Sea Tow vs BoatUS towing

Road King Cole · #1 10-19-2009, 12:57 PM

For peace of mind, the wife wants to get a towing service\insurance. I think these are the major providers. They both seem to be about the same price ($150), is one better than the other?

Or is there another one that may be better?

Thanks!

rkc

joe7670 · #2 10-19-2009, 01:38 PM

I'm in Miami and down here a lot of people have horror stories about Sea Tow. Customer service related, time to tow related...

But I think it may vary based on location and who is running the local chapter of the respective service.

Skools Out · #3 10-19-2009, 01:48 PM

Same in Bogue Inlet, NC and Beaufort Inlet, NC area with horror stories better with TowBoatsUS in our area. i agree it depends on who runs and owns the local charter.

Stillrunning · #4 10-19-2009, 02:38 PM

I have heard the same it depends on the local charter more then the actual tow company.

captpete13 · #5 10-19-2009, 03:46 PM

When I first got my license I was working for Sea Tow at the time. I have been working for Boat US now since 2000. They are a much better company to work for. Also When Sea Tow tows a member it comes out of the towers pocket. When a BoatUS member has to be towed we get paid by BoatUS. There is more incentive for BoatUS members to be towed than Sea Tow. What I suggest is that you find your tower in your area and see what kind of boats and captains they have. Pick the one with the more knowledgeable,experienced staff. Not necessarily the prettiest boats though.

macojoe · #6 10-19-2009, 04:04 PM

I have BoatUS But have never used them (Thank God) So I no can answer

bksah2 · #7 10-19-2009, 05:00 PM

I don't know where you are located but here in md. Balto. area I use Deckelman Marine Group There guys are local and are only $125 a year the nice thing i like is the will tow you back to where you launch..there web sit is " Deckelmsn's Bay Assist " there number is 410-391-6482

phatdaddy · #8 10-19-2009, 06:26 PM

same as above. the only thing i would add is, sea tow covers the your vessel, towboat us covers you. if you have multiple boats or go with a friend, the coverage follows the cardholder. if you have regular boat ins, it might possible have a tow policy. you would have to pay out of pocket and be re-embursed.

Road King Cole · #9 10-20-2009, 07:31 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I will probably doing most of my boating in Buzzards Bay. My brother-in-law (who I bought the boat from) had used sea tow and they responded OK in Cape Cod Bay (this was before he put in the rebuilt engine). However I do "see" more of tow boat US around in buzzards bay. I also read were tow boat US insures the person, not the boat which could be better.

Skools Out · #10 10-20-2009, 08:20 AM

not sure on Sea Tow but BoatUS has road side as well with some of their plans.