TowBoatUS, SeaTow, Vessel Assist

Pitch Pocket · 05-06-2003, 10:57 AM

Although there are not any affiliated towing companies in Astoria or Newport, I think it may be a good idea to have this towing insurance. Does anyone subscribe to one of these services? If you do are you satisfied with the value for the expense?

We go to the San Juans every year and Vessel Assist is represented there. SeaTow is in Portland and planning to enter the Astoria area in the spring of 2004. Worth the money?

rojo · 05-06-2003, 12:30 PM

Have up to $1000 for towing on my insurance policy no deduct...Roger

Threemuch · 05-06-2003, 12:34 PM

Here's the catch, no tow service at those harbors, or any harbor in Oregon that I know of. That's why the coasties will tow up here. Down in CA where VA has a boat in every harbor, the CG will refer you to them if you are broken down. It's a much sweeter deal getting a free tow up here from the coasties than paying down there. No insurance, a tow can get really spendy.

Most insurance has a mileage range for towing that would exclude albie fishing.

KB

fish assassin · 05-06-2003, 12:40 PM

I thought that was the reason for fishing TUNA in packs ... so somebody would be
there to tow you in if you broke down! I've had my share of opportunities to tow
dories in from the TUNA grounds over the years ... or just plug along beside them as
they've struggled in under thier own power!

Fortunatly,
I've never been on the recieving end of one of those tows ... however, I HAVE been
told that I wasn't actually towing a boat in, that I was being pushed in with a stiff
rope!!

-assAssin-

Miss B Haven · 05-06-2003, 01:23 PM

Kurt- the coasties will NOT tow you unless you are in immediate danger. There are services around and they will call and the CG Aux will tow you too.

PS- I believe they get to decide what "immediate danger" is. [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

[ 05-06-2003, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

Pitch Pocket · 05-06-2003, 02:03 PM

I talked to the Coast Guard in Warrenton. Confirming Threemuch, he said in that there are no commercial tow companies in the Astoria/Ilwaco area, the coast guard ends up towing........ for free. They can't charge because of the taxpayer thing. He said as many as 20 tows per weekend. I think it's the imminent danger thing for ports with commercial tow companies, but not CR ports.

Who are you going to call? SeaTow is the only possible game in town for next spring and they reportedly are thinking about it because of the huge liability costs due to the roughest bar in the world or something crazy like that.

Miss B Haven · 05-06-2003, 02:13 PM

That's interesting. I have heard them on the radio with a disabled vesssel (more than once), asking first if they are in danger (no) and second, if they wanted them to contact a commercial assist vessel. Maybe there was and no longer is? Maybe the coasties changed the rules? Maybe I was dreaming?? [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]
Nice to know but I still prefer to run in packs!

[ 05-06-2003, 03:14 PM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

Pitch Pocket · 05-06-2003, 05:20 PM

Don't know. I can't find a commercial tow company in the Astoria area. I asked the CG guy in Warrenton who it may be and he said there was none. That's why they tow. He said they won't leave you stranded. That will change if SeaTow fills the gap.

When we go to the San Juans for a week, there is a Vessel Assist franchisee "Alpha Zulu", so I figure the coast guard would offer the cold shoulder to a tow.

I do have tow reimbursement with Chubb, so buying the "AAA" of boats would be redundant.

Threemuch · 05-06-2003, 05:27 PM

I looked into this when I first got my boat, no Vessel Assist, no tow boats us, nothing at any Oregon port. Not sure what you heard Miss B. What you describe is the situation in CA exactly. My little bro who is in the coast guard said that if you say you are in fear for your life, they will come get you, regardless of your situation.

I agree, this is why we run in packs. But I would imagine only a few of us actually have enough fuel to get someone besides ourselves back from the tuna grounds.

KB

Pitch Pocket · 05-06-2003, 05:33 PM

I imagine the CG is out in force for the halibut openers. I'd be suprised if the CG wasn't hanging out at the Chicken Ranch Thurs Fri and Sat this week and next. Nice to have the tow truck standing by.....nearby.

[ 05-06-2003, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: Pitch Pocket ]

Beer Waggin · 05-06-2003, 07:06 PM

CG will be out at the ranch on their pretty silver boat. They're there every year.

It's nice to know help is close if you need it that far out.

Mello-Yello · 05-06-2003, 11:01 PM

My boat insurance reimburses for towing, with no deductible! Don't know how many others do...

Miss B Haven · 05-06-2003, 11:13 PM

Have you checked the pricing? I've had boat us coverage (unlimited) for a while but they don't have any boats hear (East Coast outfit). I think it covers $500 on any other service. Since they sold there stores to West marine, I'm not sure that there is any reason to continue my membership. $90 a year for Boat US membership and unlimited towing coverage. My main policy has coverage as well so I may just drop the secondary.

Oh, and Steve- it's never worth it unless you need it- right?

Pitch Pocket · 05-06-2003, 11:31 PM

Ding.........
I'll check my policy.