Helping Stranded Boaters

[WaterChap]

As a fairly inexperienced boater, I was wondering what was normal for offering help to stranded boaters. Of course I would always help someone who was injured or capsized and will always give a ride to someone to get them off of the water, but I was wondering about towing. Do you always offer to tow someone? Do you tow them to the nearest ramp or the ramp they put in on? Is there a limit to how far you'll tow someone? I've always towed people, but it can take forever and burn a ton of gas. Also, I'm worried about what I'm doing to my 30 year old outboard. Anyone have any advice or thoughts?

 

[Guest]

Well just think if it was you that was broke down what would you hope the other person would do.Then you will have you answer.

 

[fischnrod]

I would be happy if I was broke down for someone to get me to the nearest ramp . I can call somebody to take me to my truck and come back for my boat.

 

[derek81]

Take them to the nearest ramp, if they want a ride all the way back to where they came from they can call Tow Boat.

 

[triton18tx]

This is a great subject with all the boats out for the summer. However, I draw the line if the stranded person or people is intoxicated. That opens up a whole new can of worms

 

[cmiller]

Any help goes a long way to a stranded boater. I have been in those shoes a couple time. I have Tow Boat USA but was still very thankful someone was willing to tow me while they were fishing a tournament. It was a father and son fishing a high school tournament and I told them that Tow Boat was on the way. I wasn’t about to cut in on after and son time even though I had to wait 2 hours for tow boat to get there because I in Mullins Cove and the had to come from island Coce marina.

But if someone was going to have to tow me the nearest ramp would be a huge blessing.

 

[Buoy-Master]

triton18tx - 5/30/2019 9:39 AM This is a great subject with all the boats out for the summer. However, I draw the line if the stranded person or people is intoxicated. That opens up a whole new can of worms

</p>

Id rather get them off the water. Give them an earful afterwards too!</p>

 

[FishingwithRusty]

B-TRACKER - 5/29/2019 6:30 PM

Well just think if it was you that was broke down what would you hope the other person would do.Then you will have you answer.

winner!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SpurHunter]

NEVER tow any vessel you are not comfortable towing, that is a recipe for damage to your boat, or people involved. There is a reason you have to have a Coast Guard endorsement to tow any boat for hire. With our litigious society today, if you are using YOUR rope to two them and something breaks causing damage or injury you are open to fault. Its crazy for anyone today to not have TowboatUS, its cheap and fantastic insurance for these reasons.
Having said my peace, I have towed and will tow people when I see those in need. I will offer to get them to shore, or the nearest ramp, that's already being a great boating neighbor.

 

[cmiller]

Amen!! To Tow Boat USA. Best 80 dollars you can spend if you own a boat!!!!i would get this before getting anything else.

 

[ezebassn]

Nearest ramp, if they don't approve then they don't appreciate your generosity. Always offer assistance and regardless of outcome you helped them hopefully they will pay it forward.

 

[churly]

I think there are maritime laws that state it is illegal to not offer assistance to stranded boaters. Do yourself a big favor and get the Towboat US coverage, and never worry about things that ARE going to happen if you stay on the water enough

 

[lafae7]

Yeah I think we are all on the same page. Just preaching to the choir but everyone should have insurance. At the minimum have liability and towing.

 

[digitalcb]

It depends on what his female companion looks like emoLaugh