90-day free trial for BoatUS when buying new Tug

[baz]

Subject: 90-day free trial for BoatUS when buying new Tug

I was unaware that when buying a new Ranger Tug there's a 90-day free BoatUS membership included. I don't recall this being mentioned to me by Ranger Tugs nor in any of the documentation that came with the boat, unless I missed seeing it among all the product literature in the Doc bag that comes with a new purchase.

Now of course, this free 90-day trial maybe bogus in that somehow BoatUS finds out a new boat has been purchased and independently throws in the free 90-days as a 'bait hook'.

The other thing that bothers me here is that BoatUS has somehow got hold of my Email address and is pestering me and keeps saying the free trial will expire etc.

For example, today I got this (just a snippet, and the bold text is accurate)

It's Time to Renew!
Your 90-day trial Membership will be expiring on ! For only $149 per year, you can continue to enjoy...

Note this statement does not indicated precisely when the free trial will expire.

What are other recent owners seeing in this respect ? Is it genuine or is it a 'bait hook' ?

 

[S. Todd]

I did not get any such notice when I purchased our Ranger in April, but I have been a Boat US Member for 29 years so a free trial membership probably would not have applied. I only pay $91 per year (that includes a $5 donation to the Foundation) and includes the Trailering club membership. My on-water towing is for fresh water however and I believe the salt water towing insurance is more expensive. Ranger Tug and Cutwater have consistently advertised in the Boat US magazine for a number years so it does not surprise me they have such an arrangement. My personal opinion is every boater that boats in the United States should support Boat US because they do seem to be the one organization that helps make sure the folks in Washington and elsewhere do not try to tax us just for owning boats and then not use those funds for providing boating and water related projects. Membership alone, without the towing insurance, is only $24.

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

It wouldn't surprise me to learn that BoatUS gets boat registration lists from each state. I've been a member for 40 or so years and support its safety, environmental, and lobbying efforts. Perhaps the greatest benefit I get is my subscription to the Seaworthy periodical, which describes itself as "the BoatUS Marine Insurance & Damage Avoidance Report. As part of the BoatUS Damage Avoidance Program, Seaworthy looks at real insurance claims to discover how they might have been prevented. Our goal is to help you enjoy accident free boating." It should be required reading for every skipper. Take a look at http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/

 

[SGIDAVE]

Subject: 90-day free trial for BoatUS when buying new Tug


The other thing that bothers me here is that BoatUS has somehow got hold of my Email address and is pestering me and keeps saying the free trial will expire etc.

For example, today I got this (just a snippet, and the bold text is accurate)

It's Time to Renew!
Your 90-day trial Membership will be expiring on ! For only $149 per year, you can continue to enjoy...

Note this statement does not indicated precisely when the free trial will expire.

What are other recent owners seeing in this respect ? Is it genuine or is it a 'bait hook' ?

Hello Barry,

I don't know about the legitimacy of your emails from BoatUS.

I suspect they got your email when your "dealer" registered you for the "free" trial membership. You know, the same way you where registered with Volvo as the owner of the engine for warranty purposes, etc. All part of the helpful services provided via the "DOC" fee listed in your closing papers.

dave

 

[TomFoolery]

Barry,
Like some others, I took delivery last April and I have been a Boat US member since 1989. I pay $149 per year, $15 for membership dues, $134 for unlimited water towing. I think it is a good deal, I've only had to use the towing once but that one bill would have been more than all my yrs. of payments! They also offer road towing (additional premium) if you have a trailer. Membership dues are discounted if you belong to a yacht club, boating club etc. If you are interested in the offer, I would call them and verify that it is legit.
Regards,
Tom