most guys use ch 79 or 68 for talking to other boats. and yes tow insurance is worth the money even if you only fish erie a couple of times a yr. I have unlimited towing and trailer assist with boat us and I think its something like 84.00 per yr. I blew the outdrive on my mercruiser last yr and called boat us on the phone and they sent a tow boat. all I had to do was sign my name and it saved me 650.00. so my insurance is paid for the next 7 or 8 yrs. hopefully you'll never need a tow, but if you break down its pretty lonely out there on the big pond.