Geared up for 2015
2014 was a very busy year for Vessel Assist San Diego. We added Vessel Assist “Coronado,” a new high-speed response vessel with an extended fuel range, in order to make more short-range cases without having to re-fuel as often. As most people know, the fishing was epic in 2014, often sending most of Vessel Assist San Diego’s eight boat fleet running offshore to assist disabled boaters. Continue reading →
During the sixties private boats started popping up on lakes and waterway making boating an American favorite for relaxing on the water, fishing , or just sightseeing. Most if not all of these boats were made out of Wood. Made from high quality wood and hand craftsmanship they were built to last a life time, or so the builder thought. The late sixties brought a new type of boat Fiberglass. Continue reading →
The deep water vessel recovery team at Vessel Assist San Diego, led by Captain Robert Butler, was tasked with raising a 21’ vessel from almost 200’ of water before the record spring thaw filed the lake. The Vessel was on the remote side of Lake Powell near Bullfrog Marina. The 15 hour drive, for the three truck and trailer caravan, was slowed by winds in excess of 40 miles per hour. Continue reading →
The first major winter storm sinks several boats while flooding local streets. It was reported that over 8 inches of rain fell in areas of San Diego flooding several roads and business. Vessel Assist San Diego responded to almost a dozen sinking or sunken boats. “Boaters really need to respect the volume 8 inches of rain and the effect it has on a boat.” Robert Butler, President of Vessel Assist San Diego, Says “Boaters need to prepare for storms with their boats.” Continue reading →
Over the last two years Vessel Assist Has added a new boat to the fleet each year. In 2008 Vessel Assist Chula Vista was built. The new 28′ rigid hull inflatable capable of 45 knots was thrown into action as the Primary Rescue 21 test vessel. Used only part time as a tow boat Vessel Assist Chula Vista performed as a backup vessel during the busy season while not running all over the ocean testing. Vessel Assist Chula Vista has a full complement of electronics with a redundant back up. The primary system is the Garmin 4212 and 5212 units with Duo Depth and radar. Continue reading →
A 40′ Sailboat with two crew on board became disabled 130 nautical miles south of San Diego on their way home from Mexico. Vessel Assist Shelter Island, with a two man crew, ran down to the little cove behind Punta Colnett that gave the disabled 40′ sailboat some reprieve from the rough weather. Once in tow Vessel Assist Shelter Island with Captain Reggie Curry and crew aboard towed the disabled sailboat in moderate to rough water back to San Diego. After a typical wait at the Customs Dock the disabled Sailboat was towed to Pearson Fuel Dock for repairs. Continue reading →
Recently we at Vessel Assist San Diego have heard people saying that we don’t cover Mexican waters, nothing is further from the truth. Vessel Assist San Diego will go 100 miles south of San Diego and tow a Gold card member in for free.
This poses the bigger question “what do I get with my Boat U.S. /Vessel Assist membership?”
The answer is simple “A lot!”
I have decided to breakdown how the membership works in San Diego. Be advised that other parts of the country may have different limits.
Let’s start with the Basic Membership
For $24.00 a year you get. Continue reading →