Tow boat, slip to ramp

[lelandmorris]

I checked on my Allstate boat insurance policy it includes Emergency services. For the $152 per year I have complete insurance and towing.
Thanks to those of you who replied.

Lee

[Russ]

I checked on my Allstate boat insurance policy it includes Emergency services. For the $152 per year I have complete insurance and towing.
Thanks to those of you who replied.

Lee

That's an inexpensive policy. I think we pay $300/year for mostly liability coverage.

When they say "towing," does that mean at sea or on the roadway?

[lelandmorris]

I checked with my insurance agent and the policy definitely covers boat towing on water with a limit of $1000. Perhaps the reason my premium is so low is due to 30 plus years with Allstate, and home, cars, RV all with them.

lEE

[lelandmorris]

Jeff was quite active with MacGregor. I have tried his email jeff@speedyrigger.com but it bounces. Does anyone Know how to contact him?
Lee

[lelandmorris]

Boat towing insurance has a big caveat: it only covers towing if the boat is on open water. Since my boat is safely in a slip I have to pay out of pocket. I checked with the local boat towing that works with BoatsUS. they want $375 per hour with a 2 hour minimum.

Lee

[NiceAft]

Boat towing insurance has a big caveat: it only covers towing if the boat is on open water. Since my boat is safely in a slip I have to pay out of pocket. I checked with the local boat towing that works with BoatsUS. they want $375 per hour with a 2 hour minimum.

Lee

Your first post was October 7,2025. Since then, have you tried any of the suggestions mentioned here?

(1) “Do you have a dinghy? Might be able to use it to tow the Mac.”
(2) “Try asking a slip neighbor to give you a tow.”
(3) “As for finding someone to help move your boat, I have found boaters to be a very willing and helpful bunch. That said, you do have to ask for help as most of the boaters I have met tend to mind their own business likely because they think you are enjoying minding your own business too. Once asked though, most if not all will go out of their way to help out.”

[OverEasy]

Hi LelandMorris

I’m confuse (easily done ) but I’m assuming the estimate you got was for a non Tow Boat member…

Just an FYI…I checked with Tow Boat and we are covered from slip to ramp…especially with engine trouble on a trailerable boat. They’d also cover towing from slip to a separate service marina for repairs.

Might I suggest the option of just joining Tow Boat through BoatUS? I’m pretty sure that an annual membership would be a fraction of what the non-member $750.00 estimate is ….

BoatUS says coverage starts right away…. And no you don’t need to change your existing boat insurance company.

Just a suggestion….

Best Regards
Over Easy

[lelandmorris]

This is what the Boat US internet shows. Looks like the Gold Plan would work for me. The person I spoke with before was quite abrupt and did not give me this option.

If I break down at my dock, does my BoatUS Towing Service still work for me?

BoatUS Towing Service is meant for tows resulting from breakdowns at sea or at restricted use docks. In the event of a breakdown at your home dock or mooring, the Unlimited Service Level will provide for 50% of the cost to tow your boat to a repair facility. The Unlimited Gold Service Level provides for 100% of the cost to tow your disabled boat up to 25 miles from its home dock or mooring to a repair facility. BoatUS Towing Services do not provide for pre-existing conditions or tows from a home dock or mooring in the first 30 days of Membership.

Lee

[Russ]

Yikes. There is always a caveat.

Which is why when buying insurance you need to reasearch heavily. Ins. companies often find "outs" to excempt them from paying. My credit card "claims" to cover many things, but I don't trust them and often buy dedicated insurance.

Here's another idea. Buy a used/cheap trolling motor to push you the short distance.

[OverEasy]

Hi LelandMorris!

I guess my local Tow Boat is more generous….

I like the trolling motor idea Russ came up with!
.. local FB Market place seems to have several electric trolling motors around $300 or so that would seem to work although mounting them to a boat already afloat could be tricky! You could always resell it on FB Marketplace when you no longer need it to recoup your investment.
(I’d probably end up going for an unintentional swim or two in the process and provide the marina with some good entertainment )

If you have the solid HDPE plastic rudders one could possibly drill a couple holes in one of them to mount the trolling motor or maybe just clamp to it. Wouldn’t have to steer the actual trolling motor if you could lock it parallel to the rudder. Steering would be via the movement of the rudders from the helm.

A fresh battery or two could provide some reasonable range of a couple miles or so.
Could be combined with whatever you have for existing shipboard battery(s).
I’d do a couple of endurance test runs while still at the dock to see how long the electric trolling motor would run a max power before slipping the lines though. Better to find out statically what you can actual expect beforehand.

The trolling motor and battery(s) cost are a bit of a wildcard as your local market/prices/availability are unique to your particular area…
It’s just a thought …..

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[lelandmorris]

Finally got assistance from my bottom cleaning service. Cost a bit for tow but well worth it. Once in parking area got help from son and Granddaughter. Now waiting for scheduling to install new motor. Weather perfect, full sun, blue sky, temp in mid 60's, nice breeze. Great sailing weather all year around.

Lee

[Be Free]

I'm glad you finally got it to the ramp. I hope you find just the right motor at a great price!

[lelandmorris]

A few months ago I put a deposit down on a new 60HP HONDA. got it pre tariff price

[dlandersson]

Really nice point. Some of the largest Insurance Co's (State Farm as one example) have the hightest turnover. That's turnover is for a reason.

Yikes. There is always a caveat.

Which is why when buying insurance you need to reasearch heavily. Ins. companies often find "outs" to excempt them from paying. My credit card "claims" to cover many things, but I don't trust them and often buy dedicated insurance.

Here's another idea. Buy a used/cheap trolling motor to push you the short distance.

[OverEasy]

Finally got assistance from my bottom cleaning service. Cost a bit for tow but well worth it. Once in parking area got help from son and Granddaughter. Now waiting for scheduling to install new motor. Weather perfect, full sun, blue sky, temp in mid 60's, nice breeze. Great sailing weather all year around.

Lee

Congratulation! That’s Great News!
That must be a big relief to be able to have that aspect behind you now!
Now on to getting your new engine installed so you can get back onto those beautiful waters you have to sail on!

Best Regards
Over Easy