Many national roadside assistance clubs do a great job helping stranded motorists. But when it comes to boat trailer breakdown, boaters need to know that their “auto” club may not be their best option. “There are some key differences in the fine print that could leave trailer boaters in a heap of trouble,” said Beth McCann, director of the BoatUS Trailering Club.

When looking for peace of mind and shopping for roadside assistance for your trailer, McCann has these tips for boaters:  

Leave my boat behind? You want to ensure first and foremost that your boat trailer is included with your chosen roadside service – many only include your SUV or truck. If your vehicle does break down, will you have to leave the boat on the trailer behind, unsecured? Many roadside assistance clubs only provide for one tow per breakdown. “ Towing service for both trailer and tow vehicle is critical,” said McCann.

A winch is not always a winch: When it comes to winching a stuck towing rig up a slippery launch ramp, hope that the trailer has made it out of the water because winching service from most national auto clubs often excludes retrieving boat trailers immersed in water.  

Free three miles? Some national auto clubs charge a pricey annual membership fee but may only provide for the first few miles to tow you to a repair facility and not pay for your trailer at all. After that, mileage comes out of your pocket.

When is a boat a camper? The short answer: never. When national auto clubs do provide services for boat trailers, they often lump them under their much more expensive RV towing plans. Or they may exclude trailers longer than 26-feet.

BoatUS Trailer Assist is the only national roadside assistance program designed to meet the specific needs of trailer boaters with over 14,000 North American service providers specializing in roadside boat trailer assistance. Affordably priced at only $29 a year, the program pays for towing services up to 100 miles to the repair facility or safe location, and includes winch service at ramps no matter if the trailer’s wheels are in the water or not.