Boat U.S. or Sea Tow?

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Grateful Dad

Grateful Dad

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Nov 26, 2005
58
Hunter 27 New London, CT
I have just launched my 1978 Hunter 27 for the first time since I bought it last October. The engine ran well when I bought it and is running now. I also had a mechanic go through the engine this spring but it is 28 years old. Since I cannot get back to my marina under sail due to a couple of drawbridges (Niantic Highway and Amtrack), I think it would be prudent to have some type of towing insurance. It seems like my options are either Boat U.S. or Sea Tow for a proactive contract. I have seen some very emotional and negative postings with regard to Sea Tow but I would like feedback on dealing with either of these companies. I am also open to other suggestions. Thanks in Advance. Paul
 
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Tony Z

Maybe an outboard rig?

Could you rig something up for an outboard? That way you can have a dinghy outboard and in the event that you need it, drop it on a bracket and go?
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
It might be prudent just to have an alternate

harbor you could sail into for a short stay. I offer a tow for anyone how is willing to travel 3-4 knots. Short of a major breakdown your mechanic can probably tell you the first aid steps for your engine. Take some tools and a few spares, check the cost of insurance against the cost of a one time short towing charge. You can sail pretty close to where you want to go and drop the hook and call for help from there.
 
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Don

multiple choice

Presuming you have hull insurance, one option you might consider is simply adding tow insurance which will be minimal additional cost and would allow you to choose any tow company. It's nice to get on the radio if/when the need arises and simply call for whichever tow boat that can get here first and watch them race. The tow endorsement on your insurance can be for whatever limit you choose to purchase; any level is typically much less costly than purchasing one company's contract. Despite opinion to the contrary, both underwritters I've had experience with explicity stated (in writing)they would not increase our annual premium until we exceeded three tow reimbursements in any season. Don
 
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Old Salt

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Nov 27, 2005
163
- - West Des Moines, Iowa
Here are some facts about Sea Crooks

oops I mean Sea Tow. They Do NOT keep their local franchises under any good guidlines and the corporate HQ could care less. I would think very strongly about not using Sea Tow Read some real life stories (and there are more !) Very rare you hear these kinds of thinks from Tow Boat US http://206.131.241.61/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=011607 It really comes down to the local operator, but around here (and most places) the Tow Boat US is much better quality than Sea Tow
 
Grateful Dad

Grateful Dad

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Nov 26, 2005
58
Hunter 27 New London, CT
This is the incident I had read about.

and it really concerned me. I have liability insurance but can only add towing if I get a survey. For a lot less money, I can just get unlimited towing from Boat US. So far that is how I am leaning. Any one from Southeastern Connecticut have experience with Boat US? Thanks for all of the input so far. BTW - The advice on tools is good and I do have them. I actually paid my mechanic to spend an hour explaning the engine to me because I have never had a diesel before I am just a very cautious person - probably due to being a former submariner. I always want to have a fail-safe. Paul
 
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nick maggio

Sea Tow

I have had sea tow for the last five years in the peconic bay,ny and have used them a number of times without any complaints.
 
Jentine

Jentine

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Jun 1, 2004
227
Beneteau 393 Newport
Six of one, half dozen of the other!

The article concerning Sea Tow could have been Tow Boat/US in Connecticut until Boat US stopped the practice. Either service will give you the same coverage. I have Boat US and have had bad service from the only tow I ever requested. Jim
 
Don s/v Tellico

Don s/v Tellico

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Feb 15, 2004
735
Hunter 37.5 Balt/Annapolis/New Bern
Boat US is the best deal going...

for unlimited coverage at $100 you can't beat it. (My only ungrounding wound up at $600 but didn't cost me anything.) But as they say, get whatever is most prevelant in the area by reputation, access, etc. I just noticed on my renewal that BoatUS will reimburse for a tow from another service if there was no BUS avail. Did I read that correctly?
 
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Tom S

Hmm I will give my personal opinion for Western LI

I would definitely go with Tow Boat US. I have personally seen the excellent work from "Mitch" who works the Tow Boat US in Western LI Sound. I wish I could say the same for Sea Tow in this area. Mitch is based out of Oyster Bay and I have seen his professionalism and care beyond the call of duty. He has a real "personal touch" and cares and goes out of his way when he can. On more than one occasion (quite a few in fact) I have seen the yellow Sea Tow boat do work that in fact caused more harm than good. In a haste to tow someone off the outer rocks of the "Sand Hole" he pulled the boat against the tide (and over the rocks -- duhh !) I was standing there right on the beach about 10 yards away. I mentioned that if he pulled the other direction (away from the underwater rocks) it would be better, plus the tide would be with him. The kid (I will be nice and not call him any other name) just ignored everything I said and proceeded to tow that poor sailboat full of newbies right over the rocks. There was no need but he dragged it right over ripping the rudder right over the rocks with a sickening "cracking" sound . (idiot !) . He basically ruined that poor boat and probably ruined sailing and the experience of sailing for all those poor newbies in that boat. I'll save the other story for another time
 
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Pete

Just my opinion

but I have TowBoats (Boat US). I have both, Tow Boats and Sea Tow, that are based within a half mile of my boat. Both will get the job done if needed,but I just liked the TowBoats set up and operation better then Seatow. Price wise they are close so not a money decision. Maybe you should "interview" the local operations of each and see if one is better then the other for your needs. Nothing but good things to say about TowBoats/Mystic Ct.
 
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Mat

TowBoat US

We had the opportunity to enjoy great professional service from TowBoat US in Miami, FL and Charelston SC.
 
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chuck

Towboat and info

i have had great response from towboat us whereas the interaction i have had with seatow are anything but good. one of the things we do when going into a new port or coming from the ocean to inland for the first time, we usually call towboat us and get infor and tell them it is our 1st time and ask for any hazards that may present themselves. towboat is great with accurate infor and what to look for - seatow on the other hand has given us wrong info and at one time when we need to use them gave us none at all - remember towboat started out as part of the marine industry with great marine retail stores and the insurance industry so they understand the boater and want to protect them as much as possible as they may be insuring that boater- towboat just wants to tow and it is not to their advantage to assist you. chuck
 
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