BoatUS - Boat Weather & Tides

Heading in from Catalina to Channel Islands Harbor Marina when 10 miles out we loose our port engine, we let Vessel Assist know our situation and would keep them advised. With the fog and a little rough waters there was a little bit of tension onboard , since we were bringing home a new used boat that we weren’t too familiar with it, we were struggling to keep a straight path with one engine when I turned around and noticed we had Vessel Assist behind us to make sure we got home . Randy, the captain was very calming on the radio and led us into the harbor in the fog and then side Tie us and took us to our dock. Excellent service from Boat US and a 20+ years experience captain (Randy). from Channel Islands California harbor Charles Jourdan

First I had trouble with my password which has to be entered on the App to request a tow (I’m going to write it ink on my card going forward). Then the first dispatcher I talked to could not understand where I was in the world, then could not find any boats because her system was down. After at least five minutes I asked if I should call coast guard instead and she said she was unable to help me so yes. We were able to pump fast enough to stay ahead of it but when we got to our remote island dock I called again. This dispatcher was competent and the skipper he put me in touch with was incredibly helpful. Then I found out my tow would not be covered because it was a hull issue rather than a breakdown. I certainly understand the service much better now, but still surprised that I wasn’t as covered for any eventuality as I thought I was and the initial dispatcher failure was frustrating. Hopefully it was just unlucky timing.

When I purchased my membership of course I did not really have plans on ever having to use it but for the money I thought well why not just to be safe(we have 2 boats and a jet ski). However unfortunately we did have to use it very early in the boating season. The customer service and communication from the time I requested a tow via the app on my phone. They dispatch kept me in the loop as far as the ETA as week as the captain I spoke to several times mainly because I have no sense of direction but I was trying to tell him where I was on the water. He was very professional and help keep my calm. He and his wife were very professional on the tow back to the boat ramp. Not to mention they came in on there off day to tow us because there were several requests ahead of us and it was going to be at least an hour and a half before the other captain could get to us. I recommend everyone to purchase a membership if you have any plans on being on the water because you rather be safe than sorry.