LAKE HARRIS, FL, June 21, 2010 – Local on-the-water towboat company owner Capt. Matt Moss has opened a fifth location, TowBoatUS Lake Harris. The new port joins Moss’s existing network of four central Florida TowBoatUS ports, which include locations on Lake George, Lake Monroe and Crescent Lake, as well as in Palatka. Recreational boaters and anglers can call the company to get reliable assistance and tows back to a launch ramp or marina day or night. Battery jump-starts, fuel drop-offs, and ungrounding services are some common requests for help. 

Located at the Dead River Marina in Tavares, FL, TowBoatUS Lake Harris’ service area includes the Harris Chain of Lakes and the Ocklawaha River. Stationed at the port is a 21-foot Hydrasport response vessel fully rigged for marine towing and salvage work, including extra fuel, engine fluids, pumps, and a battery “jump pack” to handle dead batteries. The vessel can be identified by its distinctive red hull, white bow stripes and “TowBoatUS” lettering along its sides.

While the towboat is available 24/7, Moss says boaters are most likely to see the vessel on weekends. “We patrol the lake from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening. People know we are there and we are ready to assist,” said Moss.

A US Coast Guard-licensed captain, Moss says boaters usually contact him for assistance when an engine won’t start, they need to be pulled from the shallows, or have mechanical or fuel-related issues. TowBoatUS Lake Harris joins a nationwide fleet of over 600 towboats which are part of BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its half-million members with government representation, programs and money saving services.

Like an auto club, BoatUS offers "Unlimited" on-the-water towing plans for Florida boaters for just $149 a year , which includes a choice of a BoatUS or BoatUS Angler membership, which is great for anglers. Without a towing plan, boaters face costs that nationally average about $600 per incident. 

Boaters or anglers in need of towing assistance can reach TowBoatUS Lake Harris by calling the company directly at 352-348-8697; by VHF radio on channel 16; or through the BoatUS toll-free Dispatch Service at 800-391-4869.

Visit BoatUS.com/towing for more information.

###

 About BoatUS Towing Services:

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with a wide array of consumer services, including on-the-water towing assistance provided by TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist Pacific. Combined, these two towing fleets offer North American boaters the largest network of US and Canadian towing ports with over 290 locations and over 600 towing assistance vessels — more than double that of any other service provider.