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February - March 2018
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Boaters’
New Year’s
Resolution:
Don’t Get
Towed!
While Sea Tow membership gives you the peace
of mind on the water of knowing towing is included
and available 24/7 should you need it, we realize you
would prefer to avoid it if possible! For boaters whose
New Year’s resolution is to keep their boat off the
other end of our tow lines, here are tips from Sea Tow
Captains on how to prevent the five most common
issues that result in boaters calling Sea Tow for help.
1. Engine or equipment breakdown.
“Most
of the reasons we tow people are due to mechanical
failure,” says Capt. Mike DeGenaro of Sea Tow
Charlotte Harbor (Florida). The cure? “What it all
comes down to is proper maintenance, and that
means having the boat looked over by a professional
mechanic on a regular basis.” He added, “Be sure to
change your water impeller as well.”
2. Fuel-related issues.
“We always suggest full
spring maintenance on the fuel system. This means
changing out all fuel filters and inspecting fuel lines and
fuel bulbs,” says Capt. Chris Ward of Sea Tow South
Mississippi. He also recommends putting 100-percent
ethanol-free gasoline in your gas-powered boat’s
tank. “If boaters do insist on using ethanol fuel, we
suggest a fuel additive such as Star Tron, and using
all ethanol-resistant fuel components.”
3. Ran out of gas.
“Don’t trust your boat’s fuel
gauge. They’re all different. Know your average fuel
burn usage per hour and track your hours of use in-
between fill-ups. Additionally, take the weather into
account,” says Capt. Walter Garschagen of Sea Tow
Central Hudson River, who has made fuel drops to
scores of boaters who thought they had more fuel in
the tank than actually was there. “Go by the Rule of
Thirds – Use one third of the tank going out, one third
to get back, and keep one-third in reserve.”
4. Dead battery.
“Battery issues are our second
largest call in the springtime, even on newer boats,”
said Capt. Chris. “I suggest having a marine trickle
charger plugged in during winter months and get a
new battery every three to five years. Most of the newer four-
stroke engines require so much more amperage for cranking
and the computer. We also suggest making sure all connections
on batteries are clean and tight, and we recommend removing
the wing nuts that come on some marine batteries and replacing
them with lock nuts to ensure a solid connection that will not
vibrate loose.”
5. Ran aground.
“Boaters unfamiliar with the area will call
us at Sea Tow and ask for help with local navigation,” said Capt.
Walter. “That’s great; we are happy to help. But our advice is,
don’t take shortcuts or unmarked passages unless you have
local knowledge. If you stay in a marked channel, you generally
don’t have to worry about shoaling or shifting sandbars.”
Capt. Chris adds, “Familiarize yourself with local charts and
make sure they are up to date. If you are running at night, have
a handheld light, a proper lookout, and maintain your vessel at a
safe and manageable speed. If in doubt, stop, get your bearing
and then resume your trip.”With these tips in mind, you can
enjoy the other benefits of Sea Tow membership – including
deals and discounts – while keeping your New Year’s resolution
to avoid being towed.