Tipping towboat captain?

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dave_and_dd

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Apr 13, 2015
157
Catalina 309 Port Charlotte
Was just renewing my towing (I use Boat US) and got to thinking...for those of you who have used towing service, do you tip the tow captain?

I've never been through the process (knock all wood around me), but was just wondering what others think is the standard procedure...

thanks, Dave - Tampa Bay
 
M

markwbird

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Nov 26, 2012
1,654
C&C 40-2 Berkeley
I wouldn't. You pay for the insurance which, I assume covers the cost of the captain's salary. You already paid for it.
 
Roland5048

Roland5048

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May 12, 2004
1,505
Hunter Cherubini 30 New Port Richey
Whenever I have had to use Towboat US, I have always tipped the operator about 20$. Much like tipping your server, your lawn service guy, the captain of the sailboat you just chartered for the day, etc. It's just good karma and makes someone feel good. :)
 
Gene Neill

Gene Neill

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Sep 30, 2013
3,582
1988 Catalina 22 North Florida
I would, as long as the guy was prompt, courteous, helpful, etc.

If he's slow, grumpy and rude ... screw him.
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,497
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
I crewed for Tow Boat for a while and while we did not expect a tip it was nice to receive, took it more as an acknowledgement that we were doing a good job.
 
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Capt jgw

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Feb 8, 2014
1,300
Columbia 36 Muskegon
As an occasional tow boat captain, I say sure! Really, just like any other service, good service, good tip, bad service, no tip. With unlimited members where no money is changing hands at the time of service, they sometimes do tip. Non members forking over hundreds, not so much.
 
C

Calif. Ted

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Jun 8, 2004
2,925
Catalina 320 Dana Point
Capt jgw said:
Non members forking over hundreds, not so much.
Click to expand
My only experience decades ago, $350 non-member, not even my boat, I was just the only one aboard with a credit card, I didn't tip, or go out on that guy's boat ever again.
 
Sailm8

Sailm8

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Feb 21, 2008
1,750
Hunter 29.5 Punta Gorda
I needed a tow and I tipped. It was about a 3 or 4 hour tow and he expertly glided the boat into my slip. Total UNINSURED tow would have been 1400.00. Two weeks later I had problems with a dead battery. He knew my boat and responded in 20 minutes. Great service. He never fails to wave when we pass one another on the water.
 
kimelmore

kimelmore

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Dec 28, 2010
462
Catalina 380 san pedro
At my marina they do not allow one to sail into the slip. I had an occasion where my engine fuel system was faulty and had to use a tow service. I sailed the boat near enough to the channel and gave them a call. As a member it was helpful that I didn't have to pay for the tow. Since the service was prompt and professional I didn't give it a second thought to provide a tip for a friendly and timely tow that took me right into my slip with no difficulties at all. I gave the guy a $20 bill and made sure to compliment him for a job well done.
 
thinwater

thinwater

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Mar 26, 2011
3,669
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
The few times I was ever offered a tip, many years ago, I declined. I felt was paid for my work. I would never put my hand out.

I tip where it is endemic (food service, hotels), but I will not encourage this foolishness. If the job does not pay enough, look for another one or cut costs. I've done both.

And going above and beyond is a part of ANY job well done. Sheeze.
 
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capta

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,905
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Unlike a server who expects a tip because they choose to work poorly paid, when a tow boat operator who does a good job and goes above the basic job of moving a boat from one place to another (like bring me fuel if I've run out, after the boat is safely moored), a good tip is in order.
As above, for doing the job well with no extras, a 20 is fair IMO.
 
Head Sail

Head Sail

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Nov 13, 2013
723
Catalina 34 Tacoma
Tipping waitresses, newspaper boys (or girls), and bell hops is standard practice. Generally these are low paying jobs when someone provides reasonable service. Now it seems many more are jumping on the bandwagon. Should I tip my doctor or lawyer too? And what about nurses, the bank tellers, cashiers? Why not?
 
Boomer54

Boomer54

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Feb 3, 2015
299
Marlow Hunter 37 Reefpoint Marina Racine, WI
markwbird said:
I don't tip my lawn service guy either. I've been struck by lightening six times.
Click to expand
I've been struck by lightning once and I don't have a lawn service guy.

Where I'm at, we are more likely to get towed by the Sheriff. A tow would have to come from 25nm away at a minimum. So, I wouldn't tip the sheriff. Depending on the situation, I might tip a tow boat captain.
 
Stan Breaux

Stan Breaux

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Feb 8, 2007
141
Catalina 36 MKII Pensacola Beach, FL
I really was struck by lightning about a month ago.
The lightning left us unable to start the motor and too shell-shocked to try to sail home in the rain.
I have the unlimited towing coverage from Towboat US, and I tipped the towboat guy $20.
He left his house to come out on a rainy day and tow me about an hour to a marina.
 
Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

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Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
Tips, the size of 'em, are usually in relation to the amount of charge, say 10 to 20%. On a $100 meal with good service one might give a $20 tip. A tow is usually valued at way more than $100 (see post #8), so in one respect a $20 "tip" is a bit disingenuous, more like offering chump change. If you're going to tip the guy, then TIP!--otherwise, perhaps, just tip your hat.:dancing: BTW, compared to powerboaters, sailboaters are notoriously low, rather chintzy, tippers to begin with.:laugh:
 
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Jackdaw

Jackdaw

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
I'll tip waiters, bellhops, and delivery people all day long. Those are lower paying job that sadly rely on tips to make a living wage. But a professional person? Nope. I don't expect it on my job. Professionals are SUPPOSED to do a great job. I don't tip my dentist. Above and beyond the call? A 6-pack of great beer or a handle of their favorite perhaps. But they are supposed to come out in the rain. Supposed to know how to get you off that tricky bar.
 
Roland5048

Roland5048

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May 12, 2004
1,505
Hunter Cherubini 30 New Port Richey
All good points. However, like tipping your bartender, especially if they have your fav beverage ready when you walk through the door, tipping a small amount ( 20$ ), doesn't break the bank, makes someone smile and probably ensures better than average service the next time you need them.
Now, not all professionals expect a tip. I didn't in my other professional life, now retired from, but as a professional charter boat captain, tips are very much expected especially after showing someone a great time on the water.
Kings Gambit said:
BTW, compared to powerboaters, sailboaters are notoriously low, rather chintzy, tippers to begin with.
Click to expand
Sad, but true, in the eyes of many. We do have the power, ( read: tip) to change that undo perception.
 
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