Sea recovery/breakdown services

Of course you are right about the RNLI. However, if I understand the services offered by this company, they speed to you in their fast rib, fix or attempt to fix problems in situ, which they claim a high rate of success, allowing you to continue sailing.
Anyway, as I said, just a thought!
 
Sounds like a northern equivalent of Seastart. They're certainly not interchangeable with the RNLI, as their goal is specifically to get you going again, not just to bring you to safety (and maybe your boat as well if it's not too much trouble). You can also call them out in good conscience to save yourself inconvenience, not just for a life threatening situation.

In my case I don't consider Seastart good value, since I'm unlikely to have an engine problem I can't fix or jury rig, and if I do then I still have sails and anchors, and if that doesn't help either then things are probably serious enough to be called an emergency.

For people who are intimidated by their engine, either because their own talents lie strictly elsewhere or because the engine is complex (eg large modern engines with electronic control) then Seastart (or their local equivalent) may well be a sensible investment. It's also good for small charter operators - getting faults fixed quickly may well mean avoiding having to refund money (and will almost certainly reduce the amount) so could well pay for itself.

Pete.
 
Last edited:
If your boat is well found and you are still overwhelmed, be prepared to die like a gentleman. (with acknowledgments to Blondie Hasler)
 
Highly recommended

My boat broke down last summer and i presumed it was the deisel bug. I called the Coastguard on Ch16 and explained my prediciment. I was told that the RNLI would not be called out to me as it was not a life threatening situation. I was then referred to Clyde Sea Recovery.
I called the company and explained my situation and they were out to me within the hour. Due to the problem it couldn't be fixed on the scene so i was towed back to my home berth.

The service was 1st class and the crew really knew their stuff. I wasn't a member at the time so i had to pay their hourly rate but i've since joined up and i'll now be a member for life as i think its a really good and essential service. It also means i don't need to worry if my wife or older children go out on the boat themselves.

Highly recommended.
 
AB123 said:
My boat broke down last summer and i presumed it was the deisel bug. I called the Coastguard on Ch16 and explained my prediciment. I was told that the RNLI would not be called out to me as it was not a life threatening situation. I was then referred to Clyde Sea Recovery.
I called the company and explained my situation and they were out to me within the hour. Due to the problem it couldn't be fixed on the scene so i was towed back to my home berth.

The service was 1st class and the crew really knew their stuff. I wasn't a member at the time so i had to pay their hourly rate but i've since joined up and i'll now be a member for life as i think its a really good and essential service. It also means i don't need to worry if my wife or older children go out on the boat themselves.

Highly recommended.
Click to expand...

It is good to hear that their service worked for you and that you got 'sorted' out in your moment of need. I had already decided it was good value for money (insurance really) given what I pay for a full family membership of the AA. As a matter of interest how far were you from their base ?
Cheers
cdogg
 
I'm a long term member of what I assume is the southern equivalent 'sea start'.

Can't recommend them enough. Used them 3 times over the last 9 years and they have provided a first class service.
 
I have been a member of Clyde Sea Recovery since the company formed in 2006 and their service has been helpful on several occasions over the past few years. I called them out twice last year. Once to a rope round my prop which they brought a diver out to, and the other to a flat battery which they jump started. Both of which solved my problem. I also own 2 fishing boats which I have also recently joined up. For the price you cant beat the piece of mind.
 
Hi cdogg.
I was on route to Tighnabruaich from Kip marina so at the time I was half way up the Kyles of Bute. I think they are based in the Holy Loch Marina but they cover right down to Campbeltown.
AB123
 
AB123 said:
The service was 1st class and the crew really knew their stuff. I wasn't a member at the time so i had to pay their hourly rate but i've since joined up and i'll now be a member for life as i think its a really good and essential service.
Click to expand...

What was the hourly rate and total cost? I'm wondering how many rescues one needs to justify £200/year...
 
Hi there. The hourly rate was £100 an hour during the day and as far as I know its £150 an hour at night. Mine was during the day and was just over 3.5 hours by the time I was towed home so it cost me a total of £350. I suppose the price of fuel these days and the wages is what makes it £100 an hour which isnt too bad. I did read about them in yachting life so I suppose it my own fault for not joining to start with. £200 for that piece of mind is not a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top