Towing

winlessinnh · 03-12-2018, 06:19 AM

What is the best towing service on the lake?

Water Camper · 03-12-2018, 06:57 AM

I don't know about best, but I am a TowBoatUS member.

Hope this helps,
Bill

Not to Worry · 03-12-2018, 07:24 AM

I have Seatow and have had the pleasure of being towed. Response was quick and professional. No idea if they are the best or not? Curious to see how people reply.

upthesaukee · 03-12-2018, 08:01 AM

I have TowBoatUS and have been towed 3 times, the first out of my own pocket

. This prompted me to join. Service all the times was great. I look at my yearly fee as a part of insurance coverage for the boat. When I signed up, I don't remember Seatow being on the lake.
I believe that Andrew's Marine Service out of Minge Cove also offered towing service, but I don't know if he still does.
To answer your question, you really need to look at the two major players, Seatow & TowBoatUS, look at their respective coverages & benefits, their costs, and what best fits your needs.
I have compared the two a few years back and did not find a compelling reason to switch.
Good luck.

Dave

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ishoot308 · 03-12-2018, 08:18 AM

I was a member of Seatow and utilized their services twice while on the lake. Both times service was responsive and professional and without any additional fees or charges.

Dan

Dave M · 03-12-2018, 10:53 AM

Seatow covers tows from your home dock, TowBoatUS covers 50%. Depending on where your repair center is to your home dock could cost you of bucks. Yes SeaTow is more expensive($119) but its one charge that covers everything, no haggling etc.

Dave M

Not to Worry · 03-12-2018, 02:04 PM

Both Seatow and TowBoat offer competitively priced plans that will not charge you extra for towing. From FL I know Seatow will go to the Bahamas (depending how far you are from FL) and tow you back at no extra charge.

For me it is a must because even a short tow is very expensive. Towed once on the lake and 3 times from the ocean.

Descant · 03-12-2018, 02:04 PM

I have TowBoatUS. They took my boat from my island camp to my marina, and paid full, because the camp was not considered my "Home port". TowBoatUS dispatcher could not understand what an island was and that there was no car access. Amusing and frustrating at the same time trying to explain. My son had a breakdown in Weirs Bay and called TowBoatUS. They were busy and handed it off to Irwin at MVYC (home marina). They paid the Irwin bill as I recall. Also used Seatow which was called by MP since TowBoatUS wasn't available, too early in the season. My boat insurance (Progressive) covered it.
I think I pay an extra $17 a year to BoatUS for "complete" towing, no deductible or 50%. It could be more now; my membership is on auto-renewal.

In short, TowBoatUS is cheaper. Having experience with both, cost aside, I'd call SeaTow, better boat, equipment, divers, airbags to lift you off the bottom and seems to have a longer operating season. Being a seasonal job, this could change from year to year.

kawishiwi · 03-12-2018, 04:24 PM

I met a 'tow guy' on Champlain last year, though I wasnt being towed, and he was a 'contractor' on a list for one of those companies, I dont remember which. It sounded to me like a AAA automotive kind of deal where AAA calls a tow truck contractor that is available & close to you. This means the actual service could be highly variable. Does anyone know if either of these companies work this same way on Winni?

The Real BigGuy · 03-12-2018, 05:03 PM

I know both have their own boats on Winni. Probably franchises. If they are real busy I believe both will sub work out.

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winlessinnh · 03-13-2018, 09:37 AM

Thanks for all the support. I think I'll go with Tow Boat. BTW they have a 15% AAA discount

TiltonBB · 03-13-2018, 10:14 AM

I have NBOA Boat Insurance for the boat and the jet skis.

https://www.nboat.com

The policy includes towing and you can use whoever you would like when you have a problem. You just submit the receipt after using them. I am not sure the towing companies will let you use other towing companies if they are busy.

At the time I started with NBOA they were the best and least expensive option for boat insurance. That was many years ago so I don't know if that is still true. It would probably be worth looking at what you are paying for insurance and towing combined and see if you can save money with an all in one policy.

AB_Monterey · 03-13-2018, 03:46 PM

If you were at the Boston Boat Show, you could've spoken to the Seatow franchisee on the lake, Ken Factor, and paid $99 for a lake policy.

Eyeboat · 03-13-2018, 07:46 PM

I added my boat to my existing homeowners policy. The premium was $375 for agreed coverage of 55K. They also have towing coverage up to $250 per incident. It is an option. I have an inquiry in as to the premium.

Water Camper · 03-14-2018, 10:17 AM

I pay $77 annually for towing on the lake and limited coverage when on the trailer.

Hope this helps,
Bill

winlessinnh · 03-14-2018, 10:20 AM

Bill, how did you get it for $77?

Water Camper · 03-14-2018, 10:45 AM

I apologize, $78.

Annual Dues - $24
Water Towing - $48
Voluntary Donation $6

Total - $78

Hope this helps,
Bill

winlessinnh · 03-14-2018, 02:28 PM

Thanks, I didn't see that menu when i went to sign up.

