can be a real disaster if your trailer gets stuck/boat falls off/ect...

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

Check out Boat US for better rates. I have the unlimited service and have used it once with my 15' Silverline when the powerpack went south. It is an absolute for larger boats, especially on the ICW where soft groundings are common. Rates begin a $15 to $99. Fast courteous service.<br /><br /> TowBoat US

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

Surftrish and Capt. Bob, thanks for the input. I will check them out. Still looking tho.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

If you're still shopping, make sure you find out the exact range that their service offers. Just because you have their coverage doesn't mean they will go 30 miles from their home port to get you. A lot of times, once you leave their home range, you're on your own. Or they will get you for a steep upcharge. <br /><br />Verify the range and get the coverage thing in writing for all the waters you boat in. If you cruise primarily in a busy port city, you should have no problem. But if you're in heading out in the gulf and are 40 miles from the nearest port, you might have some problems.<br /><br />Just a word of advice from someone who broke down and was told he was "out of range" for a tow. <br /><br />Nav

 

[highandry]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

ever which one you go with make sure you get the unlimited! just, remember if you don't go with the unlimited for one reason or another... the fine line is that some with charge you mileage for them to get to you and then to tow your boat to your port...just ask when you call them. <br /> <br /> Good Luck<br /><br /> highandry

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

Great, thanks for input.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

I too thank you guys for the info... Just hope I never need it...

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

Hey Navigator; Vessel Assist says they will go out 50 miles, have not received a call back from SeaTow yet and their web site does not give a distance limit.<br /><br />If anybody out there uses SeaTow, how about it??

 

[chiefmike58]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

I have seatow and used it a couple of times. Quick courteous service. I am pretty sure their basic service package will cover up to 25miles offshore.

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Sea Tow Services ????????

Thanks for all the help. I am going with Vessel Assist.