Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

[firepro86]

Hey All,
I'm looking into buy a AAA for the water. I've researched both Vessel Assist and Sea Tow. We have both here in California and the memberships pretty much paralell each other and are only a few dollars off from each other. I'm looking for anyone with experience with either one if these two companies. I wanna hear the good and the bad. What's your opinion/experience? Thanks!

 

[shrew]

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

I have Boat U.S Vessel Assist. Both are in my area, but Boat US is closer. In my area, Boat US has a larger presence. I would go by the largest fleet and the larger presence of the two. i'd also consider which is closer. I've had to use my membership and get towed. I have nothing but good things to say about Boat US Vessel Assist. I'm sure they are both comporable and either would be fine.

 

[badkins50]

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

I have personal experience using boatUS and they were great. For the cost, if they are in you area, it's a no brainer. I also have them as the insurer of our boat as well. The other company I have no info on so can not judge them. Do some research and ask around down at the docks, may find out some things in you area to be different.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

3 things:

the companies are run like franchises, so you have to know about the operators in YOUR area. They are all different. Ask around, including local boating forums. How other operators in other places work, is irrelevant.

Both companies charge from the time they leave THEIR dock, so if they are equal as to reputation, pick one closest to where you are likely to need them.

The companies will tow you even if you are not a member, full price. Often your insurance will pay you back up to a point ($500, $800). So for many boaters, it is cheaper not to join, but to pay full price if needed. IOW your $160/year are merely installment payments toward a tow you may or may not use. It depends on the boat, distance and type of boating you do, and other resources if you break down.

 

[firepro86]

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

Thanks a lot guys! It's going to have to be a coin toss. The sea tow and boat us vessel assist operate in the same harbors where I boat and they both have moorings on Catalina Island where i like to go. Thanks for the advice and input!

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

check with your harbor master if he would tow you if nessarsary. i know my town harbormaster will tow you in were we live its just to be nice.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

check with your harbor master if he would tow you if nessarsary. i know my town harbormaster will tow you in were we live its just to be nice.

That's all well and good, but it's not something you can count on. Even close friends who say they will come get you are out to dinner, on vacation, home with the flu, etc.

For the minimal price of membership, it's a great resource. If both are in your area, either one will be sufficient. Just 2 different companies doing the same service.

 

[firepro86]

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

Alright, so a call to my local harbor master and thry don't tow for free. If yoire a boat US vessel assist member they can provide a contract service much like AAA but you have to call vessel assist and then vessel assist will call the harbor master and have them come and get you. That only works if youre a boatUS member tho, doesn't work if your a SeaTow member, I would have to call SeaTow and wait for them. I'm thinking I'm goijg to go with BoatUs vessel assist simply because they do have an aggreement with my local harbor master/harbor patrol.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Sea Tow Vs. Vessel Assist

o well i was just saying how it is around were i live.