boatUS vs. seatow

Winkfish · Jun 4, 2013

Haven't had Boat US, but I have had SeaTow, the gold package for about $150. I have it because I fish in the marsh often, and I know they've provided great service to other people around here.

I did use it in Florida Keys a couple of years ago. Had a rental boat and was returning it, about a 5 minute ride, if that. It was blowing pretty good. On the way, something happened with the gear - it would rev, but would not go into gear. Since the boat rental place was from further up the keys, and had brought a trailer to pick the boat up at the meeting place, they had no practical means of getting me.

I had already anchored to stay put, and I called Sea Tow. In about an hour, the guy was with me. By that point it was very windy and tricky, but he got me in safely and was more than nice and professional. Didn't cost me a thing (except I gave the guy a few bucks tip).

The Gold membership covers you anywhere in the world, in your boat or in a boat you are using. Even covers trailer stuff. For the price, I could not be happier.

Gary_H · Jun 4, 2013

I have BoatUS unlimited for about 5 years now but frankly I haven't needed to use it yet. I'm sure that the day I let it lapse I will need it though.

RECESS · Jun 4, 2013

I think both are good at what they do. I think what one you chose is dependent on where you do most of your sailing. There are much more Boat US captains in the Panhandle Florida area. I have heard there are more Seatow captains in the South Florida area. The more captains of one of the franchises you have in your area, the faster response time you can expect.

Sailor 3269 · Jun 4, 2013

Hello everyone: I just read these threads about boatus vs seatow and from I'm reading this is insurance that you can get. And they will pull you to a safe place just like car insurance, if that is correct, Where do you get it.(Still have not got my boat in the water, had to bring to loads of stuf to the ranch 400 miles now I get to go back and get my boat and I hope to be in the water in two weeks woope!!

Marc14857 · Jun 4, 2013

Tow Boat US vs Sea Tow

We have had a Tow boat US unlimited towing package for about 10 years and have had to use it twice, once for a soft grounding and once needing a tow due to a blocked sea water intake. On each occasion the Tow Boat captain was courteous experienced and did a great job. Since I had the unlimited package there were no additional out of pocket expenses.

Roger Long · Jun 4, 2013

Things have changed a bit. When I asked this question before starting out on my full time cruising a couple of years ago, I think it was the only time I saw a unanimous answer to a question on the Internet. As a result, I went with TowboatUS. All of my experience with them, despite one shady operator, has confirmed the wisdom of that choice.

Regular readers of my forum will know that I have used them more than I ever expected. I think my engine problems are behind me now though.

If you are always in the same area and Seatow is closer or there are more franchises, perhaps you should go with them. Otherwise, I would stick with TowboatUS.

Winkfish · Jun 4, 2013

Sailor 3269 said:
Hello everyone: I just read these threads about boatus vs seatow and from I'm reading this is insurance that you can get. And they will pull you to a safe place just like car insurance, if that is correct, Where do you get it.(Still have not got my boat in the water, had to bring to loads of stuf to the ranch 400 miles now I get to go back and get my boat and I hope to be in the water in two weeks woope!!

It is a specific, narrower type of insurance. Very basically, if your boat breaks down, they'll send out a boat to tow you in. They won't cover any damages to your boat or your liability for ramming another boat, like car insurance. You can buy that kind of insurance, however.

http://www.seatow.com/

Sailor 3269 · Jun 4, 2013

Again I want to thank everyone for their quick response, and as always I learned so much from this forum, thanks again.

weinie · Jun 4, 2013

For what its worth, I would choose the one that that you happen to see most often around your local cruising grounds.
In my situation, Boat US is supposedly located in the same marina as my own boat, yet in three years I don't think I've seen their tow boat once!
On the other hand, every time I hear a call for sea tow on the vhf, within minutes I'm seeing one of several of those bright yellow boats flying off to help!
Also, when the coast guard or cops assist a boater who has radioed for help and realize that, despite the panicked skipper, it is not a real emergency, they often radio sea tow to assist.
So even though Boat US was slightly cheaper with a west marine discount, I've been with sea tow for about 3 years now (though I hope I never need them).

shemandr · Jun 4, 2013

Seatow's World headquarters is here in Southold. The founder and boss was a teacher and is well known in the community. If you don't like their service you could call him and tell him so. I try to patronize local businesses. I've never had to call Seatow, for myself, and so have never had an issue.
That's not to say TOW US or Douglas Marine are inferior.

