There were no Jolly Rogers or parrots in the Capitol Tuesday, but two lawmakers are seeking to put what they call a predatory boating-assistance practice in Davy Jones’ locker.
Sen. Dana Young and Rep. Shawn Harrison, both Tampa Republicans, held a press conference on legislation they’re sponsoring (SB 664, HB 469) to combat “modern-day piracy,” they said. Continue reading…
The maritime salvage laws on the books today originated well before the days of Christopher Columbus. Today, salvage laws remain relatively unchanged. Boaters in Florida and across the nation should understand how and when these laws apply to them. Otherwise, you could end up with a shocking bill for even basic assistance on the water.
A long-time friend of mine is a charter captain in Sebastian, Florida. He was fishing offshore with clients and noticed a slight crack in the hull, which let water in below decks. With an abundance of caution, he headed back to shore and contacted a popular maritime salvage and towing company to provide assistance. This company rushed a boat to his location and tossed him a pump to help minimize the effects of the leak. The company representative never set foot on my friend’s boat. A couple weeks later, my friend received a shocker of a bill—for $3,800. Continue reading…
I have needed an on-the-water tow three times over the last five years. Each of my experiences with maritime towing services has been prompt and professional. I believe that’s what most boaters find when caught in a bad situation.
That’s why I was shocked when a friend who is a maritime attorney told me several horror stories of people being taken advantage of by price-gouging towing and salvage companies. After calling dozens of guides, fishing clubs and boating clubs, I realized that price gouging occurs more than rarely, and that few boat owners understand even the basics of towing and salvage law. Continue reading…
Sailors need to know the difference between a salvage and tow before the worst happens
A few years ago while sailing in South Carolina I ran softly aground in a mud bank just north of Charleston. It happened as I circled to await the opening of a drawbridge.
Putting the engine in reverse didn’t budge the keel, nor did trying to pull the stern off the shoal using the inflatable tender and small outboard. Continue reading…
Martin Manin is the first to admit that the boating accident he had last winter in South Florida was his fault, and he remains grateful that Sea Tow came to his aid in mere minutes. But he’s so bitter about how that tow was handled financially that he’s willing to share his nautical embarrassments with the world if it helps some of us to learn about the darker side of the boat towing business. Continue reading…
We ran aground three times in the middle of the channel in the ICW between Cumberland Island and St. Augustine, Florida, so we were pretty frazzled when we finally arrived to the entrance of St. Augustine’s inlet. Each time Hideaway slammed to a stop on a sand bank, I had visions of our keel ripping clean off the boat, leaving us with a sinking home, an aborted trip and two angry, swimming cats.