Cedar Creek Lake now has 24-hour on-water assistance for boat breakdowns

Captain Tanner Golian of TowBoatUS Cedar Creek is ready 24 hours a day to safely get boaters back to the dock or launch ramp © Scott Croft

With more than 6,500 boathouses, 18-mile long Cedar Creek Lake has been popular with recreational boaters since it was created in 1964. But what happens when a boat breaks down, runs out of fuel, or has a dead battery? For years, it was up to the boat owner's good fortune to find a friend or Good Samaritan to bring the boat home. Now they no longer have to get lucky with the opening of TowBoatUS Cedar Creek, a 24/7 boater-assistance service that's part of a network of 300-plus TowBoatUS locations across the country.

"Until now, finding reliable help to get you back to the dock or launch ramp has always been a problem on the lake," said James Small, owner of the new on-water towing service who also owns TowBoatUS Lake Sam Rayburn. "You can now have the security of knowing that TowBoatUS is available to come get you day or night. For less than the price of one tank of fuel, you can have reliable, professional assistance for routine breakdowns on the water all year long."

Much like an auto club for recreational boat owners, BoatUS offers an Unlimited Freshwater Towing Membership for just $72 a year. Boaters face costs that average $750 per towing incident – with some paying into the thousands out of pocket – when they don't have an annual BoatUS Towing Membership.

Small said Capt. Tanner Golian, a former local volunteer firefighter, is stationed at the towing port full-time, with additional help on weekends. Most of the reasons why boaters break down on the lake are for engine and battery troubles, but the 32,623-acre lake is also a drinking water supply, and regulations prohibit on-water refueling. "Boat fuel gauges are notoriously inaccurate, so when you run out of gas we can bring you back to the launch ramp," added Small. The lake's water levels also fluctuate. "There are some underwater islands that can pop up when the lake is low, leading to groundings," said Small. "We can safely unground you and get you on your way."

The company has two rugged red response vessels located at Lone Star Marina with the TowBoatUS name and logo emblazoned in bright white letters on their sides. Both are fully rigged for towing and salvage, with powerful pumps, battery jump packs, dive gear and extra fuel. Separate from towing services, TowBoatUS Cedar Creek also offers salvage services and a mobile repair service.

Boaters can reach TowBoatUS Cedar Creek by hailing on VHF channel 16, by calling the company directly at (936) 715-8748, by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at (800) 391-4869, or via smartphone using the BoatUS App. More information can be found at www.BoatUS.com/Membership.