Captain Zach
In my last article, I wrote about some of the people who work to keep us safe on Lake Lanier while we’re out playing. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time on the water with a few of them and see firsthand how Lake Lanier’s TowBoatUS operation assists boaters in need.
Robert Estrada, the owner of the TowBoatUS operation on the lake, has been doing this for years. He manages a fleet of boats strategically placed around the lake and a crew of skilled captains who run them. Talking to him about his business is like talking to a proud father about his kids. The TowBoatUS team on Lake Lanier handles everything from bringing fuel to stranded boaters to recovering sunken vessels. If there’s trouble, these are the folks who come to help.
I spent a few hours talking with Robert and Captain Zach about what they do. As someone who loves being on the water, I can see the appeal – but it’s definitely not an easy job. In addition to holding the proper U.S. Coast Guard licenses, TowBoatUS captains on Lake Lanier go through weeks of extensive training before they’re allowed to operate one of these vessels.
Robert Estrada and SAFE boat.
While TowBoatUS has multiple boats on the lake, I had the chance to ride on what I think is the coolest one in the fleet: a 25-foot SAFE Boat, formerly operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Robert purchased it at a government auction and modified it for towing duties. What once held a .50 caliber machine gun now supports a tow post. Its Coast Guard orange paint has been replaced with TowBoatUS red – but the mission is still the same: help and protect those in need.
The boat is built like a tank, capable of handling far more weather than Lake Lanier typically dishes out. It can tow vessels much larger than itself and features an enclosed cabin to protect the captain from rain, wind, or freezing temperatures. That protection matters as tow captains don’t get to choose the weather they work in. Rain, cold, the dark of night – or all three – when someone calls for help, they need help now.
As we zipped across the lake, we talked about the most common reasons boaters call for assistance. Here are the top three:
- Maintenance (or lack thereof) – Many people view their boats purely as a source of fun, but they still require regular care. Skipping fuel treatment, neglecting battery maintenance, or ignoring small repairs can leave you stranded.
- Lack of familiarity with the boat or boating in general – Even experienced boaters make mistakes. Pumping fuel into the holding tank or forgetting to put in the drain plug can quickly ruin your day.
- Lack of knowledge of the waters – Have you ever run aground? I have. When lake levels drop later in the season, areas that were once safe may suddenly be too shallow. A quick wrong turn can leave you stuck and calling for help.
The common thread? All of these situations are preventable. Learning your boat, taking care of it, and knowing the waters can keep you out of trouble.
So, does this mean that if you’re a careful, knowledgeable boater you can skip a TowBoatUS membership? I wouldn’t say that. No matter how good you are, nothing is guaranteed.
I like to think I know my boat and the lake well. I maintain it regularly, and I’ve spent years on these waters. But I’ve also been a TowBoatUS member for the past 23 years. And yes, I’ve used it. I was very glad I had it.
Photos: by Frank Taylor
