TowBoatUS - Day in the life of a Tow Boat Captain

[@boatus]

Thanks for spending a great day with one of our many fabulous captains! Lots of good lessons learned - and shared. Hopefully that guy was smart enough to sign up for a towing membership when he got home.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Hope to join Captain Andreas again soon!

[@chrisostling805]

Yeah, you stole thousands of dollars' worth of my gear that was sitting on the dock already salvaged, when my insurance company hired you! I was trying to get a respected salvage team to do the work, but my insurance hired you and your thieves behind my back and did not tell me that you were going to show up while I was not there. You even stole my firearms out of the boat! Then when I called and complained, trying to get my gear back, you refused to tell me who did it and where my gear was, then hung up on me! You are Criminals!

[@CBH85]

That package graphic is silly. If it is "Basic Membership Plus:" you don't list what is already included in the lower package. You add what is new to package listed, not previous ones. Seems dishonest and confusing.

[@davidjacobs5266]

Love these guys- polite thoughtful and willing to jump in to help…. Loved to be a member until we sailed to Europe and there is no one here like these guys.

[@stephenrobinson7837]

Great video sir and reminder to all boaters to have BoatUS. I've never had to call on them (knock on wood) but a great peace of mind knowing they're there if I need them.

[@rhoneycu2]

I had to call them once for giving out of fuel on a lake. It was well worth it. I’ve had a membership since I first got a boat. Definitely recommend them

[@giveitathink6749]

Captains for clean water! Greenpeace. Real good tutorial with a proficient Captain and ride-along narrator.

[@darrellyoung9586]

My sister and brother-in-law are doing the loop and have BoatUS. They were down in your area of FL and had a minor mishap requiring BoatUS assistance. BoatUS showed up, took care of the problem (line tangled in prop), and it was no out of pocket expense to them because they had BoatUS. I do not have a yacht, but I am a BoatUS member.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

The peace of mind is priceless!

[@edogden2214]

tow boat captains are very polite, helpful and good at there job !!!!

[@Tatersalade]

Excellent maneuvering, Captain.

[@Frankie-Floyd]

Whether you have BoatUS or SeaTow it's a must to have!

[@thayward65]

I will always have BoatUS I am happy that I haven't had to use them. I enjoy their magazines and am glad they are there when I do. It is not a matter of IF it is just a matter of WHEN. The Coast Guard Auxillary used to do tows in California at no charge to other boaters. I guess they stopped it due to liability.

[@tonyrhoton6613]

Reading comments I c a guy recognized ur voice u would make a great announcer ur voice is very clear and strong tks. 4 the vid.

[@scottzorno8414]

I had a BoatUS membership and had to call 3 times in a month. on the Ohio and Cumberland rivers. Yeah, they cover big rivers too. The only thing I had to pay extra was for the actual fuel they brought. Never hit big water without towing of some kind.

[@ickess]

This looks like a very rewarding job to do but really gotta know your stuff.

[@jrac863]

Excellent video Tom this almost felt like a tv show. We have progressive insurance that covers full towing for our boat in NY on Oneida lake .But I'll have to check into Towboatus when we get to Florida

[@diggy-d8w]

Another tough job unknown to most people but I've seen them working out of S. Louisiana & they are some of the hardest workers ever..... hard & dangerous jobs! Run around along any of the Intercoastal canals thru the USA & these guys are out there working their butts off in the heat, the storms, and the wildlife/insects that encompass them. If you're on a boat get a card from your Fav guys so they can save you. peace

[@truthhurts1339]

I got it this year. The piece of mind is the best part

[@JoshGreenYoutube]

Great video and questions. Also very professional captain!

[@dianarodriguez9783]

Excellent service well worth the money!

[@grub321]

Watched your video and bought tow boat insurance.

[@michaetsully87]

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY I have a dead battery!!! 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@ronschultz1977]

Great idea for a video!!! Very educational and very well done. Thank you for sharing!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks Ron!

