Walking around boat shows these days I see plenty of boat dealers boasting about the 400 and 500 mile range (per fuel tank) of the boats that they’re selling. I’m sure that with new technology and modern hull designs they are pretty close but how can you be sure of what your fishing or cruising range really is?
40' sailboat aground in Oceanside
June 12, 2009, approx 2200: Vessel Assist San Diego was called to rescue a 40’ sailboat before it broke apart on the south jetty at Oceanside harbor. Captain Tony Olson and his salvage team mobilized their rescue boat, the “Vessel Assist Shelter Island”, adding additional towline and salvage gear before departing San Diego for Oceanside with the intent of saving the sailboat before it was broken apart on the jetty. Continue reading →
The Mission Bay channel entrance is one of the most dangerous places boaters can find themselves in the San Diego area. Although most boaters feel that they are maintaining a safe distance from the jetty, the currents rip around the rocks, often putting boaters and their vessels in danger. This proved to be the case again as the jagged rocks of the Mission Bay jetty claimed another boat. A 30’ Yamaha sailboat lost power and before the mariner could do anything about it they were pounding on the rocks. Continue reading →
Vessel Assist “Shelter Island” , the most powerful commercial assistance vessel in the area, took off with its crew at 0400 today to tow a disabled 42′ yacht stranded 80 nautical miles south of Point Loma. This leads us to the big question: how much will an 80 mile tow cost? The answer in this case is very simple: this boater bought a Vessel Assist Gold Card so the tow is free for him.
How much would it cost if he was not a member? That’s a little tougher. There are some companies that Charge $300.00/hour or more for assistanc towing. Vessel Assist San Diego charges $200.00/hour. This charge is “portal to portal” which means that the “meter” is running from the time that the captain turns the key on in the towboat until he turns it off.
Continue reading →
Part of my task of testing the Rescue 21 system has been to trailer my 28’ Vessel Assist Zodiac all over the country. In doing so I have been able to use three different diesel trucks.
To be fair the dodge is only a two wheel drive and is not equipped with the Smog restraints that the Ford and Chevy are, but I did come up with a point system that through my own personal experience, felt was fair. Three points for first, two for second, and one for third.
Continue reading →
Owning 11 boats I have had the pleasure and the pain of using many different types of electronics. With the advent of all-in-one systems there are plenty to choose from. Two of the most popular systems are built by Garmin and Raymarine.
Continue reading →
” The thin veneer we call civilization can disappear where a shipwreck is concerned.”
Richard Loran, Shipwrecks of Great Britain and Ireland
Understanding the difference between towing and salvage can save boaters money and aggrevation. Historically and legally, salvage is any voluntary and successful rescue of a boat., its cargo and/or its passengers from a peril at sea. BoatUS, however, narrows this definition. When contracting for towing services on behalf of its 600,000 members, it requires that marine assistance companies distinguish between simple towing and/or soft groundings and the more serious and expensive salvage efforts where distress or danger exist.
Continue reading →
It’s been two years in the making but “Vessel Assist La Jolla” is up and running ready to serve in Mission Bay. The all aluminum 24′ MonArk is nicknamed “THE TANK” but don’t let the nickname fool you. Powered with a 240 HP Cummins diesel and a Bravo X drive the “La Jolla” will top 35 knots. With the huge stainless steel propeller she has the torque and maneuverability to perform any task that she is called for. 
Holding 150 gallons of fuel with an average burn of 2.5 gallons per hour the “La Jolla” will be able to assist vessels all weekend long without having to refuel.
Continue reading →
Robert Butler, President of Vessel Assist San Diego received a call from a marine surveyor. “Rob I have a task that I think you may be able to help me with.” Always into a challenge Rob was all ears. “I have a 30’ vessel sunk on the bottom of Lake Powell in 400’ of water that I need raised to the surface. “ Still listening Rob’s wheels turned as the Marine surveyor laid out the scenario of why the vessel needed to be raise. Continue reading →
Captain Rob Butler had a dilemma. He needed to be in Clearwater Florida for the Annual Boat US/Vessel Assist Meeting and he also needed to be present at the San Diego Bay Bass Tournament. Rob Butler Personally donates $2500.00 cash and gives every contestant a free Basic Membership adding up to another $3200.00.
Normally every February Boat US/Vessel Assist conducts an annual meeting in conjunction with C-Port (an organization that Just about every commercial towboat company is a member of). Robert Butler, being a Board Member Could not afford to miss out on the trip back east.
Hannah Butler, Rob’s Younger Daughter stepped in. Continue reading →