When it comes to recreational boating, ensuring the safety of your vessel and crew is a top priority. One significant aspect of boating safety is having access to a reliable on-water assistance service. Two prominent on-water assistance providers are Sea Tow and BoatUS. This blog post will delve into the similarities and differences between Sea Tow and BoatUS to help you make an informed decision about which service best suits your boating needs.
Sea Tow is a leading maritime assistance provider founded in 1983 by Captain Joe Frohnhoefer. The company’s primary goal is to ensure that boaters receive timely on-water assistance during emergencies. Sea Tow operates through a network of over 100 franchises across the United States. As a franchise-based business, its owners/operators are often local, experienced captains with strong ties to the boating community.
BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is a membership organization that has been serving the needs of the recreational boating community for over 50 years. BoatUS is not only an on-water assistance provider but also offers various services and benefits, such as insurance, towing services, and advocacy. BoatUS works in conjunction with their dedicated TowBoatUS fleet, which includes more than 600 towboats across the country.
Membership Plans
Both Sea Tow and BoatUS offer yearly membership plans that include 24/7 access to on-water assistance. The core of the memberships focuses on providing towing services and support, but they also include other valuable services and benefits.
Sea Tow Membership Plans
Sea Tow offers a Gold Card membership plan, priced at $179 per year. The plan covers the member’s primary boat, as well as any other boats they charter, rent, or borrow. Membership benefits include:
Free towing, jump starts, fuel drops, and on-water service calls
Free dock-to-dock towing
Free covered ungrounding services
No distance or monetary limits within the Sea Tow service area
Access to AssistanceNet, a worldwide 24/7 assistance network
Discounts on boating-related goods and services
BoatUS Membership Plans
BoatUS provides a base membership priced at $30 per year, which includes access to discounted towing services, insurance, and other boating benefits. Towing service plans are offered as a separate add-on to the base membership, with three different coverage levels available. The three towing service plans include:
Unlimited Freshwater for $90 per year, which covers only freshwater towing
Unlimited Saltwater for $170 per year, which covers both freshwater and saltwater towing
Unlimited Gold for $210 per year, which covers both freshwater and saltwater towing, plus increased coverage for services and benefits
All BoatUS towing service plans include the following benefits:
Free towing, jump starts, fuel drops, and on-water service calls
Free dock-to-dock towing
Free covered ungrounding services
No distance or monetary limits within the TowBoatUS service area
Member discounts on insurance, fuel, and boating-related purchases
Additionally, BoatUS offers trailer boat assistance with their Unlimited Trailer Assist add-on, which covers roadside assistance services for the member’s boat trailer and the towing vehicle.
Service Area and Coverage
Both Sea Tow and BoatUS have extensive service areas within the United States, including inland waterways, coastal regions, and the Great Lakes.
Sea Tow Service Area
Sea Tow offers coverage in over 100 locations in the United States, including popular boating areas such as the Florida Keys, Chesapeake Bay, and Long Island Sound. The total coverage area is constantly expanding with the addition of new franchises.
BoatUS Service Area
BoatUS boasts more than 600 towboats across the country, with coverage available in most popular boating areas. Their extensive fleet allows BoatUS to offer services both on-water and on-road.
Comparison Table
Feature
Sea Tow
BoatUS
Base Membership Price
$179 (Gold Card)
$30
Towing Service Add-On
Included in Gold Card
$90 – $210
Ungrounding Services
Free
Free
Fuel Drop Services
Free
Free
Dock-to-Dock Towing
Free
Free
Access to Discounts
Yes
Yes
Trailer Assistance
No
Yes (with add-on)
Which Service is Right for You?
The choice between Sea Tow and BoatUS ultimately depends on your specific boating needs and preferences. Both companies offer valuable services to ensure the safety and convenience of recreational boating. If you primarily boat in areas with a strong Sea Tow presence, their straightforward Gold Card membership might be the ideal option. On the other hand, if you require more flexibility in your towing coverage, BoatUS might be a better choice due to their tiered membership plans and trailer assistance add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BoatUS and Sea Tow?
BoatUS is an organization that provides services like towing, insurance, and roadside assistance packages for boat owners. Sea Tow, on the other hand, is a company that focuses on providing on-water assistance and towing services for disabled vessels. Both organizations offer similar benefits such as towing, fuel delivery, jump starts, and ungrounding, but they differ in pricing, membership coverage, and additional services offered.
Is BoatUS and TowBoatUS the same company?
BoatUS and TowBoatUS are related but not the same entity. BoatUS is a membership-based organization that offers a range of services to boaters including towing, insurance, and roadside assistance. TowBoatUS, on the other hand, is the towing service arm of BoatUS, and it serves as their nationwide fleet of towboats that provide assistance to the organization’s members.
How far offshore will Sea Tow go?
Sea Tow offers their services up to 25 nautical miles offshore. However, the exact distance can vary depending on the specific location and availability of their authorized service providers. It is always recommended to check with your local Sea Tow provider for the exact coverage in your area.
What kind of boat does Sea Tow use?
Sea Tow uses a variety of boats in their fleet, depending on the region and the nature of the job. Their boats generally include power catamarans and specially designed towing vessels, ranging from 20 to 50 feet. These boats are equipped with powerful engines, tow lines, and other essential equipment to ensure safe and efficient assistance for disabled vessels.
Which service is more expensive: BoatUS or Sea Tow?
Pricing for both BoatUS and Sea Tow might differ depending on the coverage and additional services opted. It is essential to compare the membership plans and benefits offered by each organization to determine which one would be a more cost-effective option for your specific needs.
Do I need a membership to use Sea Tow services?
While you don’t require a membership to use Sea Tow services, being a member entitles you to free or discounted services and additional benefits. Without a membership, you’ll be charged for each service on a per-use basis, which can be considerably more expensive than membership fees.
Do both BoatUS and Sea Tow offer 24/7 assistance?
Yes, both BoatUS and Sea Tow provide 24/7 on-water assistance to their members, ensuring help is available whenever needed – regardless of the time of day or night.
Are there additional services offered by BoatUS or Sea Tow aside from towing?
Both organizations provide several additional services, including fuel delivery, jump starts, soft ungrounding, and more. BoatUS also offers insurance products, roadside boat trailer assistance, and boating safety resources, while Sea Tow has a free mobile app featuring weather forecasts, tides, and GPS-enabled navigation tools.
Can I use BoatUS or Sea Tow services outside of my home area?
Both BoatUS and Sea Tow offer nationwide coverage to their members, meaning you can access their services if you need assistance while boating in a different location from your home area. However, it is advisable to verify the coverage and any restrictions or limitations applicable to the specific location.
How do I decide which service to choose: BoatUS or Sea Tow?
To determine the best fit for your needs, compare the membership plans, pricing, benefits, and additional services offered by both BoatUS and Sea Tow. Consider factors such as your boating habits, the availability of service providers in your area, and any specific features you may require – like insurance products or mobile app features – to help you make an informed decision.