Eyeboat · 03-18-2018, 01:01 PM

FYI added towing to my insurance policy for $15/year up to 250 per incident

Water Camper · 03-18-2018, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyeboat

FYI added towing to my insurance policy for $15/year up to 250 per incident

No offense intended but $250 won't get you far. I believe it's $100 an hour !

Just Saying,
Bill

upthesaukee · 03-18-2018, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyeboat

FYI added towing to my insurance policy for $15/year up to 250 per incident

A tow from Robert's Cove to Downing's Landing a few years back was shown as $385. Seeing as how I had towing coverage, it was nothing out of my pocket.
What led me to buy coverage was a tow from next to the shoal area just east of Rum point to Alton town docks was also around the same amount and all out of our pocket.

You may come up a little short, as others suggest.

Dave

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Cobalt 25 · 03-25-2018, 03:32 PM

TowBoat US has been good for me. I have used it many times over the years on the Cape, at least 3 times from Nantucket to Dennis. I get the Gold Coverage so they pay for everything- no muss no fuss. My annual dues expire in January. I wait until May to upgrade the towing to Gold so it is pro-rated and less expensive.

Used it once on the lake. Ripped the outdrive off on a rock. (who knew the darn rocks could leap up and hit your outdrive?!) A very Good Samaritan quickly saw the incident and towed us to Trexler's. Without forward motion we would have sunk.

When BoatUS showed up he brought the passengers and I back to Paugus. Although he took a longer route back than I would have taken, it was still a good experience.

My vote is for BoatUS.

Eyeboat · 04-04-2018, 09:27 AM

I ended up signing up for BoatUs and the tow service. The premium to add it to my Insurance turned out to be $8. I might be able to apply that to any balance if say I was towed from my Dock.

kauriel · 04-05-2018, 07:35 PM

Does anyone use their Progressive insurance for towing or do those with progressive also join SeaTow or BoatUS? We've been shopping around and Progressive seems to be the best price if their $30 towing option is comparable to SeaTow or BoatUS. Otherwise SeaTow with Sea Insure is a better price if we would need SeaTow or BoatUS in addition to insurance.

03-12-2018, 06:19 AM	#1
winlessinnh Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Towing What is the best towing service on the lake?

03-12-2018, 06:57 AM	#2
Water Camper Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pembroke, NH / Laconia, NH Posts: 451 Thanks: 10 Thanked 206 Times in 88 Posts	TowBoatUS I don't know about best, but I am a TowBoatUS member. Hope this helps, Bill

03-12-2018, 07:24 AM	#3
Not to Worry Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 191 Thanks: 93 Thanked 84 Times in 55 Posts	Seatow I have Seatow and have had the pleasure of being towed. Response was quick and professional. No idea if they are the best or not? Curious to see how people reply.

03-12-2018, 08:01 AM	#4
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,597 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,457 Thanked 1,979 Times in 1,080 Posts	I have TowBoatUS and have been towed 3 times, the first out of my own pocket . This prompted me to join. Service all the times was great. I look at my yearly fee as a part of insurance coverage for the boat. When I signed up, I don't remember Seatow being on the lake. I believe that Andrew's Marine Service out of Minge Cove also offered towing service, but I don't know if he still does. To answer your question, you really need to look at the two major players, Seatow & TowBoatUS, look at their respective coverages & benefits, their costs, and what best fits your needs. I have compared the two a few years back and did not find a compelling reason to switch. Good luck. Dave Sent from my SM-T580 using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

03-12-2018, 08:18 AM	#5
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,247 Thanks: 2,390 Thanked 5,283 Times in 2,055 Posts	I was a member of Seatow and utilized their services twice while on the lake. Both times service was responsive and professional and without any additional fees or charges. Dan __________________ It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!

03-12-2018, 10:53 AM	#6
Dave M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 395 Thanks: 4 Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts	Compare Seatow covers tows from your home dock, TowBoatUS covers 50%. Depending on where your repair center is to your home dock could cost you of bucks. Yes SeaTow is more expensive($119) but its one charge that covers everything, no haggling etc. Dave M

03-12-2018, 02:04 PM	#7
Not to Worry Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 191 Thanks: 93 Thanked 84 Times in 55 Posts	Both Seatow and TowBoat offer competitively priced plans that will not charge you extra for towing. From FL I know Seatow will go to the Bahamas (depending how far you are from FL) and tow you back at no extra charge. For me it is a must because even a short tow is very expensive. Towed once on the lake and 3 times from the ocean.

