boat us vs. sea tow

I'm in the south Jersey area and new to boating looking to purchase tow insurance. Any one out there have any experence with either of the two (pros or cons). Is one better than the other?



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1973 wellcraft v20 W/ 1985 yami 150 prov

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

I had boat tow for a long time. I used it once and was happy with the service. This year I went with Sea Tow, not because I was unhappy with Boat tow, but because I found out that Sea Tow is owned by small business owners, and each one has their own "route" so to speak. Boat Tow is under Warren Buffet's conglomerate, and the people that work under their umbrella are contractors. I figured, similar pricing, I would give them a try.

One thing to be aware of is how much saturation Seatow has in your area. Until a couple years ago, Seatow was pretty sparce around here. Now they are plentiful. Plus I have met and enjoyed the company of several of the Seatow owners. I know one or the other is better for offshore, but I do not go out there much, so no big deal for me. I would also talk to the representatives for both and see how you like them. Ask about he areas you will be boating in.

ON a side note, I still wanted to get the magazines from Boat tow when I switched. So I paid the money for just that service, and havent recieved a single one in 8 months. SO I have written them off. Unless Seatow really screws something up, I will not be going back to Boat Tow.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

This gets discussed a lot. The consensus is that it depends on the operator/franchisee, not the company. Stories about good or bad experiences are irrelevant unless they are about the same operator you would use.

So unless you have local info, go with the one that will give you the shortest tow from where you would likely break down (including from HIS dock-that's where the meter is turned on). I'm not a member of either but I keep the numbers of the individual operators, so if I need one, I can call the closest one to where I am at the time. My boating takes me to different zones, as it were.

You don't have to be a member to use the service; by being a member you have simply paid for your tow in annual installments. The insurance you pay for probably covers the first $500 or so anyway. You have to look at a variety of factors to determine whether you should join.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

Home Cookin' said:

This gets discussed a lot. The consensus is that it depends on the operator/franchisee, not the company. Stories about good or bad experiences are irrelevant unless they are about the same operator you would use.

So unless you have local info, go with the one that will give you the shortest tow from where you would likely break down (including from HIS dock-that's where the meter is turned on). I'm not a member of either but I keep the numbers of the individual operators, so if I need one, I can call the closest one to where I am at the time. My boating takes me to different zones, as it were.

You don't have to be a member to use the service; by being a member you have simply paid for your tow in annual installments. The insurance you pay for probably covers the first $500 or so anyway. You have to look at a variety of factors to determine whether you should join.

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Not sure what insurance you have, but mine doesnt cover break downs, or running out of fuel. When I first got my current boat we ran out of gas. Guage still read that we had fuel, but we didnt. THe bill submitted to Boat Tow was $875 to bring us fuel. So all in all, I have paid for one or the other for about 4 or 5 years. I am still ahead of the game. When on the water, it is not a matter of if you will break down, but when. We have broken down a couple times over the many years we have been boating, but usually where we boat there are other boaters that stop to help.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

I have travellers; they will reimburse me $500 for any tow service. I suppose a fuel delivery would count; if not, get towed and get paid!

Deciding whether it's worth it to have tow insurance involves many factors, but it's like all insurance, and casino games, where someone analyzed the odds. For many boaters, it's worth it, but not all. A big factor is your back-up--a friend who will come get you or other boaters nearby who will help.

But a lot of new boaters will say, "I got a $800 tow for free" when actually, they paid $150/year for three years toward the tow, and also paid for $500 coverage, so the "free" tow cost them $950--$150 more than if they just paid it (if you get towed every year you have bigger problems). They also join for "peace of mind" when towing is available without joining.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

Ayuh,.... I don't carry the insurance, but still have a Question 'bout such things,...

Are there any actual tow-boat Operators here on iboats,..??

I have questions 'bout becomin' a tow-boat Operator,...
like franchise fees, pay offs, CG operator's requirements, 'n licences needed, etc.,..??

As far as I've seen,... These services are extremely limited up here in eastern Lake Ontario, 'n the mighty St. Lawrence creek...

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

SeaTow operators get paid based on memberships. TowBoatUS operators get paid when they tow. Who's gonna bust their butt more to come get you?

