[seadogg]

agreed, and that's just what is granted to the salvor... a reasonable fee. like i said, insurance companies pay only what is agreed upon by both parties (insurance company and salvage company). but even if you don't have insurance would you rather pay, let's say, $1000 dollars for me to risk my life and vessel to save yours, or would you rather be left to pay for a damaged or totalled boat to the tune of several thousand? The company I happen to work for has built and maintained a reputation as an honest, fair and "for the customer" outfit, and will under no circumstances jeopardize that reputation. As I posted earlier, we deem a salvage situation to exist when our intervention will prevent UNQUESTIONABLE damage or loss to a vessel or vessels. again, we can't just make this stuff up to insurance companies. We must provide proof. i completely understand that some may have had unfavorable encounters with towing/salvage companies, but i consider the one i work for to be a first rate, reliable, honest service provider, and our countless satisfied customers would agree.