The Goal

If you are reading this, you have likely been redirected here after successfully applying for a service plan and sending in payment - Thank you. If not, carry on, see what you think and consider buying a plan. 

Once membership is reviewed and approved, you will be issued a membership package via USPS mail with a membership card to keep ON THE BOAT. If you need us before the card arrives, call 877-662-2555 and we can look you up by name. 

The idea behind MARINE ASSIST when I started it in 2000 was to be an inexpensive, yet reliable, professional service to provide assistance to stranded boaters in need of a way back to shore. We fulfill this task by selling service plans, which cover a member in good standing for assistance when they find themselves in a disabled and adrift boat out on the water away from their home dock or launch ramp. Marine Assist will provide a remedy in one of three ways: 1) we can bring fuel out to a disabled vessel on the lake so that it can return home under it's own power; 2) we can provide a jump start out on the lake so that again, the boater can drive themselves back to port and 3) if neither of those two remedy the stranded situation, we will tow a stranded boat back to port. These three services are covered under the service plans at no additional cost with the exception being if you want gas, you will be charged for the gas you want delivered (up to 10 gallons).It really is this simple. Now, in order to be able to offer this service at this price point (which has not changed in over 20 years), we adhere tightly to the terms you agree to when you buy a service plan. Let me address a few of the more popular issues or misconceptions about the program. In my opinion, we need to have a mutual understanding and respect in order to keep us able to provide service to as many lake users as possible. You trust us to help you and we trust you will do your best to use us only when truly needed.

On to some of the basics  

 First, there is a 24 hour review and activation period before coverage is available. You cannot be broken down and then call to buy a plan and expect free service. I want members who believe in the service and want to support it whether they need it or not at the moment. 

We do not cover services related to a pre-existing problem with your boat where we have provided service for before.

If you have a twin engine boat with one running engine, you are not stranded and adrift.

Same with boats that have a propeller problem where you can only travel at idle. We tow at between 5mph and 8 mph, so if you are making headway, we are not going to be any faster.

We will not deliver gas to a moored houseboat in a cove simply because you do not want to come to the marina to get more gas.

 We will not do a jumpstart in a marina or at a launch ramp. we do not put boaters out on the water with potential mechanical problems. You are at safe haven and can make repairs.

We do not fuel boats in a slip.

We do not carry passengers unless directly related to a safety concern with the job we are performing. 

The captain operating the towboat is the person in charge of deciding whether we can provide service or not, based on conditions before or on arrival. These can be weather issues or any other issue that arises pertaining to the safe execution of the incident.

There are peak times where we may already have another boater in tow when you call. We cannot abandon a tow once started, unless that boater releases us, so there may sometimes be an extended wait. Being stranded and adrift in itself is NOT a life threatening situation. We will respond as soon as possible.

Boats on fire, sinking or run up on shore out of the water are not covered under the service plans. Those are all insurance claim situations. We can provide that recovery work, but you would pay for service and seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.  Any of those situations require the KY Fish and Wildlife Department to be notified and involved. Call 800-25-ALERT immediately for ANY accident or life threatening situation on Lake Cumberland. 

 Over the years, there have been all kinds of misconceptions and odd things questioned about the service. These are just a few. If you have a specific concern or question, simply call and we will answer. 877-662-2555  

Thank you again

Captain Don Hunter