Tow Services

[Paul]

Every year, I think that I'll stop my SeaTow subscription because I never use their services, and also because of some horror stories--told right here--of unfair and unethical treatment of my fellow boaters by tow operators.But then something happens that makes me rethink. Last night I was motorsailing alone in very light sunset winds into New London (CT) Harbor, when the temp warning light came on and I had to shut down the engine.I was against the tide and had a shallow reef right behind me that the tide was ripping across. I still had the nose pointed to New London, but the little boat on my GPS was heading back toward the reef! Uh Oh.I hailed SeaTow and told them my situation. I was getting ready to drop the hook and they were getting ready to come and get me when the wind "piped up" to 7 kts. That was enough to get me 3.5 knots of boat speed and I sailed on into New London Harbor, dodging huge ferries. The SeaTow guy sounded relieved, I think he was headed home!Once I got anchored, I replaced the raw water impeller and was fine and dandy again.So, in the end I still didn't need SeaTow. But compared to anchoring out in LI Sound set against Bartlett Reef until the tide turned at 1AM, maybe $100/year isn't so bad.Paulsv Escape Artisth336

 

[Griffin]

Why I am still a member...

Coming down the Delaware against the wind and with the current is no fun...I was trying to find the harbor entrance to Cape May around midnight one night and they talked me into it since the nave lights there were obscured by mist and the ferry operators ambient light.I figure they are like AAA..I have fiked float plans with them and they provide much needed local info to cruisers in new water.I think that is worth it!Griffin.s/v Brighid's CrossingErie Islands

 

[Scott Wilson]

Tow coverage under hull policy?

My policy is stored on the boat, but I think I have fairly high coverage for tow expense to the closer of my slip or the nearest repair yard, with perhaps a $200 deductable. Whatever coverage I have, it was the "standard" coverage, as I did not select it or even request it. What does everyone else have for coverage, and is the separate tow subscription service just a means of avoiding the cost of the deductable on the hull policy?

 

[Don Berger]

No deductible

I guess it depends upon who your underwriter is. Both my previous policy with Nationwide and now with Zurich, I have full tow insurance with no deductible. Had to call a tow company 2 years ago and it was no problem to be reimbursed before the bill from the credit card company arrived. I just rechecked and found they even have "rental reimbursement" included up to $2000.Anybody know how I can accidently get towed to BVI where I'd have to rent a replacement for a couple of weeks?Don

 

[Tom]

Question

Glad it worked out OK for you. BTW, does anyone have a good answer for how often the raw water impeller should be changed. In looking into this question I have received answers ranging from "yearly" to every 4 to 5 years. I recently changed mine (was in the boat 5 years) and it looked like new. Go figure. Also, get the little impeller pulling tool---sure makes it quick and easy.

 

[alan]

Any time this questine comes up...

...I say that tow ins. is a bet against making a bad decision to save $$$. So, if there is no wind, the motor has failed and a squal line is comming, you won't worry about the cost of the tow. Same goes for groundings. alan