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

ezmobee said:

SeaTow operators get paid based on memberships. TowBoatUS operators get paid when they tow. Who's gonna bust their butt more to come get you?

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Well, being that you get to elect a new provider every year, I seriously doubt that matters much.

Home Cookin, you are right. It is peice of mind. Progressive does not reimburse me for any kind of towing, unless of course I have an accident or sink. I boat all year round, weekdays, weekends, 3-4 times a week in differant areas of Central Florida. Cant always rely on anyone else to come get me, or come by by chance. Most of the river and intercoastal, someone will eventually come by, but there are many times where I wont see another boat for hours. I usually carry 3 cell phones and a radio, so I can get help no matter where I am.

For me it is about $12 a month to be sure I am not stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to come up with $1000 to get towed. But like you said, its all insurance. Insurance is peace of mind. I am making payments on my next tow.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

It's also my understanding that 'hard aground' is not covered in any of this.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

airdvr1227 said:

It's also my understanding that 'hard aground' is not covered in any of this.

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you have to read the policy or contract; different coverages and services treat them differently. And there can be debate between hard and soft groundings. Some start one way and end up the other! But know how the company regards it before you call it in. I think that often you are better off to be broken down in shallow water than trapped in shallow water.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

Thanks to all who posted a comment, for you have given me the tools to make an educated decision. I did check to see which outfit was prominent in the area I fish (between Del Mem bridge and Cape may/Lewes). Boat u.s. has only two ports on the bay, Seatow has 4 on Jersey side and 2 on Delawere side. Although Seatow is $20.00 more ($169.00/yr), they also have trailer/tow vehicle ins. for $10.00 more. They sound like the company I'm looking for.
I am willing to pay the premium (same as auto,home and life ins) for peice of mind on the water, knowing that if something goes wrong on the water I already have a plan. I would hate to ask someone for a tow (unless it's life or death), and possibly ruin their day of fishing or worst damage their craft. It seems irresponsible (to me) not plan ahead for mishaps, also looking at it from my wallet, it's better to pay on time than a 1 time chunk. From past experences that chunk usually comes at the most in-opportune time.


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1973 welcraft V20 / 85 yami 150 prov

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

before you buy the installment plan at $170/year, call and ask them the approximate cost to tow from your fishing area back home. That will help with the math (you don't have to be a member). And keep all the phone numbers with you for back-up.

The trailer policy may be a good idea. My car broke down while trailering the boat; AAA took care of the car (towed it home) but I was faced with paying full freight to get a rollback to take the boat home--which included a pricey bridge tunnel. Didn't want to leave it roadside, either. In that case I was able to get a relative to come get me and tow the boat home (Mom!) but that was then.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

You have to buy the other service to get the trailer policy at that price. I have it, but havent had to use it. I keep spares for the trailer, hubs, tires, etc in the truck for long trips.

I am thinking I could easily get someone to come pick up my boat on the trailer a lot easier than I could get someone to come out on the water to get me if I broke down on a low traffic day.

After seeing the bill Boat Tow submitted for bringing me gas, $875, I will never be on the water without towing. Like you said, it is peace of mind. It isnt that expenisve for that feeling of a little more safety on the water.

Re: boat us vs. sea tow

BoatUS, works good around here. I've only used them once when the starter went down just after sundown and 10+ miles from shore. Not a boat in sight and the lake starting to kick up.
My cell phone was out of range, but my buddy's worked. Gave GPS to tow boat operator and radio call to CG.
Took well over an hour for the tow, he had a boat on the hook, and we were 15-20 miles from his home port. He would call about every 1/2 hour to make sure we were OK and still needed the tow, same with CG.
Took about an hour in 2-3 foot chop to get to dock. The bill was just under $600.00. No out of pocket expense, just gave him the numbers.

Glade it was him headed out at night in that chop for a hour run to home. Yes, he called when he got to home port.

1)Changed cell phone plan for no roaming charges.
2)Radio check to CG when going out.
3)Added more chain to the anchor rode for weather.
4)Food in cooler.
5)Use BoatUS discounts to offset cost.

huts