Towing
 

What are the advantages (disadvantages) of TowBoat/US versus SeaTow?

Towboat US insures you, not the boat. So you can use it on any boat you're
on. Useful if you have more than one boat, or if you're on a buddies boat
that craps out.

Seatow insures the boat, so it can only be used with whichever boat you
insure.

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Keith
__
The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
"Pete Tatro" wrote in message
...
What are the advantages (disadvantages) of TowBoat/US versus SeaTow?

Keith wrote:
Towboat US insures you, not the boat. So you can use it on any boat you're
on. Useful if you have more than one boat, or if you're on a buddies boat
that craps out.

Seatow insures the boat, so it can only be used with whichever boat you
insure.

Not exactly true. I have a Seatow "Skippers" membership and it covers
any boat for which I am in command. There are several levels of Seatow
membership. You are correct in that the lowest level only covers the
boat. If plan to operate more than one boat, get the next level. Or if
you are a delivery captain or operate commercially, get the commercial
level.
krj

We had Vessel Assist while cruising the ICW and off the coast.
Had to call on them twice. First time TowBoatUS was dispatched
to tow us into Lake Worth and the second was an ungrounding
where SeaTow was dispatched. Both combined amounted to just
under $3000. Didn't cost us a penny.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Pete Tatro" wrote in message
...
What are the advantages (disadvantages) of TowBoat/US versus SeaTow?

I've always used Towboat/US because I have Boat/US insurance. However, last
year I received a free SeaTow membership with my marina fees. Looking at the
details, SeaTow seemed to be a better deal if I needed a tow home from a
neighboring zone. I imagine this would have a lot to do with where you boat.

I've never had a chance to use either, though I was on a friend's boat visiting
an island by dink when the engine wouldn't start. Rather than paddle a mile
back (with 4 kids on board) he pulled out a VHF and 10 minutes later Boat/US was
there to pull us back. They said the charge would have been about $400 if not
covered. Shortly thereafter I got a small "submersible" VHF to carry in the
dink.

"Pete Tatro" wrote in message
...
What are the advantages (disadvantages) of TowBoat/US versus SeaTow?

I'm not sure of the deal with "home area" etc. I understand that
"unlimited" towing is only within a specified area. Our experience
with Vessel Assist was such that our home area was in the
Chesapeake but the tow we had was off the coast of FL. A 5
hour tow but still covered completely. The tow was actually
done by TowBoatUS.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
I've always used Towboat/US because I have Boat/US insurance. However,
last
year I received a free SeaTow membership with my marina fees. Looking at
the
details, SeaTow seemed to be a better deal if I needed a tow home from a
neighboring zone. I imagine this would have a lot to do with where you
boat.

I've never had a chance to use either, though I was on a friend's boat
visiting
an island by dink when the engine wouldn't start. Rather than paddle a
mile
back (with 4 kids on board) he pulled out a VHF and 10 minutes later
Boat/US was
there to pull us back. They said the charge would have been about $400 if
not
covered. Shortly thereafter I got a small "submersible" VHF to carry in
the
dink.

"Pete Tatro" wrote in message
...
What are the advantages (disadvantages) of TowBoat/US versus SeaTow?

On Fri, 1 Oct 2004 07:19:08 -0400, "Pete Tatro"
wrote:

What are the advantages (disadvantages) of TowBoat/US versus SeaTow?

I've had them both over the years. Luckily never had to use them so
far. I think they both do a good job and wouldn't dream of not having
towing insurance. Travelled with a boat one trip that used Seatow
three days in a row! If you travel on the ICW don't leave home
without it. Vessel Assist seems to be a newer entry in the towing
business and don't seem to have as many boats although like the other
two they will honor the bills if they don't have a station nearby.
Rick Itenson
Breathless
Toronto

Actually, Vessel Assist has been around for many years but
was on the west coast from what I understand. It is just
becoming big in other places. Here on the Chesapeake
you can now hear them active most any weekend. They
have numerous base stations and boats but not as big
as TowBoatUS or SeaTow yet.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Rick Itenson" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 1 Oct 2004 07:19:08 -0400, "Pete Tatro"
wrote:

What are the advantages (disadvantages) of TowBoat/US versus SeaTow?

I've had them both over the years. Luckily never had to use them so
far. I think they both do a good job and wouldn't dream of not having
towing insurance. Travelled with a boat one trip that used Seatow
three days in a row! If you travel on the ICW don't leave home
without it. Vessel Assist seems to be a newer entry in the towing
business and don't seem to have as many boats although like the other
two they will honor the bills if they don't have a station nearby.
Rick Itenson
Breathless
Toronto