Hi, I was thinking of joining Boats U.S.-- sort of a AAA club for boats. My question is: Has anyone been towed before and what is an average cost? The Boats U.S. club offers $50.00 per incident with membership. This number can be increased for an additional fee--$150.00 towing benefit for an extra $14.00......then there are choices of $350.00, $500.00 and unlimited... all for more additional fees. I have never been towed before and haven't a clue as to which option to go with. Any ideas or words or wisdom? This club is through West Marine. Thanks!
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good idea !
Bruce, in my opinon the boat us tow service or sea tow are a bargin. You may never need it but if you do they charge around $150 per hour (from leaving dock to return) and any other cost involved. (i.e gas/diesel or diver if needed) Very expensive if you don't have the plan.I would go with the unlimted service (appx $100) or at least the $500 per incident plan.A short tow can very quickly become hundreds of dollars very easily.Well worth the piece of mind !
Bruce, in my opinon the boat us tow service or sea tow are a bargin. You may never need it but if you do they charge around $150 per hour (from leaving dock to return) and any other cost involved. (i.e gas/diesel or diver if needed) Very expensive if you don't have the plan.I would go with the unlimted service (appx $100) or at least the $500 per incident plan.A short tow can very quickly become hundreds of dollars very easily.Well worth the piece of mind !
Not really like AAA
There are major differences between the type of roadside service AAA offers and a marine tow service, so with all due respect, don't compare the two. The most important thing you need to know is how salvage rights work with tow operators, another is the minmum charge for a call and how far out they operate. If you just want tow insurance, check with Vessel Assist also, and follow Pete's advice, it is pretty good. That being said, there are many excellent reasons to join Boat/US. The main one is their very excellent insurance program, and of course the sales rebates that are now combined with both West Marine and Boat/US purchases. They also offer a ton of coupon discounts and special rates on marina goods and services. (none of which I've taken advantage of, BTW)
There are major differences between the type of roadside service AAA offers and a marine tow service, so with all due respect, don't compare the two. The most important thing you need to know is how salvage rights work with tow operators, another is the minmum charge for a call and how far out they operate. If you just want tow insurance, check with Vessel Assist also, and follow Pete's advice, it is pretty good. That being said, there are many excellent reasons to join Boat/US. The main one is their very excellent insurance program, and of course the sales rebates that are now combined with both West Marine and Boat/US purchases. They also offer a ton of coupon discounts and special rates on marina goods and services. (none of which I've taken advantage of, BTW)
Unlimited worth every penny
We were entering Ponce inlet for the first time and ran aground on ard sand at high tide. We tried working the boat off and finally had to call for a tow. It was our first time we haven't been able to get ourselves unstuck. TowBoat US captain was a professional. We examined the work that needed to be done, determined the best way to get us off and then got us out. Though we didn't have to pay a penny we had to intial the bill. It was $650 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It not only inlcudes the tow but the time to and from the yard. Since the waterway in that stretch is restricted speed of 5 mph it took more time to go and return. Then without any other request for money he offered to guide us through the shifting sands of the inlet and out.
We were entering Ponce inlet for the first time and ran aground on ard sand at high tide. We tried working the boat off and finally had to call for a tow. It was our first time we haven't been able to get ourselves unstuck. TowBoat US captain was a professional. We examined the work that needed to be done, determined the best way to get us off and then got us out. Though we didn't have to pay a penny we had to intial the bill. It was $650 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It not only inlcudes the tow but the time to and from the yard. Since the waterway in that stretch is restricted speed of 5 mph it took more time to go and return. Then without any other request for money he offered to guide us through the shifting sands of the inlet and out.
In my humble opinion
It is not unreasonable to compare the Vessel Assist towing to AAA as it states on Vessel Assist's own web site that it "provides services and annual pricing somewhat like the Auto Club". That being said, obviously, there are differences. I believe that a membership in Boat U.S. is a very good idea. Hopefully, if you have it, you won't need it!
It is not unreasonable to compare the Vessel Assist towing to AAA as it states on Vessel Assist's own web site that it "provides services and annual pricing somewhat like the Auto Club". That being said, obviously, there are differences. I believe that a membership in Boat U.S. is a very good idea. Hopefully, if you have it, you won't need it!
