Boaters, Anglers Now Have Reliable On-the-Water Assistance with Opening of TowBoatUS Lake Richard B. Russell
By Mel Fabrikant Thursday, July 29, 2010, 07:48 AM EDT
Boaters and anglers on one of Georgia’s most pristine lakes now have a helping hand to call when they break down on the water. Captain Benjamin Owens and Todd Campbell of nearby TowBoatUS Lake Hartwell have opened a second location, TowBoatUS Lake Richard B. Russell, at Beaver Dam Marina in Elberton, Georgia. Recreational boaters and anglers can call the on-the-water towing company day or night to get reliable assistance and tows back to a launch ramp or marina. Engine troubles, battery jump-starts and fuel drop offs are some common requests for help.
By water, the new port is located off the Savannah River at channel marker #9, and the company’s service area includes all of Lake Richard B. Russell from 30 miles downstream of the Lake Hartwell Dam to the Richard B. Russell Dam. Boaters and anglers can go to the Member Services Locator to see the location on a map.
Stationed at the port is a 18-foot center console response towboat, ready to go at a moment’s notice and fully rigged for marine towing and salvage work, including extra fuel, engine fluids, pumps, dive gear and battery “jump packs” to handle dead batteries. The towboat can be identified its distinctive red hull, white bow stripes and “TowBoatU.S.” lettering along its sides.
Behind the helm of the vessel is Captain Anthony Barnett, who like Owens is USCG licensed. Barnett grew up nearby and spent many days on Lake Russell since it’s establishment in the 1980’s. “We hired Tony because he remembers what it looked like before it was flooded and knows the lake like the back of his hand,” said Capt. Owens. “That means a faster response in locating a disabled boater.”
Capt. Campbell came to the region in 1985 to set up a satellite location for the family’s business: Campbell’s Crane Rental. But it was the great boating on local lakes that kept him there. He was also a volunteer firefighter with Anderson County Fire Department, and enjoys working with terminally ill children through the Outdoor Dream Foundation. Capt. Owens is a South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources wildlife officer. An avid hunter and offshore angler, he’s also on the board of the Outdoor Dream Foundation.
TowBoatUS Lake Richard B. Russell is part of the country’s largest boat towing program with over 600 towboats servicing hundreds of ports and waterways coast to coast. The towing program is just one service offered by BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its half-million members with government representation, consumer programs and money-saving services.
Like an auto club, BoatUS offers "Unlimited" on-the-water towing plans for freshwater boaters and anglers for just $58 a year, which includes BoatUS membership. Without a towing plan, boaters face costs that nationally average about $600 per incident.
Boaters in need of towing assistance can reach any of these ports by calling the company directly at 864-313-8627; by VHF radio on channel 16; or through the BoatUS toll-free Dispatch Service at 800-391-4869.
