BoatUS Towing Services, which operates a nationwide on-the-water recreational boat-towing program, reports that over 65,000 requests for non-emergency assistance were received by its TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist towing fleet in 2009 - an 8% increase over the previous year. "The economy has led many boaters to skimp on routine maintenance, which always means more on-the-water breakdowns," said BoatUS Vice President of Towing Services Jerry Cardarelli.
Formerly ranked fourth out of the top five reasons why boaters needed a tow, battery problems jumped to the #2 spot last year and totaled over 10,000 individual requests. The top five reasons why boaters called for on-the-water assistance in 2009 were:
#1 General engine failures
#2 Battery problems
#3 Groundings
#4 Out of fuel or fuel related problems
#5 Propulsion system failures
"Boaters told us that they forgot to monitor their battery's charge level, delayed replacing a poorly-performing battery, or substituted a less expensive starting battery when a deep-cycle was needed," said Cardarelli. "And some boaters simply drained their batteries by running sound systems, refrigerators, and fans," he added.
Advice? Watch your Battery This Summer
"For the 2010 season, we suggest boaters should be vigilant about battery charge levels and basic maintenance such as cleaning or replacing corroded wiring," said Cardarelli. "Spending a little now could save you from an expensive tow, not to mention the aggravation," he added. Boaters face costs that nationally average about $600 per towing incident. However, BoatUS offers boaters "Unlimited" on-the-water towing plans, much like an roadside auto club for boaters and anglers, starting at $58 a year (for freshwaters). For more information, go to BoatUS.com/towing.
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