[@David-Indy]

I just found you all on You Tube. So fun! Been working through your Playlist. Keep up the good work.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@reneap9049]

I could do that all day long!!! Luv you guys!! 😘😘😘

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

This video gave me the imputus to join BoatUS. Great video!

[@ryankay6716]

Cool video!! $200/ year for the top membership? That is the cheapest thing you will spend in a year. No brainers to have it

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

That’s what I went for. The free dock to dock towing is a no brainer for me.

[@Broke_operator]

My friend said the first thing you do when you buy a boat is get tow insurance lol. I broke down and needed a tow and I paid nothing. Would’ve been 600 without

[@rodneyferguson446]

My Son was out last year with his Father-In-Law on his FIL's boat. They were going down one of the marked lanes in POC and saw 3 Boats over to their right. Being that the three were pretty close together, they thought that they might be on fish. So his FIL turned toward the guys and headed up there, just to learn that all 3 were "Soft Grounded". None of them had even tried to wave my Son and his FIL off or give any indication that they were grounded.....so it ended up there were then 4 boats grounded instead of 3. One of the boats had a Boatus policy and he called them. His charge for being pulled off was -$0.00/Zilch/Nada but my Son's FIL and the other 2 boats were charged $1,000.00 each to be pulled off. I know Towboats.Boatus/and Sea tow have to make a living but "TO ME", charging the 3 boats without Tow Insurance that much seems a little excessive, especially since the Towboat was already there. BUT, when you're in a Bind, you'll pay almost anything (Fortunately, my Son's FIL has BIG Money so he had the $1,000.00). It was, however, a "Learning Experience" and both my Son AND his FIL now have Tow Insurance, LOL! I told my Son that one might think that the other Guys (when freed) might help pull the other boat(s) off so it wouldn't cost Everyone $1,000.00. But then again, If they wouldn't expend enough energy to wave you off and try to keep you from being grounded with them, then why would you expect them to help you get freed up? For what that one incident cost him, my Son's FIL could have purchased 6 years of Insurance.

[@FantasticHunter]

@@rodneyferguson446 It's good to have if you are frequently out in coastal waters. I think I'd be liable to wait for the tide before paying that much haha.

[@craigevans6156]

Good to see life jackets being worn on board. Does he use a kill chord?

[@alabamared2568]

What a great vlog. Very educational and informative I'm not fortunate enough to own a boat.. however if you do own a boat one would be mental if you don't have towboatus it's really a cut and dry service.. I see some saying ahh you don't ne yeah that one time ur gonna wish you had it and for the cost of the plans it's really silly not to have it I know I'd have it!!

[@JackJack-ld5eo]

My steering cable broke out in the middle of Buzzards Bay. The tow was just over 20 miles and through the cape cod canal to the Sandwich marina. They showed up 40 minutes after the initial call for help. It was a longggg slowwww ride but they got me back. The tow would have been over a thousand without the tow insurance. If you have a boat and don't have tow insurance, you shouldn't own a boat.

[@michaelhensley4102]

Very, very good video. Very professional.

[@Guerrero1187]

if you own a boat you have to have this membership it will save you a ton of money. its not if you use it its when you use it

[@5710fpilot]

Cool video! I'd love that job!

[@SkunkApeFLA10]

Interesting and informative video about TowBoatUS, but couldn't have found a way to get Admiral Brigitt in the video? C'mom man! :) 🤣

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Oh she’s going to love that comment! I think she’s going to start her own channel and will surely comment separately. Lol

[@stevenhallsworth5839]

That was a very good vlog

[@ariesapparel5944]

Great Video If I ever get a Boat ill get the insurance

[@billmead5052]

It's the best insurance deal in America!

[@heyjules2008]

Fun video and very informative 👍

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks Jules!

