Towing insurance is inexpensive protection in case of propulsion problems.
A recent experience I had while Coop Charting on the Tugaloo River brought home the absolute necessity of being covered by towing insurance. I and two crew members launched my 22’ Boston Whaler “Crawdaddy” at Glen Ferry below Interstate 85 and proceeded upriver checking navigation aids. After two hours or so we were nearing the farthest point from our launching ramp. We decided to stop at Stephens County Park just below Highway 123 to take a break. Upon re-boarding the engine refused to turn over or start. After dismantling the throttle control it became obvious that we were not going anywhere under our own power, so I called Boat US. Their phone number was readily available from an app on my smart phone, and their dispatcher answered right away. After extensive questioning to verify my membership status and location et cetera, she called their local captain, stationed at Harbor Light Marina. He called me for more details and arrived about 45 minutes later to tow us roughly 25 miles back to our launch point. After making sure that we were able to get the boat back on the trailer, he let us know that we now held the distance record for any recovery he had ever done on Lake Hartwell. The tow back took three hours!
You might think that towing insurance is important for coastal boating but not for inland boating. However, our inland impoundments are pretty large, and without it, you might be depending on:
- Flagging down a “good Samaritan” for a tow (unlikely for anything approaching 25 miles)
- Having a kicker or electric trolling motor (only likely if you have a fishing boat)
- Having a paddle and a strong back, shoulders and arms (not very practical)
In addition to Boat US, the USPS Boat Insurance program, currently underwritten by Progressive, offers Sign & Glide® towing and recovery as a $30 adder on the basic policy.
