i have a 20 ft angler that i use for fishing/pleasure use. i will make an occasional run to some wrecks and maybe a little further on the right day. how much towing coverage should i have on my insurance policy. right now i have $1000 for emergancy services. i havent priced what it cost for being towed lately. is that enough or should i look at up that?
That is probably not enough for offshore. I think the going rate is about $400 hr. Probably better to become a member of Sea Tow or Tow Boat US than to add it to your insurance policy.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Can’t beat $150 for Towboat or Seatow. Ultimate peace of mind.
$1000 would probably cover you for most situation for roadside trailer breakdowns.
I have had friends with $1000 plus service bills for jump starts, not even any towing involved. The major thing to remember is you get charged port to port for the tow vehicle. So even if they only have to tow you 5 miles, if it takes them 2 hours to get where you are, and hour to hook up and get you there, and 2 hours back to their port, you get a bill for 5 hours.
quote:
Originally posted by Bolbie…the harbor was slick as an eel pecker.
Not sure about Sea Tow but, $149 buys you unlimited towing from Towboat US. I had 1 soft ungrounding a couple of years ago that would have cost me $980. Well worth the expense. You are being fool hardy if you boat without some kind of on water assistance/towing.
I’ve been following an entertaining thread on the THT about SeaTow vs Boat US. Does Boat US operate here in Charleston, or is it just Towboat and SeaTow? Getting a boat soon so this is something to think about I guess. I wasn’t planning on it since it is a new boat, but the soft grounding issue DFreedom mentioned made me think twice.
Think I may have answered my own question. Looks like Towboat is the same thing as BoatUS. Sorry! $125 seems like pretty cheap insurance though.
I use Sea Tow myself, well I’ve never actually used them so far, I just pay them once a year:smiley: I’ve got the trailer coverage package also that is good peace of mind when I trailer to the Keys a few times a year. Great value I think.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
is sea tow avaiable out of beaufort?
204 angler
150 yamaha 4 stroke
Both services cover Beaufort.
quote:
Originally posted by Bolbie…the harbor was slick as an eel pecker.
I think 1k would cover most situations. I had to be towed once and I think it was around 4hrs total at 600$. I did have boatus so all it cost me at that time was a tip and some ice for his cooler. My boat policy now covers 5k so I did not renew boatus.
I don’t know who your insurance policy is through, but Strickland really surprised me with my cost. It costs me about 100$ a year more than the boatus premium and I have full coverage with 5k towing per year.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
quote:
Originally posted by MattRI think 1k would cover most situations. I had to be towed once and I think it was around 4hrs total at 600$. I did have boatus so all it cost me at that time was a tip and some ice for his cooler. My boat policy now covers 5k so I did not renew boatus.
I don’t know who your insurance policy is through, but Strickland really surprised me with my cost. It costs me about 100$ a year more than the boatus premium and I have full coverage with 5k towing per year.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
Matt,
Who do you call for a tow if you don’t have one of the towing company memberships?
quote:
Originally posted by OccamsRaiserquote:
Originally posted by MattRI think 1k would cover most situations. I had to be towed once and I think it was around 4hrs total at 600$. I did have boatus so all it cost me at that time was a tip and some ice for his cooler. My boat policy now covers 5k so I did not renew boatus.
I don’t know who your insurance policy is through, but Strickland really surprised me with my cost. It costs me about 100$ a year more than the boatus premium and I have full coverage with 5k towing per year.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
Matt,
Who do you call for a tow if you don’t have one of the towing company memberships?
You can call boatus, towboat, etc. I was told that the big 2 bill the insurance company direct but make you sign something stating if the ins doesn’t pay, you are held responsible for the debt. I would imagine some boat ins companies are different, but this is supposed to be the protocol with AIG.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
Go for Sea Tow or Boat US. If you have a boat covered under something related to home or car you will be DROPPED like a BRICK the first time you cry wolf. I like Sea Tow in Charleston a lot.
quote:
Originally posted by DillyDallyGo for Sea Tow or Boat US. If you have a boat covered under something related to home or car you will be DROPPED like a BRICK the first time you cry wolf. I like Sea Tow in Charleston a lot.
I think MattR was saying he has towing coverage under his boat insurance policy, not his auto or homeowners policy. You’re right though, homeowners insurance companies just look for a reason to drop you!
Speaking of homeowners insurance… I have USAA but was calling around getting quotes. Nationwide plugged my address in (Moncks Corner) and told me I could not get coverage from them because I was less than 18 Nautical miles from the ocean. What a load of crap. Nationwide is on your side…unless you live 18 miles or less from the ocean.
Key West 1720 115 HP Johnson Saltwater.
Get coverage from a towing company! If you are not a member you are responsible for payment in full at time service is rendered. You are also paying nonmember rates (higher) and will have to wait on reimbursement up to your limit from your carrier. Boat US/ TowBoat US does not direct bill any insurance except Boat US. Also keep in mind, ALL member calls will take priority over nonmembers, so you could be waiting indefinitely. It is possible on busy weekends that we will not be able to assist nonmembers due to high member call volume. Trailer coverage is $14/ yr with TowBoat US. Whether the trailer or the towing vehicle if it can be repaired onscene, it will. Otherwise vehicle and/or boat towed up to 100 miles for only $14/yr. Onwater service is only $149/yr and we don’t raise your rate or drop you come renewal time if you have to use the service. Add the fact that Boat US has over 25 member benefits besides towing and it’s a no brainer. That’s why we have more members and more locations than any other service in the country! I don’t make money on membership sales, only when we tow. It makes no difference to me whether I charge your card or send a bill to my association for payment. One last point, as a nonmember $1000 is not much coverage at all, prepare to pay the balance, especially in a grounding situation. If you have any questions feel free to call us @ 843-745-5977 or check us out on the interweb www.towboatcharleston.com
Captain Steve Little
TowBoat US Charleston
Psalm 107:23-32
www.towboatcharleston.com
Wow, what timing as I had just sent a text Reel Nauti about contacting you with any questions.
I have been with Boat US for awhile and have spoke with you on the phone (Capt Steve) about some issues when I was getting my SPOT. You cleared it right up.
I sent Nauti a number for you that is different from above tho.
He must think I called you to post…lol
By the way, there is nothing in this for me. I did add the $14 coverage about 2 months ago.
That is cheap IMO for what you get.
Just one of those things you hope you don’t need…like a lawyer lol:smiley:.
Thanks,
NN
07, 23 Key West, Twin 115 Yammys
“Coastal Bound”
Thanks for the recommendation! We’re here to serve but understand that everyone hopes never to need us. I always say there are 2 types of boaters: those who have needed us and those who will.
Captain Steve Little
TowBoat US Charleston
Psalm 107:23-32
www.towboatcharleston.com
Captain Little,
On the website, it says $149 for unlimited saltwater towing, but if you go to the “Levels and Pricing” page, it says unlimited saltwater towing is $125. Which is it, or what is the difference? Then there is the unlimited gold membership for $157. I understand the difference b/n the gold and the unlimited on that page, but what is different b/n the $149 and the $125 package? Just trying to sort out which would be best for me. Thanks.
The 125 and 149 are the same. The 149 is the 125 towing option with the 24 association dues included. The gold is 157 plus the dues for total of 181. For towing coverage you must be a member of the association for the 24 and then if you desire towing you can select which option suits you best. Let me know if you have any questions. We can also sign up over the phone and have member cards in your email same day! 843-745-5977 thanks
Captain Steve Little
TowBoat US Charleston
Psalm 107:23-32
www.towboatcharleston.com