The Perrella's had an experience on June 4th, that they didn't ever want to repeat again. They broke down in the middle of Boston Harbor just before midnight after a evening cruise. The engine had some type of catastrophic internal failure that kept it from even turning over. After a few minutes of indecision about exactly what to do Chris called the Coast Guard. The CG, although very helpful and reassuring, informed the Perrella's that in their situation it is Coast Guard policy to defer to an alternate responder. The Coast Guard did assist by making several phone calls for them eventually getting in touch with Sea Tow to get them home.

The Perella's with friends aboard their 27' Bayliner Ciera

Chris and Mahla’s Story:

Tow # 1.

What a feeling of helplessness when your stuck in the middle of the Harbor not sure who to call. Sea Tow was fast and efficient! Even though it was after midnight within 15 minutes of the initial call we were in tow behind the Sea Tow boat heading for our slip. The whole evolution only took one hour and ten minutes. An hour and ten minutes at night rates, however, adds up to a hefty towing bill. I paid my bill and vowed to join Sea Tow. I joined two days later because I wanted the peace of mind and I didn’t ever want another towing bill.

It turned out that I needed a new engine. The company that I wanted to install the engine needed to haul my boat out of the water but I was responsible for getting the boat to their ramp. I called Sea Tow and arranged a dock-to-dock tow for June 15th, during off peak hours. Because I had a pre-existing condition the dock-to-dock tow wouldn’t normally be covered under the Sea Tow membership but they said they would do it anyhow at no charge. We got a free tow and a new engine.

Tow # 3.

On July 14th we picked up a plastic bag on our outdrive and fried the water pump impeller. Without a second thought I called Sea Tow for a tow. Mahla and I had a crowd of friends on the boat with us that day. When Sea Tow arrived the captain maneuvered up alongside and said, “Hi Chris what’s the problem.” This totally sent all my friends into howling laughter. I guess your not supposed to be on a first name basis with your tower. Captain Winkler and I had a chat about where to bring my boat. We were about 1 mile from my slip and 5 miles from the marina that does my repairs. I needed to get the boat to the mechanic but I didn’t want to inconvenience my friends. Captain Winkler said he would take me wherever I wanted to go but suggested that we return to my slip where I could unload passengers and gear. He said he would tow the boat to the mechanic on off peak hours during the week. That solution worked out better for both me and Sea Tow that busy Sunday afternoon.

Tow # 4.

As advertised Sea Tow did a dock-to-dock tow for me again on July 18th to get the outdrive water pump repaired. Again as before there was no charge for the service.

Tow # 5.

My new engine came with a two year parts and labor warranty. We needed it! On July 30th my new engine quit. It turned out to be a very minor problem completely covered under the warranty but warrantees don’t cover towing. Thank you Sea Tow for another free tow.

The rest of the summer was great. In all my years of boating, I never needed a tow until I hit that seven week streak of bad luck. I hope I never need a tow again! But, now I really know the value of a Sea Tow membership and will never leave port without my Sea Tow membership card and the peace of mind that goes with it.