Marine Towing

Q: What are the benefits of a membership?

Members receive free towing all season within the coverage area, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q: What area is covered by a membership?

The two different Lakeshore Towing membership plans we offer will cover you locally in Pennsylvania waters only or on all the U.S. Waters of Lake Erie.

Q: What is the difference between towing and salvage?

Salvage is the recovery of a sinking, sunk, or hard aground vessel. Salvage costs are considerably higher than towing and are normally covered under your boat's insurance policy. Salvage is not covered by your towing membership.

Q: What is the Coast Guard policy on towing?

In most situations the Coast Guard will ask the operator of a disabled vessel if there is towing company or friend they can call. The Coast Guard will only respond if there is imminent threat to life or property, or if there are no towing firms in the area.

Q: What should I do if my boat breaks down?

Put on your life jacket and anchor your vessel. Try to determine your exact location, then call Lakeshore Towing on channel 16 or via cell phone.

Lakeshore Towing's towing services cover Area B shown above.

Towing Memberships

For a low annual fee you can protect yourself from the high cost of a tow! There are two choices of memberships: a Pennsylvania Waters only membership covers a vessel for an unlimited number of tows per season if broken down in Pennsylvania waters. For an additional fee, an Unlimited U.S Waters membership covers all of Lake Erie, U.S. waters. Lakeshore Towing is a member of the Interlakes Towing System. If you break down on Lake Erie (U.S. waters) outside of Pennsylvania waters, your tow is still free!

As a member you also receive free on the water jump-starts, and gas or parts delivery.

Become a Member

24-Hour Service From Our Dock Side Office

Our summer office is centrally located in Presque Isle Bay. Captains are standing by 24-hours a day to provide both emergency and non-emergency services on the waters of Lake Erie.

Professional Service

Lakeshore Towing has received national accreditation (ACAPT) for meeting strict professional guidelines. We are fully insured and meet the highest standards for equipment and service. Our captains are US Coast Guard licensed for towing assistance, and all our personnel have many years experience in marine towing, salvage, and diving.

TowBOAT U.S.

Lakeshore Towing is a BOAT U.S. approved towing firm. We can bill BOAT U.S. directly for towing services up to the coverage limit on the member’s card.

Towing Services

Lakeshore Towing has six towing vessels ready to provide you with immediate assistance if your boat is disabled. Our area of coverage includes all of the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, and our season is from May 1 to November 1.

Why should I call Lakeshore Towing?

Our towboat captains are licensed by the coast guard for towing and have many years of towing experience. Our vessels are specifically designed and equipped for towing and salvage. We are insured for towing and salvage operations, and have received accreditation for meeting the highest industry standards.

How much does it cost for a tow?

Towing fees for boaters on Lake Erie without a towing membership range from $250 per hour to $500 per hour. The clock starts when the towboat leaves the dock, and ends when the towboat returns. Lakeshore Towing Memberships start at $95 per year.

What are the benefits of a membership?

What area is covered by a membership?

What is the difference between towing and salvage?

What is the Coast Guard policy on towing?

What should I do if my boat breaks down?