It's up to you and me, because the harbormaster cannot legally tow disabled boaters:
http://www.southofboston.com/display/inn_3headlines/happenings1oc.txt

I read the article and once again...ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY.

If you've ever been towed by seatow or another commercial towing company you know what I mean.

A few years ago in early spring, I had volunteer harbor master come out when I called for asistance, when there were no more than 5 boats out in the entire harbor, but they called sea tow.

They still had to come out and go back, but would not tow the boat themselves.

As a Citizen and Taxpayer I object to the use of Public Funds (Harbor Master) to tow broken down boats. That is what Towboat US and SeaTow and others are in legitimate business to do!
The Coast Guard only gets involved in LIFE THREATENING situations, cases of being "in immediate danger". The Harbor Masters should be in the same set up. Only in Immediate Danger to Life situations.

If a person can afford a boat they should be able to afford one of the "Tow Companies". It only costs $95.00 a year.

The other side of the coin so to speak is this:
If one can afford to buy a boat, it is sad that person cannot afford to take a Safe Boating Course and learn how to run that machine and some rudimentery knowledge of navigation, insurance, life saving, radio operation, Rules of the Road, ETC.

If a person can afford a boat they should be able to afford one of the "Tow Companies". It only costs $95.00 a year.

blah blah blah, Harbor masters duties have always included towing disabled boaters, and towing is a service they should provide, thats what I want my tax paying money going toward, but it winds up going to extra staff to save the piping plover.

You have all made good points but the one that I didn't see is that fellow boaters are usually kind enough to lend a hand. There have been several times when out on the water I have towed others back to the ramp or the marina or given up some gas for someone to get back.
However I agree that a Sea Tow membership is more than worth it's wait in gold. Because you can not always rely on others and or the harbor master or the Coast Gaurd. I agree that it is not their job to tow dis-abled boats but to save lives and ensure safety.
I also belive that the harbor masters have to be careful because there are potential liabilities that exist in towing another boat.
There are precautions that should be taken as Noreaster mentioned. Boating/fishing is fun but along with it comes a responsibility to yourself and others on the water.

That is just my thought.

Some clubs like the MSBA offer Group Memberships for Sea Tow at an extended savings over the normal price - it's a good deal.

I might even pursue a "Group Plan" for here in the future depending on how much is involved...

As far as other boaters towing you in. I was once towed in by someone and have towed a half dozen other boats before too. Unfortunately, half of those tows were boats that never should have been out in the first place..

I've towed in no less than 3 boats in the past 6 years, some a lot bigger than my own, because come time I need a hand I'd like the good mojo. I also own SeaTow coverage, but some boaters are just like some motorists, they wouldn't stop to lend a hand regardless.

I've probably towed only a handful of boats over lots of years of boating.

But I can see why some people won't stop to help.

I was coming in to the ramp one nice summer day and got flagged down by a stranded boater. Most others just passed him by.
He said his engine just died. I asked a couple of times if he had fuel and maybe a reserve fuel switch. He stated he had plenty of fuel, the motor just died. he had no anchor to keep his position (DUH) so I did tie him up and towed him to his marina.
Just as I approached the entrance, he called to me to just drop him at the fuel dock!!!! I was pissed.

I'll go to them if they wave me down, but if its not an emergency, I doubt that I would tow anyone else in (unless I know them or they are a boater in this site...LOL). there is also a liability issue someone mentioned. nothing like getting screwed for being a good samaritan!!!!

I'd be glad to call sea tow for them, if they don't have a radio.

I am with Van. I will stop and lend a hand but I will not tow at all!! This is a job for a towing service and not my motor. You should never pass by a fellow boater that needs help but after all is safe and there is no danger you should then just stand by till REAL help can get there. I would hate to see someone hurt by a snapped tow line that sent a bow eye or other item into one of the two boats and I have seen this happen more than once and was not happy at the outcome. I belong to Towboat US and would not think of asking someone else to tow me in.