[@mycompasslawp.a.4328]

Aren't you the dude from Happy Ours? Your voice sounds the same and that gy live in the Cape also

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Yes that’s me! Lol

[@toddgarris8448]

I’ve been a TowboatUS member for 20 years and knock on wood have never needed them, I also have the optional trailer assist which is only $15 more per year for roadside svc. BoatUS also represents the boating community in Washington and promotes many boater programs including education. Btw their graphics dept is awesome as well and have used them multiple times to do my registration #’s and boat name (extremely fast turnaround). On a different note, what careers did you and the admiral do in NY prior to moving to the sunshine state? Love your channel!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks Todd! Yes BoatUS is much more than towing! I forgot about the graphics too! The admiral and I both worked for Verizon Communications in NY prior to moving. I retired as a construction manager from that job after 32 years but she still works for Verizon Wireless in Florida now as an IT project manager.

[@Sagerat83]

Good commercial

[@JohnNewman-ev7tc]

The tow trucks of the water..

[@lancemartin1153]

If you have a boat on any coast with coverage the $200 is a no brainer. Boats break!

[@dailystruggle2762]

Best job in the world 🎉

[@joshlindemeier2434]

A good boat insurance policy will cover boat towing 😊 found out my state State Farm policy could be billed directly or reimburse me

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I found out the hard way that regulat insurance doesn’t cover you when on a different boat. I have insurance for my big boat but my pontoon wasn’t covered. When I broke down on the pontoon I needed to pay out of pocket. I now purchased an unlimited towing plan from BoatUS. It covers any boat I’m driving.

[@joshlindemeier2434]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs sounds like maybe you just need better insurance on your pontoon…my insurance covered my tow for running out of fuel…the fuel gauge malfunctioned stopped at 1/4 tank, found out the hard way when I first bought the boat and was trying to run down the fuel winter storage 🤦‍♂️…don’t get me wrong I see advantages of a tow membership much like AAA for cars but everyone should already be paying for insurance so why not find a company that truly covers boaters needs in there “standard” policy 🤔

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I didn’t have insurance at all on the pontoon at the time as it was new to me. I do now, but like the flexibility of having tow coverage on any boat I’m on.

[@cardio10101]

They hiring? Good stuff Cappy.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

That I don’t know. I did see a job posting for a towboat Captain in fort myers. Flagship towing.

[@cardio10101]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs great retiree job if part time.

[@rexrexrex992]

Im a Great Lakes towboat captain. Love it! Having pretty much mastered my piloting and seamanship skills for the small craft that was available to me, the towboat gig allowed me to take them to the next level. If you want to boat with purpose and you like problem solving, it’s a great job. They’re always looking for captains up here.

[@jamesschulz5518]

Watching the tow boat episode so good !! Very informative !! I just came back from naples flew down and drove back to nj with my girlfriend who’s 3 month snow bird time is over i have to start working on my boat love your videos will sign up for tow insurance whats the discount code ?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Code is in the video near the end.

[@ChrisD624]

What a funny accent. Where’s this guy from?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Puerto Rico

[@xersis31]

Boat US is actually the better of the two I'm not even going to name the other company but they basically stiffed my dad then we called boat us and they gave us great service

[@doncritzer2798]

I just renewed my gold plan.......

[@doncritzer2798]

Tow tow tow your boat gently down the stream

[@darrisb1727]

7:07 Nice job moving that vessel to the dock. I have Geico for towing, never used it. Should I still have the Tow Boat yearly member ship?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

If you have the TowBoat unlimited membership, you have towing on any boat you drive, not just the boat you have insured thru Geico. I learned that the hard way!

[@darrisb1727]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs How does it work? I call and the Tow Boat picks someone up do that someone have to pay and submit reimbursement to Geico? Probably should ask them for some reason I think they told me that with my old boat.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

The insured member(You) needs to be aboard.

[@frankchris07]

200 per year that is a no brainer. Why would you not!!

[@OttoTheWeim]

That should have been a securite’ call NOT mayday. Proper mayday calls are rare and should only be used when risk of life is imminent. Not just when your boat breaks down.

[@Kitchfox]

Is there a service anything like this on the west coast? I have been out playing around with boats for over 30 years and have only seen law enforcement and coast guard

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

BoatUS is everywhere.

[@thetabest]

Wait, this is a job? Im hunting down my high-school career advisor for not making me aware of this dream job!

[@thetabest]

Joking, no real threat to any life, but if I knew then what I know now...