03-12-2018, 02:04 PM	#8
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,357 Thanks: 1,344 Thanked 1,623 Times in 1,055 Posts	I have TowBoatUS. They took my boat from my island camp to my marina, and paid full, because the camp was not considered my "Home port". TowBoatUS dispatcher could not understand what an island was and that there was no car access. Amusing and frustrating at the same time trying to explain. My son had a breakdown in Weirs Bay and called TowBoatUS. They were busy and handed it off to Irwin at MVYC (home marina). They paid the Irwin bill as I recall. Also used Seatow which was called by MP since TowBoatUS wasn't available, too early in the season. My boat insurance (Progressive) covered it. I think I pay an extra $17 a year to BoatUS for "complete" towing, no deductible or 50%. It could be more now; my membership is on auto-renewal. In short, TowBoatUS is cheaper. Having experience with both, cost aside, I'd call SeaTow, better boat, equipment, divers, airbags to lift you off the bottom and seems to have a longer operating season. Being a seasonal job, this could change from year to year.

03-12-2018, 04:24 PM	#9
kawishiwi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 519 Thanks: 227 Thanked 167 Times in 108 Posts	Could be sketchy? I met a 'tow guy' on Champlain last year, though I wasnt being towed, and he was a 'contractor' on a list for one of those companies, I dont remember which. It sounded to me like a AAA automotive kind of deal where AAA calls a tow truck contractor that is available & close to you. This means the actual service could be highly variable. Does anyone know if either of these companies work this same way on Winni? __________________ "I don't take responsibility at all."

03-12-2018, 05:03 PM	#10
The Real BigGuy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 125 Thanked 467 Times in 285 Posts	I know both have their own boats on Winni. Probably franchises. If they are real busy I believe both will sub work out. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

03-13-2018, 09:37 AM	#11
winlessinnh Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks for all the support. I think I'll go with Tow Boat. BTW they have a 15% AAA discount

03-13-2018, 10:14 AM	#12
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,005 Thanks: 699 Thanked 2,202 Times in 936 Posts	Towing Option I have NBOA Boat Insurance for the boat and the jet skis. https://www.nboat.com The policy includes towing and you can use whoever you would like when you have a problem. You just submit the receipt after using them. I am not sure the towing companies will let you use other towing companies if they are busy. At the time I started with NBOA they were the best and least expensive option for boat insurance. That was many years ago so I don't know if that is still true. It would probably be worth looking at what you are paying for insurance and towing combined and see if you can save money with an all in one policy.

03-13-2018, 03:46 PM	#13
AB_Monterey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 293 Thanks: 86 Thanked 78 Times in 49 Posts	If you were at the Boston Boat Show, you could've spoken to the Seatow franchisee on the lake, Ken Factor, and paid $99 for a lake policy.

03-13-2018, 07:46 PM	#14
Eyeboat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 52 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I added my boat to my existing homeowners policy. The premium was $375 for agreed coverage of 55K. They also have towing coverage up to $250 per incident. It is an option. I have an inquiry in as to the premium.

03-14-2018, 10:17 AM	#15
Water Camper Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pembroke, NH / Laconia, NH Posts: 451 Thanks: 10 Thanked 206 Times in 88 Posts	TowBoatUS I pay $77 annually for towing on the lake and limited coverage when on the trailer. Hope this helps, Bill

03-14-2018, 10:20 AM	#16
winlessinnh Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Bill, how did you get it for $77?

03-14-2018, 10:45 AM	#17
Water Camper Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pembroke, NH / Laconia, NH Posts: 451 Thanks: 10 Thanked 206 Times in 88 Posts	I apologize, $78. Annual Dues - $24 Water Towing - $48 Voluntary Donation $6 Total - $78 Hope this helps, Bill

03-14-2018, 02:28 PM	#18
winlessinnh Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks, I didn't see that menu when i went to sign up.

03-18-2018, 01:01 PM	#19
Eyeboat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 52 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	FYI added towing to my insurance policy for $15/year up to 250 per incident

03-25-2018, 03:32 PM	#22
Cobalt 25 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 217 Thanks: 227 Thanked 36 Times in 20 Posts	TowBoat US has been good for me. I have used it many times over the years on the Cape, at least 3 times from Nantucket to Dennis. I get the Gold Coverage so they pay for everything- no muss no fuss. My annual dues expire in January. I wait until May to upgrade the towing to Gold so it is pro-rated and less expensive. Used it once on the lake. Ripped the outdrive off on a rock. (who knew the darn rocks could leap up and hit your outdrive?!) A very Good Samaritan quickly saw the incident and towed us to Trexler's. Without forward motion we would have sunk. When BoatUS showed up he brought the passengers and I back to Paugus. Although he took a longer route back than I would have taken, it was still a good experience. My vote is for BoatUS.

04-04-2018, 09:27 AM	#23
Eyeboat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 52 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I ended up signing up for BoatUs and the tow service. The premium to add it to my Insurance turned out to be $8. I might be able to apply that to any balance if say I was towed from my Dock.

04-05-2018, 07:35 PM	#24
kauriel Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Laconia, N. MA Posts: 290 Thanks: 119 Thanked 62 Times in 44 Posts	Does anyone use their Progressive insurance for towing or do those with progressive also join SeaTow or BoatUS? We've been shopping around and Progressive seems to be the best price if their $30 towing option is comparable to SeaTow or BoatUS. Otherwise SeaTow with Sea Insure is a better price if we would need SeaTow or BoatUS in addition to insurance.