On the other hand and in defense of tug operators, about four years ago I twisted off the vertical shaft of my Bravo shop outdrive just in front of the Exxon Refineries fuel dock in a highly travelled and relatively narrow section of the Houston Ship channel, as I watched a tug pushing 3 barges heading toward me I got on the VHF and advised him my location and problem.

Another skipper chimed in and told me to hang tight, I saw a cloud of black smoke from an empty tug heading up behind the pushing tug, he passed him up and took our line and had us out of harms way in less than 5 minutes. We then re arranged the lines and he happily towed me on his port side about five miles until a friend arrived and took over.

The tug skipper just waved and took off, I realized much later that that was a classic salvage situation and met all the requirements for him to claim salvage

What B.S. this is.

SeaTow = crooks.. period. I know several other stories with similar issues. Most ST's are kind of a frenchise deals.
I think this is an opportunity for a new .. company for towing with integrity. I towed before and been towed, and will do it again anytime. I am suprised however that they are trying to get away with this type of BS during a race event. I suggest to all the racees and sponsers to get a better handle on this in the furture.

BTW... I got BoatUS..

Read more carefully- you can only deny a salvage effort if "prudent". If the salvor believes they can make the case that your refusal to accept their services would result in significant loss, they may proceed regardless of your lack of acquiescence or in spite of your protest.

In the case here, the Sea Tow operator recognized the difference between a tow and a salvage. A tow is when the boat is upright. Since it was upside down, it was a salvage. If it's hung up- even mildly on a sandbar, it's a salvage. They have no obligation to inform you of such. If you allow them to assist, you are legally obligated to pay them- not for the value of their services but a percentage of the value they saved from peril. Yes, it sucks, but that's the law. For SeaTow, it's the difference between $400 and $8,000. These laws have been tested repeatedly at the appeals and U.S. Supreme court level. Unbelievably, the boater owes them the 8 grand. They can petition in court to get a salvor's lien on the craft and a judgment against the owner.

Actually, Sea tow was supposed to be there. They offered their services for sponsorship recognition. They had thank you plaques for all the sponsors of the event including sea tow. These guys are vultures.

this happened at Key West finals a few years ago with the black pantara boat going over

We were out there in our cig and watch a stand off go on for two hours

They had to stop the racing and it took three trips in and out with the Coast guard before they shoved off

what a rude awakening that was for us

salvage rights are just a legale (sort of ) way to steal

I had a good experience with Sea Tow in Ft Myers. Heading towards Sanibel Harbour for fuel, the gas gauge went from between 1/4 and 1/2 to empty. I wasnt even a member of Sea Tow, but called them and they were there fairly quickly with fuel. I became a member that day, and the captain was nice.


I wouldnt say all Sea Tow franchises are bad.......

That might have been me. Boat US , not Sea Tow. Not a sandbar, but a dead in the water (no outdrive) in an area with tons of reefs just below the surface. Actually the 'salvage' classification saved my azz big $$$. Ins would have only paid $200 for my ordeal. The salvage classification bumped it into a different heading, thus reimbursing me 100% of my approx $1800 2 hr tow bill. If I were to have walked a tow line to him, would have been the high price tow bill. :rolleyes: Had to sign all the salvage right papers and agree to payment forms before he would hook a line to my boat, then had to be paid in full before he unhooked it.

using his AmEx card was brilliant.... AE will pull the funds from the tower as soon as RP fills out the dispute form, until the issue is resolved, wouldn't surprise me if the bill got lowered to 2k, or free if there was a race *sponsor* agreement in writing...

I saw the flip from the beach, I wondered to myself why the TWO anchored safety boats didn't do squat during this ordeal, just FURY and the GEICO rib responded.. they could have EASILY tied it off the stern of the western safety boat and towed it later on...

I think that was Peppers, not Fury???