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Get your captains license! Lots of opportunity out there.

[@LarryWright-sh4oy]

I want this

[@sethg.4127]

I don't understand, if your boat is disabled and on a trailer at the boat ramp, why would you put it in the water and have it towed to your dock? It seems like that is the exact opposite of what you would do with a disabled boat.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

That boat was actually crane lifted from a yard and placed on the trailer, then towed back to the owners dock.

[@ksessa1010]

So interesting

[@richardwendt4612]

It's CAVALRY not Calvery.

[@chuckvogt899]

is there a standard tip if you are a member?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Good question. I don’t know the answer to that.

[@marissd9703]

Orgullosa de mi hijo

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Captain Andreas is the best!

[@henray76]

the music makes me think andrew camarata

[@Whitebassonly]

Carry a tow rope with you….if it’s a popular boating area somebody is likely to give you a tow if you can flag them down. But also tow package with these guys is pretty cheap insurance just like carrying roadside on your vehicles.

[@patrickcotter4992]

what do they have in the madison, wisconsin area

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

There are numerous tow ports on Lake Michigan near Milwaukee. You can check out all the BoatUS services on their webpage and clicking on “service locator”, then entering your location.

[@patrickcotter4992]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs thank you

[@wander3605]

5:55 -How much horse power? -We got 103.1 50's -21 50 -3 150's ??????😅

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Twin 150’s!

[@josueruiz3923]

Whats the pay like for a captain?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

They get paid per tow, so if no calls, no pay. Not sure what their cut is but I’m guessing it’s a good chunk of the tow fee($350/hr)

[@JIMWRCI]

Cpt Andreas is from Greece ?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I don’t think so. I believe Puerto Rico?

[@grasscutter88]

It's not insurance, it's a membership.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

BoatUS calls it a membership. But to the rest of us - it’s cheap insurance. Probably lawyer speak for some reason.

[@grasscutter88]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs I think they charge $200/hr to tow around my area. i'd say they could get me back to the dock in a couple hours since I don't go far, but they did say something about they charge for the trip to get to you in the first place according to this video unless I misunderstood.

[@porschedk]

So unless you're being towed at least 5 times a year, it doesn't make sense to get insurance. What's the deal with scaring people with "Have to pay out of pocket" phrase? Don't you also pay "Out of pocket" for insurance? Or do you pay "out of your shoes" for insurance?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Tow membership is only about $150 per year. An average tow without tow insurance costs $800 or so.

[@porschedk]

@AdventuresofHappyOurs This makes sense, of course, but the guy said he pays $2500 a year....

[@truthhurts1339]

Pan pan pan

[@bayardtaylor2990]

Why would you tow a dead boat from the Trailor to owners dock

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

It wasn’t dead. Just washed ashore. Needed some minor work. Couldn’t reach water with crane.

[@braydencash9764]

Only 600 tow boats ?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Only?

[@scotthall3816]

😮

[@tonyrhoton6613]

Ins. Not that high not 2 have it

[@williamkinn5959]

This is a advertisement.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Yep, promotional video as stated, but nothing staged. The mayday and tows were real life stories that happen the day we rode with the tow boat.

[@chrisostling805]

I will never use a Tow Service again. My insurance company used Boat US to salvage my boat after my Ex blew it up with me in it. I had salvaged thousands of dollars' worth of equipment already and had it sitting on the dock, and they stole all of it while I was not there! They also stole the firearms that were aboard my boat! They are thieves and I will Never suggest to anyone to use them! Always use a local independent salvage company and oversee their work.

[@cwbobby7415]

ich würde mir ja nicht helfen lassen, der kann ja noch nicht mal die einfachsten seemänischen Knorten!

[@David-Indy]

Sorry to see the direction your channel is taking. Disappointing that you need to try to sell me something. Unsubscribing.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Sorry you feel that way. Far be it for me to try to make a few bucks on the side when I spend upwards of 20 hours a week editing videos for you. Good luck finding a channel that doesn’t.

[@gabesmith9353]

its a no brainer i pay for the premium cost its worth it