VAAA has been good to me
Like Joe said know your salvage rights. Very, very different from AAA. Pay a little now or maybe a huge amount later and they are pirates - make no mistake about that. One tow of mine paid for 20 years of membership. Insurance is ok but nothing like unlimited VAAA. They have other services too for messaging, float plans, etc. As I recall, there is some added search and rescue benefit but I am not too clear about that now.
Like Joe said know your salvage rights. Very, very different from AAA. Pay a little now or maybe a huge amount later and they are pirates - make no mistake about that. One tow of mine paid for 20 years of membership. Insurance is ok but nothing like unlimited VAAA. They have other services too for messaging, float plans, etc. As I recall, there is some added search and rescue benefit but I am not too clear about that now.
One Experience
I used Boat US about ten years ago, but later switched to Vessel Assist since they had a larger fleet in SoCal. (I think thy are BUS now.) Anyhow, I had engine failure in Catalina. I sailed back but wanted a tow to my slip from the basin entrance since it was too narrow to tack upwind in on a busy Sunday. So, for a quarter mile, the cost to BUS was $350. Point being, well worth the coverage. Rick D.
I used Boat US about ten years ago, but later switched to Vessel Assist since they had a larger fleet in SoCal. (I think thy are BUS now.) Anyhow, I had engine failure in Catalina. I sailed back but wanted a tow to my slip from the basin entrance since it was too narrow to tack upwind in on a busy Sunday. So, for a quarter mile, the cost to BUS was $350. Point being, well worth the coverage. Rick D.
Don't Even Think About It!
...unlimited towing for a few dollars a week with BoatUS is a smart decision...only takes a single grounding to make you a believer.
...unlimited towing for a few dollars a week with BoatUS is a smart decision...only takes a single grounding to make you a believer.
It's worth it!
They used to get $125/hr in New England. Probably higher, now. And that's from first call until they get back on station. $50 won't cut it. But the other consideration is that your boat insurance may cover it, but will drop like like a hot potato with the way they are these days. I have the extended Boat/US insurance. I used them once when my alternator quit. It was a $750 tow but I paid a $99 premium at the time. Go for it!
They used to get $125/hr in New England. Probably higher, now. And that's from first call until they get back on station. $50 won't cut it. But the other consideration is that your boat insurance may cover it, but will drop like like a hot potato with the way they are these days. I have the extended Boat/US insurance. I used them once when my alternator quit. It was a $750 tow but I paid a $99 premium at the time. Go for it!
It might Surprise You
But, they are making a profit. Now think about that for a while. There are only two reasons for insurance and one of them does not exist. You buy insurance because you cannot afford the loss. For example, for liability. you may not be able to afford a single liability event. The other reason for buying insurance is because it is cheaper to buy insurance in the long run. This case does not exist except in very rare circumstances, very rare circumstances, very very rare circumstances. If you can afford a single towing event, you are better off not to buy insurance.
But, they are making a profit. Now think about that for a while. There are only two reasons for insurance and one of them does not exist. You buy insurance because you cannot afford the loss. For example, for liability. you may not be able to afford a single liability event. The other reason for buying insurance is because it is cheaper to buy insurance in the long run. This case does not exist except in very rare circumstances, very rare circumstances, very very rare circumstances. If you can afford a single towing event, you are better off not to buy insurance.
Well worth the $105 (give or take)
I had Unlimited Towing last summer and had to use the twice due to a (non-working) Depth Sounder! The tows averaged $600 each, but since I was covered with Unlimeied, I did not incur any addtional charges. You can't beat it!
I had Unlimited Towing last summer and had to use the twice due to a (non-working) Depth Sounder! The tows averaged $600 each, but since I was covered with Unlimeied, I did not incur any addtional charges. You can't beat it!
