FAQ

Is it true that Tow Sebago bills from the time they leave their dock to the time they return to their dock?

Yes. Towing companies begin charging for their service from the moment they get underway. Even after you are already safe and sound in your slip, the clock doesn’t stop until the tow boat has returned to its home dock at Port Harbor Marina. Remember to take that into consideration, as the average cost of a tow is $300 for non-members.

Does my membership cover me if I am a guest on a friend's boat?

If the vessel is not registered under Tow Sebago with an active account, your membership privileges do not apply. However, if your friend joins and references your member number you earn a $25 credit toward your next renewal through our Refer-a-Friend program.

Tow Sebago membership is specific to a vessel, not a person. If you are onboard a vessel that is not covered, they may receive services only as a Non-Member.

How quickly can I expect Tow Sebago to respond to my request for a Tow/Assist?

Within 1 hour unless unforeseen conditions happen. Response time varies with each situation, but we do everything we can to get to you quickly within the hour. Factors that affect response time include call volume, the size of the area your designated on the lake and the weather. Assistance calls are handled in the order they are received but as a member, you always receive priority service. 

What is the difference between "soft ungrounding" & "salvage"?

If the vessel is surrounded by water and can be pulled back to deeper water within 15 minutes by one towing vessel, it is deemed “soft aground”. Usually when you’re “soft aground” we can remove you from the obstruction within 15 minutes, without the assistance of divers, flotation equipment, extra vessels, etc. The first 15 minutes of service for soft ungrounding with one tow vessel is a covered service with your valid Tow Sebago membership, assuming there is no damage to the vessel’s hull or running gear from the grounding. When it takes more than 15 minutes to unground a vessel, or if it is out of the water on the shoreline, or if there is damage to the vessel’s hull or running gear, the vessel is determined to be hard aground and may be subject to salvage laws. You should ask your marine insurance company to make sure salvage operations and vessel recovery is covered under your current policy and if there is pollution coverage as well, as many times damaged vessels leak fuel and oils into the environment, causing expensive clean up bills and fines.

What is a non-emergency situation?

Here are some examples of non-emergency situations:

• Engine failure;
• Dead battery or electrical failure;
• Mechanical failure;
• Fouled propeller;
• Fouled anchor;
• Soft-aground (no damage to vessel or people aboard);
• Out-drive/transmission failure;
• Out of fuel;
• Steering failure