LAKE LANIER, GA., May 27, 2009 – Capt. Robert Estrada has purchased TowBoatUS Lake Lanier, GA, an on-the-water towing company that recreational boaters can call to get reliable assistance day or night.  Battery jump starts, fuel drop offs, ungrounding services and tows back to a launch ramp are the most common requests.

Capt. Estrada, who was formerly the towing company’s managing partner, purchased the business from his former employer, Capt. Barkley Geib, who also owns Waterfront Lanier Harbor Marina in Buford.  Estrada was first named general manager of the marina in 1993, and was also a towing captain when the facility began offering a BoatUS–affiliated on-the-water towing service to boaters in 1994.  By 2005 the business had grown into a full time, 24-hour-a-day operation, officially becoming TowBoatUS Lake Lanier.  Waterfront Lanier Harbor Marina is also the lake’s only BoatUS Cooperating Marina, which offers BoatUS members a 10 cents-a-gallon discount on fuel as well as a 10% discount on restaurant and ship’s store purchases.

Estrada, a lifelong boater who grew up in Atlanta and had formerly worked in the hospitality industry, says he’s proud of the high level of customer service he provides. “Treating people the right way, exceeding their expectations, and providing a high level of service has helped us grow this business,” he adds.

TowBoatUS Lake Lanier will remain at its location at Lanier Harbor Marina.  Stationed at the port are three, 24-foot Privateer response boats.  All three vessels can be identified by their distinctive red hulls, white bow stripes and “TowBoatU.S.” lettering along their sides.  Onboard each is a complement of state-of-the-art towing and salvage equipment including extra fuel, engine fluids, pumps, scuba gear and a battery “jump pack” to handle dead batteries.

While lake water levels have rebounded from last year’s drought conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard licensed Estrada says boaters continue to have issues with underwater obstructions.  “Now that the water is back up, it’s like exploring a new lake all over again, which can lead to an accidental grounding or prop damage. It’s a lot easier to call us than to ask a friend to come and find you and safely get you back to a marina or launch ramp,” he adds.

BoatUS offers "Unlimited" on-the-water towing plans for freshwaters for just $53 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 TowBoatUS Lake Lanier by calling the company directly at 770-945-2884, on VHF radio on channel 16; or through the BoatUS toll-free Dispatch Service at 800-391-4869.

Visit BoatUS.com/towing for more information.

###

About BoatUS Towing Services:

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 600,000 members with a wide array of consumer services, including on-the-water towing assistance provided by TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist Pacific. Combined, these two towing fleets offer North American boaters the largest network of US, Canadian and Bahamian towing ports with over 290 locations and over 600 towing assistance vessels — three times that of any other service provider.