Capt. Richard Moore Helps Tenn-Tom Boaters Get Safely Home

Captain Richard Moore, who has traveled throughout the US and Caribbean as a boat delivery captain, has put down roots in Pickwick, TN, by opening the area’s first on-the-water towing company, TowBoatUS Pickwick Lake. Located at Grand Harbor Marina and Resort on the Tennessee-Tombigbee (Tenn-Tom) in Pickwick, the TowBoatUS towing port is part of the nation’s largest on-the-water towing service for recreational boaters.

Capt. Moore, a former cowboy who spent 20 years in Montana roping cattle and packing horses before becoming involved in the marine industry, carries a USCG master of gross tonnage license with sail and tow endorsements, and is able to pilot large commercial vessels as well as private yachts. He is also a marine mechanic and former owner of an offshore charter boat and delivery company in Florida.

TowBoatUS Pickwick Lake is equipped with a 23-foot Shamrock response vessel, which can be identified by its distinctive red hull with white bow stripes and “TowBoatU.S.” lettering along its side. Onboard is a full complement of towing and salvage equipment including extra fuel, engine fluids, pumps, and battery “jump packs” to handle every breakdown from running out of fuel to running aground.

Moore and his wife, Bonnie, live aboard their 50-foot trawler, Three Gails, at Grand Harbor Marina. With three grown children and seven grandkids, Capt. Moore’s passion is boating safety, a subject he has spoken about many times to school and community groups. “I hope to participate in more educational programs that help kids stay safe while boating and swimming,” said Capt. Moore.

Part of the “Great Loop,” the Tenn-Tom sees many different types of boats from ocean going yachts to local waterskiiers and anglers. “Whether you’re a local or just passing through, I can get you safely home when your engine won’t. I can also drop off fuel, get you to a repair facility, or give you a gentle tug off a shoal,” said Moore.

TowBoatUS Pickwick Lake covers the Tennessee River east (upstream) to Brush Creek Island Light, including Bear Creek. Downstream, Capt. Moore can get to the Pickwick Dam and lock in about an hour, or beyond possibly, depending on the lock schedule. On the Tenn-Tom his coverage area reaches the 425-mile marker, however, “I can go further if needed, so don’t hesitate to call me. It just takes a little longer,” added Moore.

Similar to a roadside auto club, BoatUS offers on-the-water assistance plans starting at around $37 a year. Without a towing plan, boaters face costs that nationally average about $600 per incident. Boaters in need of towing assistance can reach Capt. Moore at TowBoatUS Pickwick Lake by calling the company directly at 731-607-3172; by VHF radio on channel 16; or through the BoatUS toll-free Dispatch Service at 800-391-4869 or visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Towing for more information.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services, including on-the-water towing assistance provided by TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist. Combined, these two towing fleets offer North American boaters the largest network of US, Canadian and Bahamian towing ports with over 280 locations and nearly 500 towing assistance vessels - twice that of any other service provider.