Sea Tow

[Seahunter]

Originally Posted by sabray

I set myself hard aground in CT guven the conditions I needed to get off. No one helped I really needed a good wake from a power boat but was refused. Sea tow hit me with a $600 fee. Interesting that CT has some law about licensing worst boaters I have seen on the East Coast.

While true CT has some pretty bad licensed boaters, but you should see then drive on the road. As for towing, we dropped out BoatUS towing scheme and added extra towing on our insurance, covering up to $5000 towing for half the price of sea tow or BoatUS.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

They have become a big ripoff, even if you are a member. I ran out of fuel on the ICW once (dont ask!) Had a membership, asked them if they could tow me about 1/2 mile to the marina. Before they arrived, a nice person called me on the vhf and on a sep channel informed me they would charge me about $650. I called Sea Tow back and told them I got things sorted out. They showed up anyway and I asked how much to get me a 5 gal can filled. They said they dont do that..... I said "see ya later". Used the dingy the next morning to get the can filled. It's become a big ripoff.

I was stupid enough to run out of diesel. I have full coverage Boat US towing. Turns out if I'd needed gasoline they could have brought it (and sold it) to me, but not diesel ... but they towed us to the nearest marina, no charge.

It probably depends on what level you've purchased.

[downunder]

Originally Posted by AussieGeoff

I can't speak for other states but I've NEVER heard of such a thing in SA.
I'm aware of a particular operation that used to ah, 'commandeer' the fish catch of a boat they towed in, but that was considered inappropriate and they are no longer operating a service.


IF they do exist in this area, they'd starve to death I think, we'd only get a half dozen callouts or so a season. If they were anywhere, maybe Adelaide, that's a couple hundred miles from here unless you can fly, so they might as well be on Mars for all the good that would be.


I think I just found (another) good reason not to move to Queensland or NSW.


Cheers

AussieGeoff

That would be the difference, as there would be thousands a year in Qld,
a recent example was a clown on a Jet Ski being rescued for the second time some 30NM off shore.

A lof the rich miners in Central Qld can afford plenty of toys and you only need a speed boat liscence to pilot any private craft at present and of course plotters are infallable thesedays.

Hell, I not moving to SA and leaving the GBR and Coral Sea because your tow services are free.

Got to admit that your wineries are great and its easy to round up a feed of crayfish whilst avoiding the Great Whites.

Cheers

[tundrarules]

Didn't read the whole thread....not enough time, but my boat insurance covers tow and emergency services such as fuel, water pump out, and soft groundings etc. Deductible is waived also.

State Farm

May want to check with your agent or policy

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by Seahunter

. . . As for towing, we dropped out BoatUS towing scheme and added extra towing on our insurance, covering up to $5000 towing for half the price of sea tow or BoatUS.

Just curious, how does that work?
- - Who do you call for a tow - say from a grounding? Your insurance company or ?????
- - How is the payment taken care of? You pay and then the insurance company reimburses you?
- - Or does the insurance company have a contract with a towing service?
- - Is the $5000 for "per tow/incident" or the total for the duration of the insurance contract period?

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I was sure a yellow boat arrived.. (do Sea Tow and Boat US share coverage?) At an rate, I have egg all over my face!.... I apologize to Sea Tow and the forum members.... just looked at my card and my membership is Boat US Unlimited Gold. (evidently a good one NOT to have!)

Not a good one to have if you're going to call Sea Tow, as Boat US Unlimited Gold covers you for TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist. Maybe call one of those next time?

[xymotic]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

Not a good one to have if you're going to call Sea Tow, as Boat US Unlimited Gold covers you for TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist. Maybe call one of those next time?

Yep, I get really pissed that I can't use Mexican Pesos to pay when I'm in Italy. WTF is wrong with that country!?

[bstreep]

Having spent the last 3 years in Corpus Christi...

1) If you had the boat hauled at CC Marina's yard, you probably could have had them haul the boat over to the lift for you.

2) I would dispute the bill - find out what their hourly rate is, and pay that. It's probably $250 an hour. Don't pay for their "I got lost" time. You will pay for their travel time. They should know the Marina like the back of their hand - they are THERE - they shouldn't get lost.

Good luck.

[Mr B]

This is the document I got when the VMR brought me back from Broughton Island where I ran aground and holed my Cat on the rocks,

They said if I wanted to pay it, It was a voluntary contribution,

Aground at 4-00AM rang VMR at 8-00AM and was picked up and taken to Port Stephens at 12-00 AM,

Very friendly group of old timers, The captain was 83, I dont think any of them were under 60,

VMR, Stands for, Volunteer Marine Rescue,

Cheers,
Brian,