Owning 11 boats I have had the pleasure and the pain of using many different types of electronics. With the advent of all-in-one systems there are plenty to choose from. Two of the most popular systems are built by Garmin and Raymarine.
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” The thin veneer we call civilization can disappear where a shipwreck is concerned.”
Richard Loran, Shipwrecks of Great Britain and Ireland
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It’s been two years in the making but “Vessel Assist La Jolla” is up and running ready to serve in Mission Bay. The all aluminum 24′ MonArk is nicknamed “THE TANK” but don’t let the nickname fool you. Powered with a 240 HP Cummins diesel and a Bravo X drive the “La Jolla” will top 35 knots. With the huge stainless steel propeller she has the torque and maneuverability to perform any task that she is called for. 
Holding 150 gallons of fuel with an average burn of 2.5 gallons per hour the “La Jolla” will be able to assist vessels all weekend long without having to refuel.
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Robert Butler, President of Vessel Assist San Diego received a call from a marine surveyor. “Rob I have a task that I think you may be able to help me with.” Always into a challenge Rob was all ears. “I have a 30’ vessel sunk on the bottom of Lake Powell in 400’ of water that I need raised to the surface. “ Still listening Rob’s wheels turned as the Marine surveyor laid out the scenario of why the vessel needed to be raise. Continue reading →
Captain Rob Butler had a dilemma. He needed to be in Clearwater Florida for the Annual Boat US/Vessel Assist Meeting and he also needed to be present at the San Diego Bay Bass Tournament. Rob Butler Personally donates $2500.00 cash and gives every contestant a free Basic Membership adding up to another $3200.00.
Normally every February Boat US/Vessel Assist conducts an annual meeting in conjunction with C-Port (an organization that Just about every commercial towboat company is a member of). Robert Butler, being a Board Member Could not afford to miss out on the trip back east.
Hannah Butler, Rob’s Younger Daughter stepped in. Continue reading →
It’s that time of year again when the long range calls start ringing. 200 mile tows are common for Vessel Assist San Diego; in fact Vessel Assist San Diego often sends Rescue boats Deep into Mexico to assist stranded Boaters. With a fleet of eight Boats in San Diego that assisted over 3100 boats last year, Vessel Assist San Diego is the largest Commercial tower out of a single harbor on the West Coast and one of the largest in the country. But Vessel Assist San Diego takes pride in the fact that they are the only company on the West Coast who can actually assist four or even five vessels stranded over eighty miles out at the same time. “When the Albies start running boaters stretch their limits with boats and often call for tows in excess of 80 miles.” But this is cruiser time; When Vessels take the tough pounding from Cabo San Lucas Mexico to San Diego. Continue reading →