Captain Foster is a lifelong recreational boater and holds a 100-Ton US Coast Guard Masters License, most recently earning his sea-hour qualifications as a volunteer “pilot in training” aboard the two paddleboats. Boat Assist operates on the Ohio from mile marker 605 at the McAlpine Locks and Dam upriver 25 miles, providing towing, battery jumps, fuel drop-offs and soft ungrounding services. With advance notice, Foster can also provide more long distance tows and lock-throughs.
Much like an auto club for boaters, BoatUS offers on-water Unlimited Towing Memberships for freshwater boaters and anglers for just $72 a year. Boaters with an Unlimited Towing Membership that break down on the water simply sign the Boat Assist invoice after receiving service, and BoatUS pays the tower directly. In the US, boaters face costs that average $700 per towing incident when they don’t have an annual BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership.
“An Unlimited Towing Membership is the best value on the water,” said Capt. Foster. “You get a lot of good things such as discounts, valuable services and representation, and I hope to introduce more people to BoatUS.”
Capt. Foster’s blue 20-foot center-console response vessel with Boat Assist and “2018 BoatUS Approved Tower” signage is stationed at RiverPark Place Marina just behind Towhead Island, a spot where boaters sometimes run aground. “I’ve gotten all of my sea time on the river, so I’m very aware of how water conditions and the bottom can change,” added Foster. “I can get you back home safely, give a jump start or drop off fuel.”
Boaters can reach Boat Assist in Louisville by calling the company directly at 502-341-0625, hailing on VHF channel 16, by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, or via smartphone using the new BoatUS App. More information can be found at BoatUS.com/towing, or call 800-888-4869.
