whadayathink?

[matt_unique]

great info, matt...thanks much.

but do you know how much insurance would be?? say a new 28' cruiser?

-dan

I don't...that would depend on your level of coverage, value of boat, etc., etc. It's much less expensive than what you pay for car insurance as a basic comparison though. You could get a quote pretty easily of course. Perhaps even an online quote.

--Matt

 

[chrisc]

I don't...that would depend on your level of coverage, value of boat, etc., etc. It's much less expensive than what you pay for car insurance as a basic comparison though. You could get a quote pretty easily of course. Perhaps even an online quote.

--Matt

My 26' runs $700/yr with $250 deductable. My 35' runs $2400/yr with $500 deductable. Both with the rider that they mustbe dry docked, the price with them in a slip was almost 2x more. The 35 is considered a racing boat, and very few normal insurance companies will cover it.

 

[deputydan1]

i see....

also, what tow company do you guys recommend? vessel assist? US Tow? is it needed?

thanks!

-dan

 

[matt_unique]

i see....

also, what tow company do you guys recommend? vessel assist? US Tow? is it needed?

thanks!

-dan

100% needed - part of your safety equipment in my opinion. If you ever need assistance once you will be a fan for life. Not only from the cost but also the convenience. If you break down at sea, even close to shore, you are really stranded unless you have a dinghy and an engine. $300 minimum charge for a visit without a policy vs. $125 p/year for the top plan with Tow Boat US. Choose whatever company is best represented in your boating area. Maybe Sea Tow has more boats/locations in your area. Check that out before you choose to sign up for a plan.

I would also suggest you do a search for an owners club for whatever brand you plan to buy. I own a Bayliner and the Bayliner Owners Club is the single best resource available to me. There are several marine mechanics (who own Bayliners) that reply to questions on the board for example, etc., etc. Others offer information on various systems, information on a new area you may want to cruise for example, etc.

--Matt

 

[deputydan1]

good points, mate....

thanks...

-dan

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

100% needed - part of your safety equipment in my opinion. If you ever need assistance once you will be a fan for life. Not only from the cost but also the convenience. If you break down at sea, even close to shore, you are really stranded unless you have a dinghy and an engine. $300 minimum charge for a visit without a policy vs. $125 p/year for the top plan with Tow Boat US. Choose whatever company is best represented in your boating area. Maybe Sea Tow has more boats/locations in your area. Check that out before you choose to sign up for a plan.

I would also suggest you do a search for an owners club for whatever brand you plan to buy. I own a Bayliner and the Bayliner Owners Club is the single best resource available to me. There are several marine mechanics (who own Bayliners) that reply to questions on the board for example, etc., etc. Others offer information on various systems, information on a new area you may want to cruise for example, etc.

--Matt

Well, my whaler's been on the water most every weekend for almost eight years
and has never need the towing companys. Since I don't have towing insureance,
that's $1K I've saved. And a buddy of mine has Vessel Assist (the only one on
Monterey Bay). His boat broke down, and he never could get an answer. A good sam
towed him the ten miles back to the harbor.

 

[matt_unique]

Well, my whaler's been on the water most every weekend for almost eight years
and has never need the towing companys. Since I don't have towing insureance,
that's $1K I've saved. And a buddy of mine has Vessel Assist (the only one on
Monterey Bay). His boat broke down, and he never could get an answer. A good sam
towed him the ten miles back to the harbor.

That's good to hear. If you ever need it you will wish you had it. I have never needed a tow in my Bayliner (6 New England seasons) but I would never operate on open ocean without towing insurance. I consider tow insurance as critical as any other piece of safety gear.

--Matt

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

That's good to hear. If you ever need it you will wish you had it. I have never needed a tow in my Bayliner (6 New England seasons) but I would never operate on open ocean without towing insurance. I consider tow insurance as critical as any other piece of safety gear.

--Matt

If I ever need it, I'll pay the $1K and be even.

And like I said, when my buddy needed them, they didn't answer.

And come to think of it, several years ago, I towed in another buddy who was trying
to contact them, and not getting an answer.

 

[matt_unique]

If I ever need it, I'll pay the $1K and be even.

And like I said, when my buddy needed them, they didn't answer.

And come to think of it, several years ago, I towed in another buddy who was trying
to contact them, and not getting an answer.

What you described is a bad outfit. There are Sea Tow and Tow Boat US vessels all over New England. One of my friends was a part-time captain for Tow Boat US and they were on call 24 hours a day. I see the vessels in all the busy harbors.

My plan covers 25 miles out to sea and with a $10 addition I have trailer assist. If you break down while on the road AAA will not take the boat.

--Matt

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

What you described is a bad outfit. There are Sea Tow and Tow Boat US vessels all over New England. One of my friends was a part-time captain for Tow Boat US and they were on call 24 hours a day. I see the vessels in all the busy harbors.

My plan covers 25 miles out to sea and with a $10 addition I have trailer assist. If you break down while on the road AAA will not take the boat.

--Matt

No Sea Tow in Northern California. TowBoatUS is now merged into Vessel Assist which
is the only game in town, and they are based up in Santa Cruz at the other end of the
bay, 20 nm away.