View Full Version : Question Boat US
schiedsrichter22
03-24-2009, 09:34 PM
What are the general impressions of folks on this board regarding BoatUS membership? Is it worth it to buy the premium membership that entitles one to unlimited towing if the boat is in generally good condition? Where is the Boat US headquarters in the northern neck? Other thoughts on this organization?
Thanks for all responses.
HEAVY HOOKIN
03-24-2009, 09:37 PM
Kilmarnock
1987-cobb
03-25-2009, 05:30 AM
I have boat & tow boat inurance with Boat US, have sense 1996.
All positive with me.
Mike-JacksonCreek
03-25-2009, 07:05 AM
Three years ago I broke down west of the lower cut channel, home port is Reedville, I was 26 miles from home, it was April, no boat in sight. We were drifting south and in and out of weak cell zones. I called Boats US where I have had the high option for years, never used it before. Boat US was great, they contacted their tow operator at Gwynn's Island who called me on his cell, then left his dock and called me on VHF, I gave him my lat-lon, and in 30 mins he was there, a few hrs later I was at the dock. Total charge would have been about $600. My opinion.....its a MUST HAVE.
There is also a private operation Smith Pt Sea rescue, I have heard that they are great, and take donations if they tow you.
Mike
ontherivah
03-25-2009, 07:30 AM
Alot of our customers here at B.E.S.T. Boatyard have boat insurance through Boat US and I hear they are great. Hope that helps.
rwferr
03-25-2009, 09:29 AM
Earlier this year I helped a friend bring a 1960's Chris Craft Commander, 37 feet, from Annapolis to Deltaville. We left around 10 am. The boat ran fine and it was a nice day. Got to Smith Point around dark and the wind started to pick up and so did the waves. It built to around 4 feet and we were going right into it. Around 8:30 a few miles north of Windmill Point both engines died. Both fuel filters were totally blocked. Could not restart either engine. We were rolling in the trough in four foot seas and 20 knot winds at night. Anything on a table or flat surface ended up on the deck. It was tough to stay in a chair you had to hang on. Called Boatus and the boat was dispatched from Gwynns Island. The guy was there in about an hour and let me tell you we were glad to see him, gladder than I had been to maybe see anybody ever. He towed us to Deltaville and put the boat right in the slip. I have my own cabin cruiser at Deltaville also and I would never be without that tow insurance let me tell you.
rocksandblues
03-25-2009, 09:53 AM
I have never heard anything bad about boatus. I have sea tow because they do not have an offshore mileage limit. If i break down at the canyons they will still come and get me. Boatus has or had a limit on how far offshore they will go at no charge under the membership plan.
Sea King
03-25-2009, 11:23 AM
When you need it you'll be glad you have it. A "no-brainer"!
farm use
03-25-2009, 01:20 PM
It's worth every cent!
BLUEYZWAITN
03-25-2009, 05:05 PM
WHat is the going rate these days for the premium?
old town angler
03-25-2009, 07:47 PM
It's like AAA for the water ! The came to me two miles south of Smith Point Light in the middle of the bay and brought me gas ( my gauge was stuck). Cost me the price of the gas. Recommend it to ANYONE with a boat.
jwelsh
03-25-2009, 08:05 PM
Hey Bluz, It's 222.00 for the Max. And 159 for Unlimited. Can't beat it.
Just renewed mine, This week. Wouldn't move CHESSIE, without it.Covers ya on the road with trailer, also.
Joe
BLUEYZWAITN
03-26-2009, 01:38 PM
i HAVE AN 19 FOOT CENTER CONSOLE ONLY , RARELY DO I venture out to sea in it.. The 3rd and 4th seem to be my limit and all over the Mouth of the Potomac on up... Will $159 be all I need in case I have issues are is the $220 what is needed?
This has always confused me...
1987-cobb
03-26-2009, 04:50 PM
i HAVE AN 19 FOOT CENTER CONSOLE ONLY , RARELY DO I venture out to sea in it.. The 3rd and 4th seem to be my limit and all over the Mouth of the Potomac on up... Will $159 be all I need in case I have issues are is the $220 what is needed?
This has always confused me...
I'm in the same area as you and I have "unlimited". Never needed it but would
not be with out it. The Potomac is well covered.
old town angler
03-26-2009, 05:50 PM
They also cover any boat you might rent or may be riding on! Again, it's like AAA for the water. Break down once in the middle of the river with no help in site and have to call for a tow and you'll wish you had signed up. Towing ain't cheap!
WHACKMASTER
03-26-2009, 06:04 PM
They also cover any boat you might rent or may be riding on! Again, it's like AAA for the water. Break down once in the middle of the river with no help in site and have to call for a tow and you'll wish you had signed up. Towing ain't cheap!
They only cover you if you are at the helm of the other boat. Other than thatits money well spent!
Jeff
jwelsh
03-26-2009, 06:24 PM
Hey Bluz,
The $159.00 is all you need. The other covers a longer Trailer haul ,Go on Boat US.com They'll sent you the info. Really painless.
timber
03-26-2009, 06:44 PM
their towing is great, but don't forget the other things they bring to the table. Remember it wasn't to long ago we were going to have to get discharge permits for any water discharged from our boats? They fought that one and won. Also they are a great resource when buying a boat new or used, and if you are having problems with a manafacturer they will step in and help you get the situation resolved, I know this first hand. That was worth it by itself even without the towing...
PA BRED
03-27-2009, 04:19 PM
I have BoatUS but have never had to use them. In addition to your tow insurance you can get your MMSI at their website.