I wanted to let everyone know about a few things I have come across the last couple of years that I feel might be important to some of you.
Although many of us carry insurance on our boats, motors, and trailers, many of the insurance companies do NOT cover towing while on the water. The ones that do carry it, have no clue how to initiate a tow if you call. More than likely, you will have to arrange the tow (by way of radio or phone if you have service) pay the cost at the dock, and then get your insurance to "hopefully" reimburse you for the tow. What a hassle.
Although I fish a lot of big water (Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron) the service I am about to talk about will cover you on ALL freshwater areas.
Boat USA offers a towing package for Freshwater coverage. The price includes your yearly membership dues, and full coverage towing. The cost is $72.00 per year and covers you no matter what vessel you are on. As long as you are on it, you are covered.
If you have an issue out on the great lakes, pick up the phone and call. If you don't have phone service, VHF radio channel 16 to boat USA and they will dispatch within minutes. They have boats up and down the coast and in all major harbors. One of my friends was towed 17 miles. They dropped him off at the dock, shook his hand, and have a nice day. That WOULD have cost $750.00. Another buddy was towed 12 miles in December. They launched their boat and was to the area inside of 25 minutes. Again, shook his hand and have a nice day. That tow was $2500.00. The price for the coverage is awesome compared to the piece of mind you have knowing you are taken care of. Yes, we hopefully can rely on the aid of others but... I like to KNOW without a doubt that I can and will get help if I need it.
This same coverage is for inland lakes as well. Have an issue on Houghton lake, make a call, and they dispatch the closest mobile boat to you. It is that simple. Run out of gas in Lake Huron, make a call, they bring you fuel. For 15 dollars more per year, you can get trailer coverage. Have a hub go bad, bearing, seal, tire, they dispatch someone to come and service it!!!! You get a ton of value for the money!
If by chance you happen to go to the Ultimate fishing show in Grand Rapids, a little birdie told me that they are offering service at a discounted rate if you sign up there. I think it is around $47.00 for the first year!
