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They've salvaged thousands of hurricane-damaged boats; now they help Lake Eufaula boaters get home

by BoatUS 30 Jun 13:57 PDT
Capt. Ryan Nix of TowBoatUS Walter F. George is ready to help recreational boaters on Alabama's Lake Eufaula © BoatUS

Brett Taporowski and Ben Morgan, who have a combined 50 years experience salvaging boats damaged or destroyed by storms, have an impressive record. In total, they've completed more than 19,000 recreational boat salvage and recoveries over the past 21 major hurricanes. Now, the business partners see a growth opportunity with the opening of TowBoatUS Walter F. George on Lake Eufaula, providing professional on-water towing, ungrounding, battery jump and fuel drop-off services to boaters 24/7.

Capt. Ryan Nix manages on-water operations and is the location's towing port captain. TowBoatUS Walter F. George is one of more than 300 TowBoatUS locations across the country that respond to over 90,000 requests for routine assistance from boaters each year.

The shallow lake, a prize bass fishery, can cause boaters and anglers unexpected troubles. Since opening, the company's two red towboats have been most often summoned to help vessels that have run aground or struck a submerged object, or those who have trolled just a little too long, draining batteries and requiring a jump-start to get on their way.

All of these services are provided for in a Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Unlimited Towing Membership for freshwater boaters and anglers for just $99 per year. Included are more than 25 Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) benefits and discounts, a subscription to BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration, and more.

Separate from BoatUS on-water towing, the company offers - you guessed it - boat salvage, as well as spill clean-up services.

The fastest way to request assistance is to download the free BoatUS App, which connects boaters to the closest local towing captain. Additionally, TowBoatUS Walter F. George can be reached at 888-486-3643, or by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869.

For more go to www.BoatUS.com/Towing or call 800-888-4869.

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