BoatUS membership worth it?
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300 Posts
I use it for discounts in marinas, not towing. I figure that if if it's windy, I'm sailing and don't need/want a tow, if I'm motoring and the engine breaks and no wind, I can either anchor & fix whatever is wrong or secure my dinghy alongside and use it's engine to power me in or wait it out for a little wind. The towing option from Towboat US only pays for the first $50 of the towing bill, which would only be a minuscule part of the total bill unless you opt for the expensive version of the insurance.
Edit: If you have a powerboat, I would say get the high dollar option that would pay 100% of a tow.
Edit: If you have a powerboat, I would say get the high dollar option that would pay 100% of a tow.
Boat U.S. has always seemed worth it to me. Their member publication/magazine is well written. The discount at West Marine help takes some of the sting out. I get my boat insurance through them and although I've not used it (they changed carriers/underwriter recently) the customer service is great. I get the tow insurance which is bargain for the peace of mind it offers. They understand boaters.
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3,688 Posts
Yep, same here. I would not be without this fairly reasonable insurance. I also like some of the discounts.
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25,128 Posts
It's worth the investment in having an advocate for the industry/sport. The occasional discounts may or may make it pay. Towing insurance, which is available from various carriers, is pretty important, IMO.
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629 Posts
Didn't Boat US buy up West Marine some years ago? Members Save Money at West Marine - Membership - BoatUS
My AMICA insurance comes with unlimited towing. In 38 years on this boat, I have never needed a tow. I've had engine problems three times, sailed into the slip each time, single handed. Ran aground four times, each time was able to free myself...3.5' draft.
My AMICA insurance comes with unlimited towing. In 38 years on this boat, I have never needed a tow. I've had engine problems three times, sailed into the slip each time, single handed. Ran aground four times, each time was able to free myself...3.5' draft.
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58 Posts
I have BoatUs Membership. I save 10% off of my slip each month. This amounts to $36.00 and I carry its tow insurance. I saw a 55 foot cabin cruiser in the Gulf Stream with the engines down and a medical emergency. The Coast Guard stood by until a tow boat arrived to tow the cabin cruiser back to Florida. The cruise liner we were on brought board the medical emergency and the on board doctor examined the person and then the ship transported them to Nassau. Yea for Carnival Cruise Lines and any other ship on the high seas that render assistance to boaters.
Dot and John
Dot and John
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13,641 Posts
800-395-2628
boatus.com/membership
Special Offer Code HQ102T
$19.00 instead of $25.00, when joining ONLINE.
From their "BoatUS Guide to Marine Service" which is still online as a PDF file, although dated "Rev.12/06, TS007"
If the special offer code doesn't work...maybe they'd honor it if you mention it still is online. (Let us know.)
boatus.com/membership
Special Offer Code HQ102T
$19.00 instead of $25.00, when joining ONLINE.
From their "BoatUS Guide to Marine Service" which is still online as a PDF file, although dated "Rev.12/06, TS007"
If the special offer code doesn't work...maybe they'd honor it if you mention it still is online. (Let us know.)
Joined
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1,832 Posts
Nope, the special offer code is no longer valid...
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25,128 Posts
West Marine is a publicly owned company. Its trades on NASDAQ under the symbol WMAR. They've done very well over the past 5 years, although, are struggling a bit in the current year. Still, while the loudest web foes say they would never go there, WM just kept on marching up the hill. They were doing something right.
Anyway, to your point, I believe WM purchased the BoatUS retail stores about a decade ago. I do not think the trade association and towing company are related to WM. I'm not certain about that, however.
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9,273 Posts
Even as a professional mariner, I've always carried the towing insurance from Boat US, since it became available. The CG will assist as far as lifesaving goes, but they will not tow or make much of an effort to actually save the boat.
Unless you are 100% positive you will never need it, it is the cheapest insurance policy on the market.
Only a fool would take a keel boat (or a motor boat of any size) out for a day, where a towing service is available, without a membership.
Unless you are 100% positive you will never need it, it is the cheapest insurance policy on the market.
Only a fool would take a keel boat (or a motor boat of any size) out for a day, where a towing service is available, without a membership.
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323 Posts
Why do you need the membership? I have never seen you or your boat out of the slip.....LOL
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1,832 Posts
Hahaha...that's about to change, mi amigo. I pick up my brand new outboard tomorrow after work....and, anytime you want to go out, let me know. I'll crew for you if you'll crew for me when I need it.
If you sail or cruise down the ICW, having a towing membership with Seatow or Towboat US is essential.
The ICW markers are poorly maintained, in some areas locals are putting out floating buoys to mark the real channel. In others, dredging has not been done in years and the channel at low tide is very narrow. Just about everywhere I've been, the markers are scattered around to the point of being near useless and the channel on the chart weaves around in unmarked turns and weaves.
In other words, you will run aground at some point if you are in the ditch for any period of time. Our last ungrounding would have cost $1100, but our $180 (?) in Towboat US subscription covered it. In that case, the money was the difference between sleeping in the marina and eating a nice breakfast and standing watch for 6 hours with the boat heeled over while we waited for the tide.
They are also invaluable sources of information when navigating tricky inlets. A 5 minute call gets you local knowledge and hazards. I've even had them offer to escort me through.
The ICW markers are poorly maintained, in some areas locals are putting out floating buoys to mark the real channel. In others, dredging has not been done in years and the channel at low tide is very narrow. Just about everywhere I've been, the markers are scattered around to the point of being near useless and the channel on the chart weaves around in unmarked turns and weaves.
In other words, you will run aground at some point if you are in the ditch for any period of time. Our last ungrounding would have cost $1100, but our $180 (?) in Towboat US subscription covered it. In that case, the money was the difference between sleeping in the marina and eating a nice breakfast and standing watch for 6 hours with the boat heeled over while we waited for the tide.
They are also invaluable sources of information when navigating tricky inlets. A 5 minute call gets you local knowledge and hazards. I've even had them offer to escort me through.
totally worth it paid $55 for it last year .Had my friends boat towed (under my account)while I was on it , no questions asked. And they brought me fuel when I ran out . pretty good deal when you consider that they charge $250 an hour unless it's dark and then it goes to 300.
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