SEATOW VERSUS TOWBOATUS

I use a towing service named
"Safe Seas/Marine rescue Service"
they are the Boats US service provider for the RI/southern Mass area.
In my area of Rhode Island they go out to 25 miles south of Block Island (thats where their insurance limits them to) but will not go to the canyon to get you should you break down.
Its best to ask both services point blank like I did. Maury "Raven"

53 miles off seems forever

HI:
A couple of years ago, "She Who Must Be Obayed" was with me. We were 53 miles out of Shinne**** and the right rear motor mount let go. Thanks to a GREAT BUNCH of GUYS who came to my aid, Nancy and I didn't have to go swimming.
BOAT US came ALL the way out . OUCH. This was BEFORE there new policy of unlimited towing.
From what I've been told by guys ON the WRONG End of a TOW LINE ,they were happy for TOWBOAT US help.
I have never tried SEATOW. I can tell you that whenever there is someone in trouble, they ARE ALWAYS the first on the RADIO. They must be doing something good.
Any one else have any experiences with either one?
Bigeye aka Ancient mariner
Keep your feet dry and catch 'em up.
www.ancientmarinertackle.com

I've never had the misfortune to have to use them. But last year one of the boats fishing nearby me, in the fishtales, had to call seatow. They came to get him. I have no idea what they charged him, but they did go all the way to block canyon.

TOWBOATS

I've asked SeaTow about towing far offshore, their response was they would go out 20mi. They said Coast Guard would tow you into 20mi. range then they would take over. Never had to use them, but would stay with them unless I had a service problem. Their H.Q. is only a 1/2 mile from my dock in Southold.

SEATOW

Seatow coverage has no distance or time limits. They can and will come get you wherever you are provided you can contact them. No charge over and above membership cost for canyons. I've spoken to the owner of the NJ franchise to verify this as well as fishing club member who was towed from the east wall last year.

Hipshot,
It was one of their boats from southhold that came all the way to block canyon last year, so I doubt you got the correct scoop.

TOW BOATS

MakoMike,
I should have made myself a little more clear. I had talked to some of the Captains manning the booth at one of the boat shows, that's what they told me but they weren't sure as they had to confer with themselves. I'm sorry if I gave out any bad info. I'll check again! One of my past boat mechanics is marrying into the family, I will ask him. As in anything in life there are exceptions, for the most part I don't believe Sea Tow or any other tow service keeps boats capable of going very far offshore rediably available.
I have a 23' Steigercraft that I WON'T take 53 Miles off shore (yet). Most Seatow boats by me are I believe 22ft. Privateers(Don't hold me to that). That doesn't clear up the issue but maybe just a reflection! I would like to the final answer myself, as I do go offshore and want to be safe! Uncomfortable is one thing, being in danger is another!

TOW BOATS

MakoMike,
I should have made myself a little more clear. I had talked to some of the Captains manning the booth at one of the boat shows, that's what they told me but they weren't sure as they had to confer with themselves. I'm sorry if I gave out any bad info. I'll check again! One of my past boat mechanics is marrying into the family, I will ask him. As in anything in life there are exceptions, for the most part I don't believe Sea Tow or any other tow service keeps boats capable of going very far offshore rediably available.
I have a 23' Steigercraft that I WON'T take 53 Miles off shore (yet). Most Seatow boats by me are I believe 22ft. Privateers(Don't hold me to that). That doesn't clear up the issue but maybe just a reflection! I would like to get the final answer myself, as I do go offshore and want to be safe! Uncomfortable is one thing, being in danger is another!

I started this post so I Guess I'll end it. TOWBOAT/US is 25 miles max thats it end of story. SEATOW is vague about what they cover. I spoke with Capt. Les Trafford of SEATOW SHINE****/MORICHES and asked about canyon tows and was told that up until this year the C.G. would go out and bring you to the 25 mile line and he would meet you there . This year hopefully July/ Aug will have a 44 footer in the fleet and will do Canyon tows. This still doesn't answer the point blank question how far will SEATOW go offshore in general and for other franchises and what exactly is unlimited towing. But I have heard that Capt. Les is a honorable guy and there for you in the pinch so I switched over to SEATOW

TOW BOATS

I aid it before, there are always exceptions! If you're 27mi. off shore and broken down will Seatow or any other tow service stop at the so called 25mi line? I don't think so, bad business! aLSO Are the nautical miles?

Just some musings!