Re: Best tow company?
first you want to see which company has its docks closest to where you are likely to be, since they charge starting from where they leave the dock (plus they get there faster.)
Then you have to get local info from your local boating forum about which is better. Nothing I say about the companies here would matter to you there. These operations are franchises, and some of the operators are great and some are real hacks. Some are never available except when it's convenient for them. But to ask here, is like asking which chain restaurant has better service--it's all about the local management.
Consider this as well-- all of them will tow you if you are not a member, you just have to pay for it. And your insurance will usually pay for the first 400-800, so you've already paid for that. And even without the insurance part, you may be better off paying full freight. Take the $270 example above. After two years of a $170/year membership, you lost money ($70) on that one. After 3 years with one tow, you lost $240. Unless you get towed annually, in which case you should be thinking about the boat. Consider too, if you are in a boating area and smaller boat where flagging down a tow or calling a friend is a realistic option.
For a large boat that goes long distances, it's definately worth it. For a small boat in heavily travelled water and short trips, probably not. Some people like paying for the peace of mind, which is a good reason to have it, too, but not for reasons of saving money. The tow companies already did the odds when they set the price.
