TowBoatU.S., the nation's largest on-the-water towing service for recreational boaters, has announced that Capt. Bob Jacoby is the new owner of Tow BoatU.S. Shinnecock, NY and TowBoatU.S. Moriches, NY. Capt. Jacoby purchased the locations from Carl and Gail Schwenker, however Carl will continue as a hired towing captain for the new owner.

TowBoatU.S. Shinnecock has a 25-foot Wahoo diesel stationed at the port while TowBoatU.S. Moriches has a 21-foot Aquasport and 25-foot Mako with twin outboards. All three vessels can be identified by their distinctive red hulls with white bow stripes and “TowBoatU.S.” lettering along their sides. Each vessel has a full complement of towing and salvage equipment including extra fuel, pumps, airbags and battery “jump packs” to handle every breakdown from running out of fuel to running aground.

The two locations respond to boaters needing help from the Patchogue River to the east of Robins Island/Jessup Neck. There are a total of nine TowBoatU.S. ports on Long Island.

Capt. Jacoby, a life long boater and a New York City Police Officer, said that most on-the-water breakdowns are a result of maintenance issues. However, he says that when boaters do need help they sometimes don't know how to identify their location. “In order to get the fastest response, I recommend that every boat operator know how give a location fix and be able to take a bearing using a chart and compass.”

Like an auto club, BoatU.S. Towing, known as the “boat owners auto club offers on-the-water assistance plans starting at around $37 a year. Without a towing plan, boaters face costs that nationally average about $600 per incident. Boaters can call 800-888-4869 or visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Towing for more information.

Boaters in need of towing assistance can reach TowBoatU.S. Shinnecock and TowBoatU.S. Moriches by calling the company directly at 631-281-1246; by VHF radio on channel 16; or through the BoatU.S. toll-free Dispatch Service at 800-391-4869.

BoatU.S. – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 660,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine insurance program that insures nearly a quarter million boats; the largest fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 825 Cooperating Marinas; boat financing; and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine , the most widely read boating publication in the U.S. For membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.