TowBoatUS is typically the better choice of the two. Both rely extensively on contractors. These people are contracted with ST/TBUS to provide member services. ST/TBUS doesn't pay them all that much for the services. Once a situation develops that isn't covered bu your membership, these people cease to become contractors to your membership organization and they become independend marine salvors. At that point, international maritime law governs. The ST/TBUS contractors are notorious for blurring the lines between tows and salvage but the TowBoatUS people are more proactive in supporting the boater's rights. And, in reality, if your boat is sinking and these guys come and pull you off and keep it from going down, they've probably earned a big chunk of what they'll charge you. If you did your homework, your insurance covered the fee anyway.

All I can say is wow! As a relative boating newbie, we have been contemplating who to go with for this service. There is no way in hell I could put my faith in a company that 1) would take advantage of a boater in a bad situation and 2) that has a top level executive that condones it.

Mr. Higher Up, you should have distanced yourself from these pirates and definitely not condoned their behavior. We always thought of fellow boaters as friendly, go-out-of-your-way types. Not let me try to help you and then stab you in the back! How can anyone defend this? I've forwarded this thread to all of my boating friends as well as some non boaters just because it's so unbelievable. Good luck on future business!

I believe you own a SeaTow Franchise, correct?

Just tell us how you operate and don't try to pull one over on us.

Either we have busted the Newbies as Seatow people, or this thread is really getting out and making a difference, either of which is good for us, bad for Seatow:drink:

SO, tell us again how you Google'd Set Tow and found this thread? I went back 15 pages and found NOTHING from OSO.

Took about 15 seconds put the pieces together via his email address and his website.

somebodys fishin':party-smiley-004:

What was interesting in this article, is TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist both have a policy of informing the boat in distress whether or not the job would be a tow or salvage, while Sea Tow does not. That to me is a huge difference.

Michael

I'm putting this sticker right next to my bow cleat.

I want 3 of those stickers please. :evilb: