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A Guide to On-Water and Dock-to-Dock Towing: What to Do When Your Boat Breaks Down

Sep. 30 2024 Safety By Island Watersports

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Boating offers a fantastic way to enjoy the open waters, but like any vehicle, boats can experience mechanical issues, run out of fuel, or encounter other problems. Whether you're in the middle of a lake or close to the shore, knowing how to handle these situations is essential. On-water and dock-to-dock towing services can help you when your boat breaks down, runs out of fuel, needs a jump start, or even runs aground. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons you might need towing assistance and how to handle them.

When Your Boat Breaks Down

Mechanical issues can strike unexpectedly. If your boat breaks down, the first thing to do is ensure the safety of everyone on board. Here’s what you should do:

  • Drop anchor: This will keep your boat from drifting into dangerous waters or obstacles.
  • Contact towing services: Use a VHF radio or your mobile phone to call for a towing service. Many towing companies specialize in on-water assistance and can tow you back to shore or a marina.
  • Stay visible: If you’re in a busy boating area, raise your distress flag or use visual signals to alert other boaters to your situation.

Towing services will safely tow your boat to the nearest dock or marina for repair. Having a towing membership or insurance coverage can save you time and money if a breakdown occurs.

Running Out of Fuel

Running out of fuel while on the water is a common problem, especially if you’ve been cruising longer than expected. Fortunately, towing services can help refuel your boat on the water.

  • Call for fuel delivery: Towing services often offer fuel delivery, bringing gasoline or diesel directly to your boat wherever you're located. Once refueled, you’ll be back on the water without needing a tow.

To avoid running out of fuel, make sure to top off your tank before heading out and always carry extra fuel if possible. Know your boat's fuel range, and plan for more fuel than you think you’ll need.

Needing a Jump Start

Just like cars, boat batteries can die without warning, leaving you stranded. Whether the battery is old, or you’ve inadvertently left an accessory running, a jump start may be all you need to get back on the water.

  • Request a jump start: Many on-water towing services provide jump-starts for dead boat batteries. They will come to your location, give your battery a boost, and ensure that your engine is running properly before they leave.

To prevent battery issues, regularly check the condition of your battery, ensure that it’s fully charged, and avoid running too many electrical components simultaneously when the engine is off.

Running Aground

Running aground can happen in shallow waters, especially if you’re unfamiliar with an area or the tide drops unexpectedly. In some cases, you may be able to get your boat unstuck yourself, but if the situation is more serious, you’ll need professional towing help.

  • Assess the situation: Check for hull damage or water ingress. If the situation is stable, try to carefully reverse the obstruction.
  • Call for towing: If your boat is stuck on a sandbar, rocks, or another submerged object, a towing service can assist. They will carefully pull your boat free without causing additional damage to the hull.

Whether you experience a mechanical breakdown, run out of fuel, need a jump start, or run aground, on-water and dock-to-dock towing services are there to help you get back to safety. To learn more about boat towing services, call or visit Island Watersports in Fenwick Island, Delaware. We are happy to serve all those in Ocean City and Salisbury, Maryland.