Search Tools
Franchise Research
Franchise Categories
- Favorite Franchises
- Automotive Franchises
- Business Franchises
- Children's Franchises
- Cleaning Franchises & Maintenance Franchises
- Education Franchises
- Food Franchises & Restaurant Franchises
- Green Franchises
- Health, Beauty, & Fitness Franchises
- Home Services Franchises
- Home-Based Franchises
- Kiosk-Based Franchises
- Low-Cost Franchises
- Mobile-Based Franchises
- Pet Franchises
- Real Estate Franchises
- Recreation Franchises
- Remodeling, Construction, & Repair Franchises
- Retail Franchises
- Seniors Franchises
- Technology Franchises
- Travel Franchises
- Vending Franchises
- Veteran Franchises
 | Sea Tow Services International, IncYour Road Service at Sea |
Business Type
FranchiseMin Liquid Capital
$75,000 to $250,000Total Investment
$90,000 to $300,000Required Net Worth
$200,000Number of Units
100In Business Since
1983* For Current Info See:
Franchise Disclosure Document
Overview
Sea Tow is a way of life. It's a 24/7 commitment
to do right by the recreational boating community and to ensure their
safety and peace of mind on the water. Those who choose this lifestyle
agree that owning a Sea Tow franchise is the most difficult, but most
rewarding, career they've ever had.
If you prefer water to land, being windblown to being weatherproof and helping others rather than watching others be helped, then I suggest you read on. Chances are you're like the more than 700 captains and crew of the Sea Tow network who believe that any day spent on the water beats a day at the office.
If you prefer water to land, being windblown to being weatherproof and helping others rather than watching others be helped, then I suggest you read on. Chances are you're like the more than 700 captains and crew of the Sea Tow network who believe that any day spent on the water beats a day at the office.
Products & Services
Sea Tow is an international marine assistance
franchise business headquartered in Southold, N.Y. The company was
established in 1983 when Capt. Joseph Frohnhoefer, founder and CEO,
recognized the potential a marine assistance company would have after
the United States Coast Guard (USCG) ceased its response to
non-distress boating calls. The business began as a partnership with
one boat and a wooden 6"x 6" tow post. Since then, Sea Tow has grown
exponentially and is today a thriving franchise business with over 100 locations throughout the United States, Australia, Europe, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.
Sea Tow offers its members something no one else in the industry can – a committed, dedicated network of professionals who have a vested interest in its members' safety and satisfaction. The success of Sea Tow's franchisees is directly linked to their professionalism and attention to customer service.
Our distinctive Yellow Sea Tow boats are typically equipped with multiple Digital Selective Calling (DSC) enabled VHF radios, radio direction finders (RDFs), Global Positioning System (GPS) chart plotters, radars, depth sounders and other high-tech electronics that enable our Sea Tow captains to find distressed boaters as quickly as possible.
We have developed strategic initiatives and alliances geared toward the safety and security of the recreational boating public. Our Sea Smart™ VHF communications network is the most affordable, reliable alternative to cell phones on the water. Our Trailer Care™ program, which provides roadside assistance services for the boat trailer and towing vehicle, was designed to get our members to and from the water safely and securely. Our Sea Insure™ offering provides Sea Tow members with exclusive access to a superior insurance policy that provides coverage for conditions that most hull insurance policies exclude. And, our Sea Loans™ program brings together two leaders in the industry -- Sea Tow and Russo Marine Financial Services -- to provide Sea Tow members with exclusive financing opportunities when they're buying new, trading in, refitting or refinancing their boat.
Sea Tow offers its members something no one else in the industry can – a committed, dedicated network of professionals who have a vested interest in its members' safety and satisfaction. The success of Sea Tow's franchisees is directly linked to their professionalism and attention to customer service.
Our distinctive Yellow Sea Tow boats are typically equipped with multiple Digital Selective Calling (DSC) enabled VHF radios, radio direction finders (RDFs), Global Positioning System (GPS) chart plotters, radars, depth sounders and other high-tech electronics that enable our Sea Tow captains to find distressed boaters as quickly as possible.
We have developed strategic initiatives and alliances geared toward the safety and security of the recreational boating public. Our Sea Smart™ VHF communications network is the most affordable, reliable alternative to cell phones on the water. Our Trailer Care™ program, which provides roadside assistance services for the boat trailer and towing vehicle, was designed to get our members to and from the water safely and securely. Our Sea Insure™ offering provides Sea Tow members with exclusive access to a superior insurance policy that provides coverage for conditions that most hull insurance policies exclude. And, our Sea Loans™ program brings together two leaders in the industry -- Sea Tow and Russo Marine Financial Services -- to provide Sea Tow members with exclusive financing opportunities when they're buying new, trading in, refitting or refinancing their boat.
Training & Support
When it comes to developing a flourishing
membership business, our Sea Tow franchisees are never adrift to sea.
Every franchise candidate who is awarded a Sea Tow franchise has the
support of Sea Tow Services International Inc. (STSI), as well as the
experience and best practices of the entire Sea Tow network.Our franchisees receive the following support:
- New franchise training at corporate headquarters
- Annual meeting of corporate representatives and franchise owners
- Continuing education through regional conference calls, Webinars and hands-on training
- State-of-the-art membership software program
- 24-hour customer service center and membership support teams
- National advertising and marketing support
- Regional advertising and marketing development
- Media relations training and support
- National Web site, hosted and maintained by STSI
- Lifelines member magazine
- Sea News electronic newsletter
- Secure Intranet and online discussion forum for franchise owners
Why Sea Tow Services?
 |
Our franchisees also benefit from the following:
|
Are You a Good Fit for Sea Tow Services?
With over 100 franchises
throughout the United States, Australia and Europe, Sea Tow is the
international leader in professional marine assistance. Recognized
worldwide for the professionalism of its captains and crew, its
distinctive trademarks and signature yellow boats, it's no wonder why
Sea Tow has come to be known as the industry standard for non-emergency
on-water assistance.
The Sea Tow franchise model is built on the following three criteria:
As a Sea Tow franchisee, each day will be another opportunity for you to work hard at work worth doing. Whether you're helping a wayward cruiser find his or her way back to familiar waters, relieving the fears of a stranded boater by providing a much needed tow or fuel drop, or running side by side with the U.S. Coast Guard to provide professional assistance on an emergency call, at the end of your day you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you have chosen a career that is rooted in helping fellow boaters in need – and you will know your day's work was very much worth doing.
The Sea Tow franchise model is built on the following three criteria:
- a love of the water and a respect for all those who share in it
- a commitment to serving the recreational boating community in the most professional manner possible
- a desire to build a successful marine assistance membership business
As a Sea Tow franchisee, each day will be another opportunity for you to work hard at work worth doing. Whether you're helping a wayward cruiser find his or her way back to familiar waters, relieving the fears of a stranded boater by providing a much needed tow or fuel drop, or running side by side with the U.S. Coast Guard to provide professional assistance on an emergency call, at the end of your day you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you have chosen a career that is rooted in helping fellow boaters in need – and you will know your day's work was very much worth doing.
