Money, Chocolates or just a handshake?

MystyBlue2

MystyBlue2

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Following a thread about apparent new/Not new lifeboat policy, I am wondering if there is any "Unwritten" rules lets say regarding the receiving of rescue/Towing?

If i where to recieve a tow from either another vessel or lifeboat should i be offering money, a box of celebrations or just being forever grateful with a simple handshake be sufficient?

If the occasion ever arises i dont want to look ungrateful by not offering anything if thats the "Written" rule.

Cheers (y)
 
I once had both engines stop about two miles off Dover on a return from Calais - blocked fuel filters. Trying to change filters was tricky in the middle of the ferry lanes and SWMBO was not very happy.
Called the coastguard to let them know where we were.
Dover lifeboat was exercising in the area and offered a tow in.
Gave them £100 donation
 
I've always understood that if someone is to give you a tow, you cover their fuel! If someone was to tow me, i'd be giving them fuel money as well as a bottle.
On the other hand... if I was to tow someone and they were to offer me fuel money I wouldn't take it... but i'd be miffed if they didn't offer me a bottle or something!
 
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If you wave me down for a tow I'm keeping your boat if it's better than mine and selling you into slavery regardless. Any booze proffered would be greatly appreciated as would your continued dental hygiene.
 
I once had engine issues and did a Pan Pan.

A fishing boat came to my aid and towed me to the local harbour.

I was very grateful and thanked him profusely, and asked if I could pay something for his trouble and fuel, and he refused, I then asked if I may buy him a drink to which he replied he didn't drink and then said "one day, It might be me out there chum".

I felt happy enough, I offered, he didn't want it.. .all good.

If I was the tower, and it was a short hop back to the harbour, I wouldn't take anything at all for helping.

If it was a 5 mile tow in heavier weather and I felt I'd burned a load more fuel, or I'd been heavily inconvenienced I would certainly expect someone to OFFER something - at least it would show their gratitude.... A bottle of JD and £50 towards the fuel would be more than enough though - not hundreds!
 
When I first started boating about 20 years ago, I was led to believe that one needed to be very careful about salvage arrangements and always carried a salvage form, and made sure I knew who had to pass the rope to whom.
 
Reading that, it sounds like the best thing to do is offer some money or consideration (you can sleep with the missus or some such!) and then if it's refused, that's kind of a contract.

Also, it's unlikely they could claim it if you weren't in "danger" i.e. if your engine wouldn't start but you were in a quiet bay, anchored and so forth it's arguable you aren't in actual danger at that point.....

In my case, I could have made it home, I was making 1 knot, and it was 5 miles - so I guess I would have made it - but the tow got me there in about an hr instead of 5 so that was re-assuring. I doubt he could have claimed anything in that case.
 
I just want his bucks and booze, not kiss him. Have you read the forum lately? Everyone in arms about prices. Why should I be excluded from the act?
 
To me, it's all about circumstances. It's one thing for a boat that is already nearby to tow me a mile or two in to shore but quite another for a lifeboat crew to drop what they are doing and launch a hugely expensive boat to fetch me in. I would be paying some guilt money then as well as a few beers.
I have towed quite a few people over the years and on the whole a heartfelt thanks is fine by me. Again, depending how much effort involved and any risk element.
 
Yeah so its basically down to circumstances and distance of tow in the current conditions.

Thank you all for clearing this up for me i shall make a small stash in bow locker just incase.

Thank you all so much (y)
 
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