I don't think SeaTow will cover a Hobie 16 but Boat US will. Does any have one of these policies? If so what are your thoughts?
Your best option is to sail with your friends and/or with other beachcats when you go out so if you get in trouble they'll tow you in for free or help you get fixed to make it in to the beach. I always push my cat harder if there's sails of friends up within a mile 😀
When the wind dies, and I'm on the beach with my cat, I'll take out my big seadoo to see if anyone needs a tow in.... Before ya judge, I've used my H16 to tow in seadoos that were stalled out in the area!
Tim
I hear you Tim, but I do quite a bit of solo sailing off the beach or at the Rudder Club in the St John's river. Last week, the I bolt on my hobie 16 failed, I was able to sail it back, but it got me thinking...........
Ken,
Tim sounds like a hell of a guy and generous at that. Seatow or USboat both offer similiar memberships of a bout 160 a year. It's basically insurance, for de-mast or broken / stranded or whatever. I recall they don't do salvage or sinking boats, but cats don't really sink. I have never used mine, but it is great to have and I sail solo often and sometimes late in the day. I would never want to burden friends or strangers with wasting their sailing day by helping you limp home. It is good to have and I say that because you would be surprised how much it costs to get a tow in when your over 2 miles out. Is is good insurance to have, and I check to see who services your area more between the two. I know if they are unable to be available, they will reimburse you up to 5k for each tow, Which may give you an idea of how expensive boat towing is.
Thanks Buzzman, Maybe I could get Tim to move to Jacksonville........pretty sure I am going to get one of these policies