Terry in Naples · Jun 4, 2013

sea tow/boatus

there is a difference in the 2 companies. Under unlimited towing I am told that sea tow will come and get you unlimited mileage. Boat US has a 25 mile limit they cover. After that they add an extra charge. I asked about this at a boat show and the companies comfirmed it was true.
For me sailing to the keys from Naples is a 100 mile trip with tow boats at either end, so it would seem logical to go with sea tow. (I still have boat us though since I know them better) not following logic I guess.

Anonymous 121765 · Jun 5, 2013

In addition to the comments above, here's what I do know about some differences in tow companies. One, both are good.

Two, in Florida I have friends with power boats for fishing & diving. The water is shallow for some distance offshore in my area, so much of this is done 20 or more miles out.

BoatUS has a limited towing range of 20 miles offshore, not SeaTow.
There may be longer distances with higher tow coverage from BoatUS,
but, I haven't heard.

I remember one time that my pal's boat broke down on a dive trip about 25 miles out. We called BoatUS & they said we were over the 20 mile limit.

We used one of the divers on board's Seatow card for a tow. He said it would not cost him any extra. I do believed he had the $150.00/yr. service, but don't quote me.

It took a few hours to get to us and a very slow trip back @ 5KTS, but we all survived, & moreover, we had extra time to shoot fish while we waited for the towboat.

CR

Sumner · Jun 5, 2013

captnron said:
...BoatUS has a limited towing range of 20 miles offshore, not SeaTow...

We are with BoatUS and on their site they say it is a minimum of 25 miles but often more ...

A Service Area is defined as a minimum of a 25 miles offshore of the TowBoatUS or VESSEL ASSIST homeport. Many BoatUS Service Providers have extended service areas of up to and beyond 50 and even 100 miles offshore! Click here to see your local towing companies Unlimited Service Area.

....and it you click the link...

http://www.boatus.com/ServiceLocator/

... you can see the service providers in your area. We are in Florida and a number that I clicked on had 50 miles and greater off shore. For instance the one in Marco Island was 50 miles and the one in Key West is 75 miles so we would be covered anywhere down through the remote 10,000 Island/Everglades area and even out to the Dry Tortugas.

Up where we keep the boat Punta Gorda goes out 150 miles and over on the East Coast at say Miami they go out 75 miles at one place I checked so that would get you from Bimini back.

This is all on their Unlimited Tow ($149) and the Unlimited Gold Towing ($181 -- what we carry) that has more options.

We haven't had to use them yet but I've been encouraged by the people who have had to use them,

Sum

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Gary_H · Jun 5, 2013

Yes, in my area TowboatUS Wrightsville Beach has extended area of 75 miles and the Southport Station has 50 miles service area.

Bob S · Jun 5, 2013

This whole post stirred up fear that I haven't had in a while. I have always had TowboatUS unlimited which is limited to 25 miles. I have never had to use it YET but I have it for peace of mind. Now I'm a little nervous if I do need it. We do own sailboats....I lost my engine once and had to sail back to my harbor (25+ miles) lots of tacking. I am no longer a newbie but it was the first time I sailed up to my mooring. It gave me a lot of confidence. I just hope that when I do need it I have a good experience and not a nightmare some of you had. Great post!

Sailm8 · Jun 5, 2013

This was several years ago and a different boat but I blew an oil line and had to be towed back to my dock about 5 miles. The BoatUS guy had to write up the claim and had me sign it. It would have been $650.00 if I didn't have the insurance.

Sumner · Jun 5, 2013

Bob S said:
This whole post stirred up fear that I haven't had in a while. I have always had TowboatUS unlimited which is limited to 25 miles..

Going to the interactive map I posted a link to it looks like there are 4 service locations near you. Dartmouth, MA and Westport, MA go 25 miles. Onset, MA goes 50 miles and West Barnstable, MA goes 100 miles. Looks like you are well covered....

http://www.boatus.com/ServiceLocato...filter_type=T&s=Mattapoisett+MA&c=0&state=&Z=

Sum

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