ROUTINE SERVICES
We routinely provide non-emergency services for both BoatU.S./ GEICO Members and Non-Members alike, for the Lower Colorado River, water levels and weather permitting. Members with active BoatU.S. towing memberships receive these services without charge and have first priority. Non-members must pay for these services. Recovery of vessels from beyond our service area are handled on a case-by-case basis and require special considerations to ensure a safe recovery.
TOWING
Running to your favorite hot spot when your vessel just stops? Give us a call and we’ll tow you 25 NM from the point of pickup — all at no charge for Unlimited Members. Want to go back to the Boat Ramp you launched from, your Home Dock, or a Repair Facility, not a problem. We will tow you anywhere you want to go.
JUMP STARTS AND FUEL DROPS
Jamming out on the radio a little too long with the engine off or just find out your Fuel Gauge is inaccurate? Jump Starts and Fuel/Oil Drops are covered; you’ll have to pay the for the Fuel/Oil. However, the service call is fully covered by your membership and so is the tow home should that not fix the problem.
DOCK TO DOCK
After the first 30 days of becoming a TowBoatU.S. member or after upgrading your membership coverage, Dock-to-Dock tows will be covered at 50% for Unlimited Freshwater members. We will tow your vessel from the point of pick up to a port of your choice not to exceed a total towing distance of 25 NM.
SINGLE VESSEL SOFT UNGROUNDINGS
Vessels are considered Soft Aground when they are not in peril and we can re-float them using one of our Towboats and no special services are required. Should we be unsuccessful on the initial attempt, we will return at a higher water level to fix the problem. In the meantime, if you choose, we will take you and your passengers to shore. Should we be unsuccessful after several attempts using one towboat, then we will discuss your options and make sure you agree before using special equipment or two or more towboats to re-float your vessel.
SERVICES BELOW ARE NOT COVERED BY TOWBOATUS MEMBERSHIP
VESSEL HARD AGROUND
A vessel is classified as Hard Aground when refloating requires more than one towboat or the use of specialized equipment and services. These may include, but are not limited to: dive teams, air bags, winches, Pettibone machinery, barges, pumps, or operations in hazardous or turbulent environments.
Whenever time and conditions allow, our captains will clearly outline your available options before initiating any hard ungrounding or salvage procedures.
URGENT SITUATIONS
We are not emergency responders, call 911 in the event of an emergency. Emergency Services are not covered under your routine towing service agreement. However, we will provide Special Services for boaters on an “as needed basis.” Special Services are typically billed to your insurance company under your hull insurance policy. These include salvage services like sinking, sunk, on-fire or hard groundings requiring more than one vessel or special equipment to re-float the vessel.
SALVAGES
Vessels facing serious emergencies, such as being Hard Aground, Sunk, or Actively Taking on Water, typically require specialized salvage services. These services are often covered under your Hull Insurance Policy and billed directly to your insurance provider.
We strongly recommend reviewing your policy and consulting your carrier to understand which services are included and how payment will be handled. In critical situations, the need for special services will be unmistakable.
WRECK REMOVAL
Vessels that are beyond recovery or salvage become a wreck removal. These jobs are done by signed contract and may be billed on a time and material basis.