Boat towing services?

[Enhydras]

I am an independent tow boat operator who contracts with US Boat and am base in southern California. I charge $200 an hour for nonmembers (for members, I bill US Boats directly under terms of my contract). For billing perpose I start the clock from the time I start the engines at my dock until the time I stop the engines back at my dock. While towing I travel at 5 to 6 knots depending on sea conditions. When traveling not under tow I travel at 18 to 20 knots. Granted most of my tows are for power boats (80%) but I still do a lot of work for sailboats, fuel delivery and jump starts. When you figure that my average tow is 8 to 10 hours the $160 for tow insurance is pretty cheap.

Also if any of you have trouble with a tower and he is displaying a logo for one of the towing insurers -US Boat, SeaTow, Vessel Assist- Please contact the parent company, they will work hard to solve the problem. They and the rest of us in the towing industry are here to provide a fair and useful service to the boating community

[sailingdog]

You can use it, provided the owner is not aboard. If the owner is aboard, then the owner is responsible for towing the vessel, at least in TowBoat US's eyes.

Originally Posted by MysticGringo

Yeah, I have it... and I do sleep better knowing that I do. Just wonder how long till they start making "Are you the owner? Can you show proof?" a part of the questions they ask. Their site is pretty clear about being a guest on someone else's boat does not let you use your insurance.

But, I won't tell if you don't tell. Shhh.

[sanjuan2R]

Why is the BoatUS Towing Service unlimited saltwater coverage so much more expensive than the freshwater unlimited coverage? Unlimited freshwater coverage = $34 vs. saltwater unlimited coverage = $116. Are recovery expenses that much more expensive in saltwater vs. freshwater? I could see it if you were 100 miles offshore but then the Tow Service would not probably answer anyway.
I believe I would be required to buy the saltwater package anyhow, since I have one foot near the Pacific.

Asoria
S/V Doodles
C&C 27

[harpguitar]

This has been very interesting. I did join for "unlimited" towing last night. One more question. The contract says they exclude "pre existing conditions." What constitutes a pre existing condition?

Rick

[sailingdog]

Salt water conditions are generally more difficult. Fresh water doesn't have tides or as much in the way of shifting sand bars and shoaling, which occurs due to tidal action and storm surge. Also, most fresh water sailing areas are far more limited in size.

Originally Posted by sanjuan2R

Why is the BoatUS Towing Service unlimited saltwater coverage so much more expensive than the freshwater unlimited coverage? Unlimited freshwater coverage = $34 vs. saltwater unlimited coverage = $116. Are recovery expenses that much more expensive in saltwater vs. freshwater? I could see it if you were 100 miles offshore but then the Tow Service would not probably answer anyway.
I believe I would be required to buy the saltwater package anyhow, since I have one foot near the Pacific.

Asoria
S/V Doodles
C&C 27

This is to prevent you from calling them and signing up, and then immediately requesting a tow.

This has been very interesting. I did join for "unlimited" towing last night. One more question. The contract says they exclude "pre existing conditions." What constitutes a pre existing condition?

Rick

[max-on]

I should increase my hourly rate, the towing rate is much too close!

[MysticGringo]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

You can use it, provided the owner is not aboard. If the owner is aboard, then the owner is responsible for towing the vessel, at least in TowBoat US's eyes.

Yeah, thats what I thought too, and what their website says. But thats not what Sailormon said was his experience:

Originally Posted by Sailormon6

The unlimited towing coverage travels with the insured, from boat-to-boat, so that, if you're crewing on someone else's boat, and it has a mechanical problem or runs aground, it's covered. I have unlimited coverage, and have never used it on my boat, but had to use it two years ago, when I was on a friend's boat that grounded. (He was really happy that I had it!)

I guess if they don't ask if you are the owner, or if the owner is aboard... then it doesn't matter.

Thanks Enhydras for sharing your view. I admit I was a little surprised at the 80% of tows are powerboats... but once I thought about it, it really does make sense. $200 an hour port to port... I bet no one pays that twice.

[hellosailor]

I'd guess it is a bit like tow trucks responding for AAA and other clubs. Most of them don't want to get involved with reading ID cards and fine print, they just want to submit a number and get paid, and get on with the next job. So some will balk, and others will just take the numbers and get on with it.

[primerate84]

Even with the saltwater rate at $116, all you need is one tow and that will be a bargain.