TowBoatUS adds port in the Big Apple
by BoatUS 3 May 08:04 BST
Miller's Launch, a commercial marine service provider on Staten Island's northeastern Stapleton waterfront has opened it's second on-water towing and assistance port for recreational boaters, TowBoatUS Staten Island. Located directly on Upper New York Bay and within sight of the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan and Verrazzano Bridge, it's the third TowBoatUS port in New York's Five Burroughs, after City Island and Jamaica Bay, and part of a nationwide network of more than 300 TowBoatUS locations.
TowBoatUS Staten Island is expected to reduce response times for requests from boaters for routine assistance throughout the harbor. Services include 24/7 on-water towing, soft ungrounding assistance, battery jump and fuel drops. Last year, BoatUS dispatchers received more than 113,000 requests nationwide for on-water assistance, with "mechanical breakdown" the number one reason. Miller's also owns TowBoatUS Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
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 $175 per year. Membership comes with more than 25 valuable BoatUS benefits, as well as a subscription to BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration and more.
Stationed at TowBoatUS Staten Island are two, red TowBoatUS response vessels, 26- and 33-feet each, with white stripes and lettering on the side and fully rigged for towing and vessel recovery. All of the company's captains are U.S. Coast Guard-licensed.
Separate from BoatUS on-water towing, TowBoatUS Staten Island also offers boat salvage and spill response services.
To request on-water assistance, boaters can call the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, call the port directly at 732-291-8264, or hail on VHF radio Ch. 16.