Towing services

[skinny5382]

Hope I don’t jinx myself but I’m seriously considering tow insurance this year. I have an older boat (73) that seems to run well, but one never knows at that age. I fish mostly out of Walnut. Would anyone have any recommendations on who to use.
Thanks

[assassin]

Skinny- No one wants to think about being towed but having piece of mind (just in case) is a lot better. I'm out of Geneva and have had ins. for 12 yrs. As luck would have it, I lost my outdrive last fall and had to call the tow truck. Never used them before but sure was glad I spent the$$. Was 6 miles out in 2-3's and they (Marine Assist) responded promptly and towed me back to the dock. Had 4 boats come to my aid after seeing distress flag (thanks guys) but none could tow. Don't leave home without it .

[skinny5382]

Assassin, Glad to hear everything worked out for you. Also good to hear so many fellow boater were concerned enough to come to your aid.

Last season was my 1st back from about a 15 year break, worried everytime out something might happen.
What do you know about "Boat US"? I was just reading up on them, seems like a possible smart choice.

[fishin2]

Let me tell ya first hand, Boat Us saved me tons. I had an engine throw a rod around the SE corner of Kelly's, I put in @ Mazurichs that morning , 7 miles away, called the 800 number they give ya and within 5 minutes got a call back, towboats on the way. Fella got there in 20 mins , came out of Sandusky, hooked us up to towline and away we went, got to Mazurichs, tied us off and I signed on the dotted line, cost, -0-, other than my yearly towing insurance, this year is 81.00. That tow would have cost 740.00, I saw the bill. They will cover 25 miles from your port. Will never be on Erie without it. Check em out, you'll be glad you did for the peace of mind of knowing if you need em, they will come, Mike

Oh yea, I have truck and boat trailer roadside assistance also for that price, they won't leave your boat setting on the road, it will get towed too.

[aerocraftmach2]

For sure have tow insurance. I have Boat US also and even though I havent needed it yet Im glad to know its there when I do. I didnt have tow insurance on my last boat and the one time it broke down was luckily only a few hundred feet from the ramp. I cant imagine the bill if it would have happened earlier when we were twenty miles out. For no more than it costs get it! You also get discounts at West Marine and a magazine

[sherman51]

i,ve been very blessed. i,ve had to be towed a couple of times. and had an oil leak and needed oil. i got towed by other fishermen and my son got someone to drop off oil to us.

but i now have boatus towing, but i have heard if you boat the central basin your better off with marine assist. i,ve heard marine assist will make you pay for the tow then you get a refund from boatus if thats what you have. but i wouldnt leave shore again on erie without some type of towing service.
sherman

[skinny5382]

Sherman, I do boat out of the Central basin (Walnut). I see Boat US has a marina out of Erie, that would be about 15 mile to where I fish mostly. So maybe we will give them a try. I haven't heard or seen any local better choices.
Thanks for the input.