Boating Tips from Sea Tow Captains to Avoid Common Mistakes
There’s nothing like a summer day on the water—unless it ends with a dead battery, a fouled prop, or a desperate call for a tow. Fortunately, Sea Tow® Captains across the country have seen it all, and they’re sharing the most common (and avoidable) mishaps they encounter every boating season.
With more than 500 locations nationwide, Sea Tow is often the first call boaters make when something goes wrong afloat. According to the company, the most frequent services they provide include towing (52%), dock-to-dock tows (11%), ungroundings (10%), jump starts (7%), and fuel or parts delivery (7%).
The good news? Most of these headaches can be prevented with a little preparation and know-how. Here’s what seasoned Sea Tow Captains want every boater to remember.
Start at the Dock: Check the Basics
Captain Nik Foster of Sea Tow Daytona/Ponce/New Smyrna says one of the most frustrating calls comes from boaters who simply can’t get the engine to start.
“Make sure the throttle is in neutral,” Foster says. “It sounds obvious, but it happens all the time—especially when you’re rafted up or anchored with a group and someone accidentally bumps the controls into gear.”
Another common culprit? Battery issues. Marine batteries usually last only about two years, and loose or corroded connections can make even a charged battery useless. “Check your terminals and connections—both at the battery and the engine side—especially if your boat has been sitting,” Foster adds.
Always File a Float Plan—and Use Your VHF
Captain John Bilski of Sea Tow Southern Connecticut says communication is key to safety. “Always file a float plan with a friend or family member,” he advises. “Let them know where you’re going, when you plan to return, and what to do if you don’t check in.”
And while cell phones are convenient, they’re no substitute for a proper VHF radio. “Every boat should have a VHF with at least a 6-to-8-foot antenna,” Bilski says. “Channel 16 is monitored by the Coast Guard and Sea Tow, but use Channel 9 to hail other vessels and keep 16 clear for emergencies.”
Anchor Like a Pro—and Watch the Weather
Captain Ryan Saporito of Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach emphasizes that many breakdowns wouldn’t escalate if boaters used their anchors properly.
“Too many boaters panic and drift while troubleshooting,” Saporito says. “Drop the anchor first—that gives you time and safety to figure out what’s going wrong.”
He also reminds boaters to stay weather-aware. “Things can change fast out there. Clouds, lightning, rising winds—pay attention, use a weather app, and turn on notifications for real-time alerts.”
Saporito also underscores a key safety requirement: boats under 26 feet must have (and the operator must use) an engine cut-off switch. “It can prevent a runaway vessel or serious injury if someone goes overboard,” he says.
Don’t Skip Insurance—or a Membership
Captain Ramsey Chason, who runs Sea Tow operations in Rhode Island and the Cape & Islands, says too many boaters overlook basic insurance needs.
“Comprehensive boat insurance, including general liability, is a must—especially with more crowded waterways and increasing boat values,” he says.
Chason also stresses fuel system maintenance. “If you’re laying up your boat for the season, stabilize the fuel, fill the tanks to reduce condensation, and use water separators—especially with ethanol-blended gasoline.”
And when things do go sideways? “A Sea Tow membership can be the best investment you make,” Chason says. “It covers every boat you own, rent, or charter, and gives you peace of mind that help is always close.”
Peace of Mind on the Water
“Sea Tow Captains are here to help, but they’re also a resource,” says Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer. “Ask us about navigation, anchoring spots, weather, or gear—we’ve seen it all and are happy to share what we know.”
As recreational boating continues to grow, Frohnhoefer says staying informed is key. “Every boater, from beginners to veterans, can benefit from these simple, real-world lessons. They can mean the difference between a great day on the water—and a long wait for a tow.”
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