Boat Towing Services in Fort Lauderdale: What You Need to Know (2026)
You're out on the water off Fort Lauderdale — maybe it's a beautiful Sunday on the Intracoastal, maybe you pushed your luck a few miles offshore near Port Everglades — and something goes wrong. Engine sputters. Prop strike. Dead battery. Overheating gauge pegged in the red. Suddenly the most important phone number you never thought you'd need is a boat towing service.
Fort Lauderdale's marine corridor is one of the busiest in the world. With more than 50,000 registered vessels in Broward County and hundreds of marinas lining the New River, Las Olas Isles, and the ICW, the odds of needing a tow at some point are not trivial. This guide covers everything you need to know about boat towing in Fort Lauderdale — how it works, what it costs, how to get help fast, and how to find the right provider before you're drifting.
Why Fort Lauderdale Boaters Get Towed More Than They Expect
Fort Lauderdale's waterways are deceptively demanding. The Intracoastal Waterway sees heavy traffic from fishing boats, yachts, paddleboarders, and commercial vessels. Inlet crossings at Port Everglades and Hillsboro can get choppy fast. And if you're heading offshore, conditions can deteriorate well before you're within VHF range of a marina.
Common reasons Fort Lauderdale boaters need a tow:
- Dead batteries — especially common on boats that sit at the dock for weeks between uses
- Engine overheating — impeller failures, clogged raw water intakes, heat buildup in summer
- Prop strikes — shallow areas along the ICW and in the Everglades estuaries catch boaters off guard
- Fuel issues — running dry is more common than most people admit
- Mechanical failures — belts, hoses, and bilge pump issues that don't wait for a convenient moment
- Grounding — Fort Lauderdale's shoaling inlets and sandbars have claimed many a hull
Knowing your options before you leave the dock can make the difference between a 90-minute inconvenience and an all-day ordeal.
Your Main Options for Boat Towing in Fort Lauderdale
1. BoatUS or Sea Tow Membership
If you're a regular boater, a towing membership is the single best insurance you can buy. Both BoatUS and Sea Tow operate in the Fort Lauderdale area and offer subscription-based towing, similar to AAA for cars.
- BoatUS: Strong coverage in South Florida, partners with many local towing companies. Membership starts around $99/year for basic towing coverage.
- Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale: Locally staffed, fast response times on the ICW and nearshore. Annual memberships typically range $150–$200 depending on coverage level.
For most recreational boaters in Fort Lauderdale, a towing membership is a no-brainer — one tow call without a membership can run $300–$800+.
2. TowBoatUS and Sea Tow Direct Calls (No Membership)
Both services will respond to non-members — you'll just pay à la carte rates. Expect flat fees or hourly rates that vary based on distance, conditions, and time of day. Offshore tows are significantly more expensive than ICW tows.
3. Local Independent Marine Towing Companies
Fort Lauderdale has a number of independent marine towing operators who serve the local waterways. Some specialize in yacht towing and salvage; others are dock-side service crews who do tows as part of a broader marine service offering.
When evaluating an independent provider, ask:
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Do they carry salvage agreements or do they operate on a straight tow rate?
- What's their response time on the ICW vs. offshore?
4. Coast Guard Assistance
The US Coast Guard Sector Fort Lauderdale provides safety assistance — but they are not a towing service. If you are in distress (danger to life, sinking, fire, medical emergency), call the USCG on VHF Channel 16 immediately. For a mechanical breakdown where the crew is safe, they may render assistance but will refer you to a commercial towing service.
What Does a Boat Tow Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Pricing varies widely depending on location, vessel size, and the nature of the tow. Here's a rough breakdown:
| Scenario | Estimated Cost (Non-Member) |
| ICW tow, under 5 miles | $200–$400 |
| ICW tow, 5–15 miles | $350–$600 |
| Nearshore tow (within 3 miles offshore) | $500–$900 |
| Offshore tow (3–10 miles out) | $800–$2,000+ |
| Grounding/salvage assist | $500–$2,500+ |
With a BoatUS or Sea Tow membership, most of these scenarios are covered at no additional cost up to a defined radius (typically 50–100 miles from your home port).
Tips for Getting Towed Safely
- Stay with your vessel unless there's an immediate safety threat. Abandoning your boat complicates the tow and can lead to liability issues.
- Have your registration, documentation, and insurance info accessible. Tow operators will need it.
- Know your VHF. Channel 16 is the hailing frequency. Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale monitors it. BoatUS also has a 24-hour dispatch line.
- Document the problem. If you suspect a mechanical failure, note what happened before calling. It helps the marina or mechanic diagnose faster.
- Don't sign a salvage agreement unless it's truly a salvage situation. A standard tow is different from a salvage — salvage agreements can entitle the salvor to a percentage of your vessel's value.
Finding Qualified Marine Service Providers in Fort Lauderdale
Once your boat is back at the dock, you'll likely need a marine mechanic, a diver to check the hull, or an engine technician to diagnose what went wrong. Fort Lauderdale is home to a dense network of qualified marine service providers — but finding a vetted one on short notice can be stressful.
BoatBaseHQ is the marketplace built for exactly this situation. Search verified marine mechanics, mobile technicians, hull divers, and marine service companies in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida. Filter by service type, read provider profiles, and connect directly — no middleman, no guesswork.
Whether you need an engine diagnosis after a tow, a prop inspection, or just want to get your boat properly serviced before your next trip, BoatBaseHQ has Fort Lauderdale covered.
Before Your Next Trip: Prepare for the Unexpected
The best boat towing experience is the one you never have to use. A few habits that reduce your odds of needing a tow in Fort Lauderdale:
- Check your impeller annually — it's a $30 part and a common failure point
- Keep a jump starter or second battery on board for dead battery situations
- File a float plan and tell someone your intended route and return time
- Top off fuel before offshore runs — never leave the dock below half a tank
- Know your VHF channels and keep the radio on during underway passages
Fort Lauderdale is one of the greatest places in the world to be on the water. With the right preparation — and the right providers in your contacts — you can handle whatever the ICW throws at you.
Need a marine mechanic, hull inspection, or other boat service in Fort Lauderdale? Browse verified providers at BoatBaseHQ.com — the marketplace for boat owners and marine service professionals.
