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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Towing responsibilities.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/13/2013 : 09:02:05

While at the Annopolis boat show, we had the chance to talk extensively with a couple that had their boat totaled a couple of years ago.

Long litigation issues are still underway, but for Peggy & I, the question brought up was 'What is the responsiblity of the Skipper (us) when the boat is under tow?

In particular, who is in command of the operation, who bears responsiblity for the plan and problems?

Having listened to Barry & Penny's story, it has given us cause to improve our knowledge ... just in case .. (hoping the case never comes up!)

Paul

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 10/13/2013 : 13:25:08

I know nothing but have always heard that you never let the tow boat tie on to your boat, you control the tow line yourself so you can cast-cut it off if you decide things are not going well. Isn't the classic story about being towed under by a power boat who has no clue about hull speed? (More likely deck fittings being ripped out.)

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 10/13/2013 : 17:33:48

Reminds me of a funny story. Went sailing with Hobie Cat one blustery afternoon and found the lake all but deserted with too much wind but it was just right for the Hobie. After a three mile reach up the lake, a fishing boat is noted with a middle aged man waving his arms to get attention as they are without power.

He tells me he and wife are camping and ask if I might go to their campsite area three miles back down the lake to enlist a tow to wit I respond, I'll tow you. The wife looks incredulous but she has had enough waiting.

In knee deep water off their campsite the man has the last word... "never thought I'd be towed by a sailboat, many thanks."

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 10/13/2013 : 22:08:12

I have been towed twice in the last 45 years, no embarrassing details on the first time, and the tow captain explained that he was responsible for the security of my boat and would secure the line. I obliged, but I was encouraged by him asking if I knew my hull speed. Only judges and lawyers can answer the the question, and they will probably add that the opinion is not binding.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2013 : 06:09:49

I should probably re-read my TowBoatUS contract (it's been a while) to see if it answers these questions. I don't remember them being answered in the material for the towing endorsement I have with my six-pack, but I could look there too.

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pastmember
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Response Posted - 10/14/2013 : 09:37:51

Even if "they" insist on tying on themselves it would be prudent to have your crew at the bow with a hatchet... I would think.

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britinusa
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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2013 : 18:19:04

So, currently, here's out plan should we ever have to get towed. (We do have the 'unlimited' towing package, but we know it's not really 'unlimited').

Should we suffer an engine breakdown and need to get towed to the marina where our truck and trailer are waiting, or to a place we can get the truck and trailer for a pull out, then....

a) Use the services of BoatUS first if possible.

b) When the tow boat arrives, then discuss the issue with the tow boat operator(TBO) (are they 'Captains'??)

c) discuss the following:

1. How much of the tow is covered by Tow Boat US?
2. What is the TBO plan.
3. What should we do if we feel that the boat is being put in peril during the tow?
4. If we are likely to pass under a bridge, or through a narrow channel, what is the plan?
5. When we come alongside, what is the plan to ensure we suffer minimal damage.
6. What paper work can we expect upon completion of the tow.
7. If we are unhappy with any action that the TBO takes, what are our choices of action.

I can probably think of several more questions.

eg.
Should we contact BoatUS directly or Call BoatUS services on #16?
Are all BoatUS TBO qualified captains and do they have suitable experience towing 'sail boats'?
Is there 'language' we should use or not use during the initial discussions with the TBO.

Basically, hearing about the over 30 month drawn out litigation that most likely resulted from a significant injury on the boat during a tow back to Florida, I'm concerned that lack of knowledge on this issue could be financially disastrous even if it's the result of a comparatively minor tow.

When (if) the need for a tow ever arose, there would be plenty to worry about without the concern of incompetent TBO's. We have insurance, not because we have to, but because we want to protect ourselves in the event of an accident or breakdown, not having confidence in the service we pay for each year is not something we want to worry about in those circumstances.

We're planning on talking to BoatUS with the intent of requesting procedural guidelines before needing to call on the services of a tow boat.

Paul

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2013 : 21:18:17

A friend was stuck on a rock in his 53 footer. Keel and hull were damaged. Had they gotten off on their own, they've sunk. Towing service then engaged him and his boat in a salvage operation. He lost the boat as it was a salvage.
His insurance eventually made him and the towing co whole. Sadly, he was relocated to Phoenix and had to sell his boat.
This is a worst case scenario however the moral is that schtuff happens at sea. You never know the twists and turns of life. You're responsible.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2013 : 07:13:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by britinusa
 ...Should we contact BoatUS directly or Call BoatUS services on #16?
Are all BoatUS TBO qualified captains and do they have suitable experience towing 'sail boats'?...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I'd start on Ch. 16 so the USCG, local police, and other boaters in the area are aware. Around here, TowBoatUS and SeaTow generally switch to a working channel, and if that's spotty, they give you a number to call on your cell (if you have service). They're all Masters with Towing Endorsements--I had a few prospective operators in my captain's license class. That doesn't guarantee their experience levels... I hope TBUS and SeaTow provide additional training, because the USCG Towing Endorsement is very rudimentary.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2013 : 19:59:24

The easiest contact, after notifying theCG and if you have cell service, is the Android/IOS APP from Boat/US or SeaTow.. It relays your location.

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