On water towing in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes

[South lake]

In the past we've cruised the North Channel, Georgian Bay, and the Canadian side of Lake Erie and Lake Huron and are planning some similar cruises next summer. We have the plan for on water towing with TowBoatUS but frankly I've never thought about coverage when we're in Canadian waters.

In checking it out it looks like my unlimited freshwater coverage with TowBoatUS and trailer coverage as well will cost me about $72 for the upcoming year. If I'm on the water in an area they don't cover with their own boats, they'll put me in touch with a local tow operator. I'll have to pay for the tow from the operator but TowBoatUS will reimburse me up to $2,500 of the cost. They told me this covers Canada as well as out of service areas in the US.

SeaTow's Gold Card is $169/year and provides a similar coverage for areas that are out of their normal coverage area but their out of pocket maximum is $5,000 instead of $2,500 and the plan includes saltwater coverage. The TowBoatUS freshwater and saltwater plan is $157/year and gives out of area coverage up to $3,000.

My reason for posting this is to ask if anyone on the Tugnuts site has ever used either TowBoatUS or SeaTow for towing services in Canadian waters and if so, what their experience was. Also wondering what other Tugnuts who cruise the great lakes in Canada do in this regard.

Thanks...

 

[Favunclerich]

When I was in Nipigon, Ontario last summer, a 42-foot trawler was grounded on a gravel bar about 10 miles from civilization. One of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary members was there in a couple of hours and towed him off. I'm told that he refused payment, even to cover his fuel. This area is very remote, and a commercial towing service would most certainly be non-viable. I can't promise similar experiences in other places or situations, but it left me with a feeling that Canadians will go out of their way to help a cruiser in trouble.

 

[bluestreak]

We are not allowed to accept any pay for our services.
We are all volunteers.
While under Coast Guard Auxiliary orders issued by the Coast Guard, we are covered for liability insurance and the fuel we burn.

 

[South lake]

Rich that's good to hear about the help the Canadian CG Auxilarist gave. As an Auxilarist with the US Coast Guard I've rendered similar assistance both when on orders and when boating on my own time and I like to think all boaters will offer help when they're able.

I'm just curious as to what services might be found based on US contracts with the two major towing companies. Particularly when within hailing distance to harbors like Tobermory, Gore Bay, Port Stanley, etc. After having an impeller fail at 50 hours and the hose recall, etc. I'm feeling a little more vulnerable than I did when cruising in boats with two engines.

 

[Irish Mist]

I live in Ontario and boat I would say above average ( approx 200 hr per season ) I have never had towing insurance or needed it for that matter. Up here we tend to help stranded boaters get to a marina.I have done my share of it and see people helping out all the time. I would be surprised to see anyone stuck for long . I would be more concerned with towing if I had a very large boat that would be difficult to tow.. Also on the smaller lakes it is usually the local marinas that would send out a boat if you called for help. Or the local volunteer fire dept. Also check your boat insurance . I know mine has towing and boat rental on it..
Hope to see some of you up here this summer it is great boating here in the summer. Good skating season now 🙂

 

[Pete]

It's great that boaters are willing to come to the aid of other boaters. But I think all of us need to be very aware of the difference between a tow and salvage. While I'm sure the vast majority of boaters offering help do so with no ulterior motive I think you run a greater risk of finding yourself subject to a salvage claim than if you use a reputable towing service. Also, it's safe to assume the professionals are likely to have considerably more skill in dealing with a towing/rescue situation than the average boater.
Even a response from TowBoatUS may turn out to be salvage but the captain is required by his/her licensing agreement with BoatUS to state that up front. Also I understand that, what is technically "low order salvage" is in fact defined as "towing" by TowBoatUS and covered by their insurance.
To be clear, I'd offer help or accept it from a fellow boater, in a simple and clearcut towing situation if there was no professional service available. But for me TowBoatUS towing insurance is one of the best deals on the water. To borrow from an American Express ad, I wouldn't leave home(port) without it.
Pete

 

[Leeroy]

Hello,

Here is some information many of you might find useful when travelling into Ontario.
http://www.boaterassist.com/EN/
If any of you have interest in this program, contact me for a coupon!

 

[South lake]

Thanks Leeroy. That might offer the additional security I was looking for.