I got to Thinking
I estimate over the past 50 years that I have paid about $100K into homeowners and car insurance. I would guess that my total claims have been not much more than $5K. Just a few windshields, a roof and a few minor automobile damage claims. That $100K would be several times that, if it was invested as the insurance companies do. In my only major accident I was rear-ended in a rental car on I-280 south of San Francisco on a business trip. My company self insured. This also brings up a little more evidence that insurance is a losing proposition. No large company I have ever worked for wants you to buy insurance. They cover it. They don't say, "Hey, lets buy some insurance. That would be a good way to save some money." Of course this leaves out a major insurance,that most of us have-Life Insurance. I am, fortunately, still a big loser on that one. But even when my survivors collect, it will never equal what has been paid in. Las Vegas gives better odds.
I estimate over the past 50 years that I have paid about $100K into homeowners and car insurance. I would guess that my total claims have been not much more than $5K. Just a few windshields, a roof and a few minor automobile damage claims. That $100K would be several times that, if it was invested as the insurance companies do. In my only major accident I was rear-ended in a rental car on I-280 south of San Francisco on a business trip. My company self insured. This also brings up a little more evidence that insurance is a losing proposition. No large company I have ever worked for wants you to buy insurance. They cover it. They don't say, "Hey, lets buy some insurance. That would be a good way to save some money." Of course this leaves out a major insurance,that most of us have-Life Insurance. I am, fortunately, still a big loser on that one. But even when my survivors collect, it will never equal what has been paid in. Las Vegas gives better odds.
Boat /US
Don't make my mistake thinking I could sail into my canal if my motor failed. I never thought about my swing keel cable breaking at low tide and I am stuck and must get in. Cost me $650.00. I now have $500.00 coverage for $61.00 from Boat/US
Don't make my mistake thinking I could sail into my canal if my motor failed. I never thought about my swing keel cable breaking at low tide and I am stuck and must get in. Cost me $650.00. I now have $500.00 coverage for $61.00 from Boat/US
It's Insurance
Just like your car. You buy AAA for the towing insurance. Just consider it a necessary evil. On the water, you are more prone to use it, though. My boat/liability insurance had good towing coverage until they dropped me for making necessary claims that I had to make.
Just like your car. You buy AAA for the towing insurance. Just consider it a necessary evil. On the water, you are more prone to use it, though. My boat/liability insurance had good towing coverage until they dropped me for making necessary claims that I had to make.
Dan's Math
Now if Dan could only go back in time and inform his younger self that there really was no risk everything would be great. Disregarding the changing prices over time, Dan has spent roughly 2k per year on insurance. for his house. Any time a complete loss could have occured and the payoff would be either a replacement or adjusted value, and at anytime a complete loss could have occurred. Most of us do not have the wherewithal to squirrel away the funds to replace a boat, much less our houses on a cash basis. The truth is that few of us are out there on a boat we could afford to buy twice. Many companies do self-insure. Most of those are large corporations. They are not going without insurance, but are merely pooling the risk among many stockholders as opposed to many policy holders. What if you can afford a single towing event? I have a friend who had to be towed into a marina three times before the real problem was found with a Volvo engine. That assumption is that the risk is only of one tow or no tow. Its not uncommon for a boat to develope a chronic recurring issue that is not easily solved. We've had Boat U.S. since we brought the boat hoe for the first time and the motor mount failed. We were able to sail in to the marina, but that was after sitting for some time before the wind shifted.
Now if Dan could only go back in time and inform his younger self that there really was no risk everything would be great. Disregarding the changing prices over time, Dan has spent roughly 2k per year on insurance. for his house. Any time a complete loss could have occured and the payoff would be either a replacement or adjusted value, and at anytime a complete loss could have occurred. Most of us do not have the wherewithal to squirrel away the funds to replace a boat, much less our houses on a cash basis. The truth is that few of us are out there on a boat we could afford to buy twice. Many companies do self-insure. Most of those are large corporations. They are not going without insurance, but are merely pooling the risk among many stockholders as opposed to many policy holders. What if you can afford a single towing event? I have a friend who had to be towed into a marina three times before the real problem was found with a Volvo engine. That assumption is that the risk is only of one tow or no tow. Its not uncommon for a boat to develope a chronic recurring issue that is not easily solved. We've had Boat U.S. since we brought the boat hoe for the first time and the motor mount failed. We were able to sail in to the marina, but that was after sitting for some time before the wind shifted.
