Sea Tow vs Lake Tow

[Steveo]

Am I reading the cost for unlimited towing on Winnipesaukee for TowBoatUS is only $67. That is nothing! They are out of Gilford right? Any issues with towing to Alton?

Thanks

[Aguamenti]

Originally Posted by Steveo

Am I reading the cost for unlimited towing on Winnipesaukee for TowBoatUS is only $67. That is nothing! They are out of Gilford right? Any issues with towing to Alton?

Thanks

Yes, I just signed up last night, thanks to the members of this forum!

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Steveo

Am I reading the cost for unlimited towing on Winnipesaukee for TowBoatUS is only $67. That is nothing! They are out of Gilford right? Any issues with towing to Alton?

Thanks

I was down in Robert's Cove last summer, and the coil on the engine died. Worked fine on the way out, crapped out when we went to move. Turn over, no start.

Called TowboatUS, about 35-40 mins later they were at the boat. Took some basic info from me, I pulled my anchor, he reached over with a pole that had the tow rope hook on it, snapped it on the front eyelet, and we were off. Towed to Downing's Landing, and Parker Marine came across the street to get the boat.

Filled out the paperwork, and the cost of the tow was over $300...cost to customer $0.

Third time I used them, and they have been great.

[Ropetow]

Originally Posted by Steveo

Am I reading the cost for unlimited towing on Winnipesaukee for TowBoatUS is only $67. That is nothing! They are out of Gilford right? Any issues with towing to Alton?

Thanks

Had an impeller crap out at the mouth of Alton Bay 2 summers ago. Got Tow Boat US on the cell phone, they were there in maybe 30 minutes, and towed me to Gillan's. No problems. Courteous service.

[codeman671]

Just make sure you are not at your home dock and need to be towed to a marina or launch for repair as this is only covered at 50%. A friend found that out a number of years ago.

The operator hinted it was best to push the boat off the dock, anchor then call for help

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Just make sure you are not at your home dock and need to be towed to a marina or launch for repair as this is only covered at 50%. A friend found that out a number of years ago.

The operator hinted it was best to push the boat off the dock, anchor then call for help

From the BoatUS website FAQ section:

• If I’m broken down at my dock, does my BoatUS Towing Service still work for me?
• A: BoatUS Towing Service is for tows due to breakdowns at sea or at a restricted use dock. In addition, if your boat will not start while you are at your home dock, rental dock, or a non-restricted use slip, partial coverage may be available to you. By setting up the tow through normal channels; calling our dispatch center or contacting a TowBoatUS or VESSEL ASSIST company directly, BoatUS will provide 50% of the towing charge incurred to the closest repair facility, up to your current towing service level (100% if you have Unlimited Gold Towing). Of course, pre-existing conditions are not provided for at all.

[samosetguy]

This is an interesting discussion. I use SeaTow. I've never had to call them.

I picked SeaTow over TowboatUS a couple years ago because of positive statements made on this web site about them, it seemed at the time they had more boats/bigger presence on the lake and because I had read a very impressive story in a local paper about the person that owned the Meredith franchise. I probably have this wrong but I believe he was a retired long-term Navy person and had gone to New Orleans to help during Katrina.

However, I'm just now realizing the franchise was sold last summer to someone from Delaware?!?!?!

I've already renewed SeaTow for this summer but I wouldn't have if I had read all this.

I wish both would be more transparent about who owns them, what boats they have, where they're located, etc. They both seem so "corporate" you can't really learn anything about who you're relying on for assistance. The local Sea Tow franchise has a FB page but it's all stuff from the national franchise.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by codeman671

Just make sure you are not at your home dock and need to be towed to a marina or launch for repair as this is only covered at 50%. A friend found that out a number of years ago.

The operator hinted it was best to push the boat off the dock, anchor then call for help

With Seatow your primary boat is covered 100% either from your home dock or adrift. Your secondary boat is only covered away from your home dock. The same hint about paddling away from your dock was also made!

I have used Seatow twice on the big lake. Both times they towed my primary boat from my dock on Welch all the way to Thurstons Marina for repair at no charge whatsoever.

Dan Perron was the Captain and I think owner at the time and was extremely knowledgeable at his job.

Seatow is well worth the small expense in my opinion and provides a great service on the lake!

Dan