Tug of War: Sea Tow vs TowboatUS
When it comes to “AAA” type service on the water, two companies – TowboatUS and Sea Tow – stand out. While both companies offer tow services, this article will look at what sets them apart.
In Their Own Words
According to Scott Croft, Vice President of Public Affairs for TowboatUS, “What sets us apart is our size; we have over 300 locations and over 600 tow response vessels. We also have 44 locations that cover the Great Lakes region. If you currently have a Boat US insurance policy, you can add towing for as little as $36 [covers only the boat insured]. A saltwater plan can be obtained at boat shows for as little as $99 for your first year, so keep your eye open at those boat shows.”
Sea Tow’s website says they will put you in direct connection with “highly professional, experienced Captains who can help when it matters most.” One of the Sea Tow representatives we spoke with stated, “Sea Tow does not have any offshore distance limitations. How far we go off shore depends primarily on the sea conditions and how well we are able to communicate with you. As far as towing, we will work with you to bring you back to your home port.”
Both companies offer boat insurance in addition to tow service memberships.
What types of memberships are available and what are their annual costs?
Sea Tow
Gold Card
- $179
- For recreational saltwater boaters (including Florida)
Lake Card
- $119
- For recreational freshwater boaters (excluding Florida)
Commercial Card
- $179 (+$100 per hour for service)
- For boaters operating commercially some or all of the time
Professional Mariner Card
- $365
- For boaters who make their living on the water and operate multiple vessels
TowboatUS
Unlimited
- $159
- Saltwater option available for coastal boaters and Florida boaters
- Freshwater option available for inland lakes and rivers (excluding Florida)
Unlimited Gold
- $175
- Saltwater option available for coastal boaters and Florida boaters
- Freshwater option available for inland lakes and rivers (excluding Florida)
What vessels am I covered on?
Sea Tow
Gold Card
- Every boat the member owns (regardless of who is at the helm)
- Member’s boat is covered even if the Member is not on board
- Vessels the member charters, rents, leases or borrows
Lake Card
- Every boat the member owns (regardless of who is at the helm)
- Member’s boat is covered even if the Member is not on board
- Vessels the member charters, rents, leases or borrows
Commercial Card
- One specified boat only
Professional Mariner Card
- Any boat the member is operating
TowboatUS
- Coverage on “any boat which the Members owns, borrows, or charters.”
- Member’s boat is covered even if the Member is not on board
- No coverage, regardless of who is at the helm, if the Member is a guest on a boat and the boat’s owner is also present
What types of towing services are included?
Sea Tow
Gold Card
- Unlimited assistance towing to dock of choice within member’s home area (no time, distance, or $ limits)
- Assistance towing to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside member’s home area
- $225/hour (up to $5,000 per incident) for tow to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside Sea Tow operational area
- Dock-to-dock tows from home port
Lake Card
- Unlimited assistance towing to dock of choice within member’s home area (no time, distance, or $ limits)
- Assistance towing to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside member’s home area
- $225/hour (up to $5,000 per incident) for tow to nearest appropriate dock or facility when outside Sea Tow operational area
- Dock-to-dock tows from home port
Commercial Card
- Covered at a fixed rate of $100 per hour
- No dock-to-dock tows
Professional Mariner Card
- No dock-to-dock tows
TowboatUS
Unlimited
- 100% coverage for tow at sea to home dock or repair facility
- 100% coverage for tow from a restricted use dock to home dock or repair facility
- 50% coverage for tow from home dock or mooring to repair facility
Unlimited Gold
- 100% coverage for tow at sea to home dock or repair facility
- 100% coverage for tow from a restricted use dock to home dock or repair facility
- 100% coverage for tow from home dock or mooring to repair facility
Where am I covered?
Seatow
- Does not have distance limitations, however “request must be within reason.”
TowboatUS
- Service up to 50 nautical miles offshore
- Towing up to 50 nautical miles from an on-the-water pickup point
- Towing up to 25 nautical miles from one port to another
- Some locations extend up to 100 NM such as the Bahamas
Where can I learn more?
As always, read and compare the fine print before making a final decision. Both Seatow and TowboatUS offer more information on their websites and by phone.
Know what is covered, know what isn’t, and choose the service that is best for you.
Whatever decision you make, when it comes to coverage, remember: it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.