Math Not Faulty
Right now I am paying close to three thousand a year for auto and homeowners insurance. About $2400 for four vehicles and three trailers and a little over $600 for homeowners insurance. I would have to dig out the files for the exact amounts, but those are within a hundred or so. In my original post, I said, if you can afford the loss, don't insure. Otherwise, you come out behind in the long run. I, like most other people, cannot afford to suffer a single catostrophic loss such as destruction of a house or several hundred thousand in a liability suit. So I insure. If I had it do over again, I would still insure. I have never had tow insurance for a boat, but I have for a car. I have spent a lot more on insurance than the payoff. There is also a psychological benefit to not getting tow insurance. You are less apt to put yourself in the circumstances where you need a tow. I am certainly not rich, but I could afford to pay $500 or a $1000 for a tow. In these days and times, that is almost pocket change. You can't hardly take a car in for repairs without that kind of bill. It would appear that what I said about large companies is true in your own words. They "self insure". The point is that they do not "buy insurance". If you can afford the loss, don't insure. If you can increase your deductible, increase it.
Right now I am paying close to three thousand a year for auto and homeowners insurance. About $2400 for four vehicles and three trailers and a little over $600 for homeowners insurance. I would have to dig out the files for the exact amounts, but those are within a hundred or so. In my original post, I said, if you can afford the loss, don't insure. Otherwise, you come out behind in the long run. I, like most other people, cannot afford to suffer a single catostrophic loss such as destruction of a house or several hundred thousand in a liability suit. So I insure. If I had it do over again, I would still insure. I have never had tow insurance for a boat, but I have for a car. I have spent a lot more on insurance than the payoff. There is also a psychological benefit to not getting tow insurance. You are less apt to put yourself in the circumstances where you need a tow. I am certainly not rich, but I could afford to pay $500 or a $1000 for a tow. In these days and times, that is almost pocket change. You can't hardly take a car in for repairs without that kind of bill. It would appear that what I said about large companies is true in your own words. They "self insure". The point is that they do not "buy insurance". If you can afford the loss, don't insure. If you can increase your deductible, increase it.
Boat US
Last yea, when we first bought our boat, we were transfering her from St. MArks home. Well, our Volvo diesel blew the head gasket and we hade to divert to Carabelle. Everything went ok until we missed the channel by a bit. Oops, Ground up. Didn't have towing insurance. No one would touch us. Finally, around midnight, in rough sea, a friend came out and towed us off and in. Believe me, I now have Boat US unlimited towing
Last yea, when we first bought our boat, we were transfering her from St. MArks home. Well, our Volvo diesel blew the head gasket and we hade to divert to Carabelle. Everything went ok until we missed the channel by a bit. Oops, Ground up. Didn't have towing insurance. No one would touch us. Finally, around midnight, in rough sea, a friend came out and towed us off and in. Believe me, I now have Boat US unlimited towing
An Alternative Solution
Join the Coast Guard Auxiliary. You will right away have a mess of friends with boats all set up to come give you a hand. There are more altruistic reasons to become involved but this is certainly a perk.
Join the Coast Guard Auxiliary. You will right away have a mess of friends with boats all set up to come give you a hand. There are more altruistic reasons to become involved but this is certainly a perk.
Sign up as Fast as you can!
Bruce, Here in Galveston Bay, one incident requiring a tow could cost you more than 5 years of unlimited towing coverage. It isn't a matter of whether you can afford the towing fee. Its just good sense. Sure, the towing companies make money, but most boats leave the slip about twice a month during season. If you sail your boat often, you are nuts not to get unlimited coverage. Jon McClain
Bruce, Here in Galveston Bay, one incident requiring a tow could cost you more than 5 years of unlimited towing coverage. It isn't a matter of whether you can afford the towing fee. Its just good sense. Sure, the towing companies make money, but most boats leave the slip about twice a month during season. If you sail your boat often, you are nuts not to get unlimited coverage. Jon McClain
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