New TowBoatUS location to serve Tappahannock region boaters
by Scott Croft 5 Aug 12:14 PDT
Capt. Chris Parker of TowBoatUS Upper Rappahannock. © Scott Croft
An underserved portion of the Rappahannock River now has professional 24/7 on-water towing and assistance coverage with the opening of TowBoatUS Upper Rappahannock. "We can now respond faster to a vessel breakdown than we could have from our Gwynn's Island or Reedville TowBoatUS locations," says Capt. Chris Parker, who operates the three in addition to TowBoatUS Crisfield on Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore.
All four locations are part of nationwide network of more than 300 TowBoatUS "ports," providing routine on-water assistance including towing, battery jumps, fuel drop-offs and soft ungroundings. Across the country, the towing service responds to around 90,000 requests for assistance each year.
Much like an auto club for recreational boat owners, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers on-water Unlimited Towing Memberships for saltwater boaters and anglers for just $165 per year - which is less expensive and offers more coverage than competitors. Also included are more than 25 BoatUS benefits including discounts on transient slips and fuel, exclusive savings from national partners, a subscription to BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration and more.
The company's response vessel, easily recognized by its bright red hull with "TowBoatUS" in white letters on each side, is stationed at Whelan's Marina in Farnham. The company's captains are also U.S. Coast Guard licensed.
Separate from BoatUS on-water towing services, TowBoatUS Upper Rappahannock offers boat salvage, environmental remediation, dive and crew boat services.
The fastest way to request assistance from TowBoatUS Upper Rappahannock is to download the free BoatUS App, which connects boaters to the closest local towing captain. Additionally, the port can be reached at 804-724-0833, by hailing on VHF channel 16, or by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869. More information can be found at www.BoatUS.com/Towing or by calling 800-888-4869.