Breaking down on the water is stressful for everyone. Don’t let calling for a tow ruin your day. We highly recommend being a TowBoatU.S. member and knowing what to do and how to get in touch with us when you need help, will make your boating season worry-free.
As soon as you realize you are going to need towing assistance, secure your boat. Take down your sails. Anchor whenever possible. Anchoring gives you control over your boat which frees you up to spend time on the radio or phone coordinating the tow. Be sure to have lights on at night. Turn off unnecessary equipment to preserve batteries. Get everyone into their PFDs and continue to monitor your surroundings. BoatUS has a great cell phone ap that when used to make the phone call sends your membership information and current lat/long directly to BoatUS dispatchers. If you are not a member, be prepared to discuss estimated charges and to provide payment upfront.
Towing estimates are based on hourly fees from the time the Captain leaves the dock until he returns. Hourly charges increase after dark or during small-craft warnings. An average tow costs $700. Knowing where you are, helps the towboat captain find you and get you home faster. GPS coordinates are preferable but a strong, clear physical description of which body of water you are on with nearby marker number, creek or cove name is helpful as well. Mention local landmarks that you are near such as a waterfront restaurant, park, or marina not regional ones such as bridges or smoke stacks that can be seen for miles out on the water.
Once on scene, the towboat captain will provide specialty tow lines and, if needed, fenders. They will determine the appropriate attachment points which may not be those you’d expect. Get your lines and fenders out and have them ready when you’re approaching the dock but keep cleats free and the boat’s sides clear of fenders until the captain tells you otherwise. The Captain will direct you if he needs assistance with lines or maneuvering. A talented towing captain will be able to tow and put your boat safely in its slip without much help. Follow directions and remind everyone to stay seated and keep hands and fingers away from the towboat, dock, and lines. Stay aboard the boat and wait for the towboat captain to tell you to tie off or hang fenders before doing so.
