Towing service

[irwinsailor]

I have had Sea Tow for a couple of years and have used it twice and I have been very happy with the service. However I am now a Boatus member and Seatow has raised their prices and Boatus is less money. Is Boatus as good as Seatow?

[Sunspot Baby]

I am sure there are folks, who have had bad experiences with either, but in general, I think if you put them both in a bag; you wouldn't be able to tell which would come out first.

They don't have equal coverage; some areas are better served by Tow Boat U.S. and some by Sea Tow. If you know the coverage in your area, you might pick the better coverage.

There are a couple of differences in the business model that could affect your choice. Sea Tow operators make money by selling membership. Boat U.S. operators get money when they tow. Don't know that that makes any difference.

I have Tow Boat U.S. and have been happy with their response. Only called them once and managed to get off the bottom before they reached me. I probably picked TBUS because I knew the guys near here with the franchise and their reputation.

Sunspot Baby

[Vasco]

I've had both. Luckily never had to use them (yet). I have heard complaints against Seatow but none about Towboat US although there must be some. I think the franchisees of Towboat US have a better deal with "insured" tows than Seatow so their service seems to be better. My latest renewal (July) from Towboat US has an increase over the old rates. They now want $30 membership and $120 for unlimited towing.

[irwinsailor]

BoatUS has more coverage on the Great Lakes than Sea Tow.

[markpj23]

When I managed to get stuck in the ditch just west of the LA / TX line TowBoat US dispatched out of Clear Lake TX. No hassles whatsoever even though I was a member for only 30 days.

The bill sent to the company was > $1,300 since they get paid for transit time. My cost was zero. Can't gripe about that now can I ?? Even spoke to a live person via their 800 number - and that person was actually IN THE UNITED STATES so I didn't have to explain where Texas is!

As for allowing myself to be persuaded to go in that side cut to anchor after dark because the crew was tired & cranky... well let's just say that next time someone will be standing another mid-watch while sucking tugboat exhaust as we follow it