Submitted by Boat Owners Association of The United States

A local small business that helps boaters get safely home was recognized for its professionalism at the BoatUS Towing Services Annual Conference recently held in Jupiter, Florida. The “Tower of the Year” honors went to TowBoatUS Friday Harbor, which is owned and operated by Capt. Deb Fritz.

The company’s red towing response vessels are a familiar sight to San Juan Island boaters, helping them get back home safely when their boats break down, run aground, run out of fuel, or need a battery jumpstart. Capt. Fritz’s company was acknowledged for its near-perfect 24-hour towing dispatch operation, superior customer service and satisfaction, towing case management, and its work in the local boating community.

The company has four response vessels from 23- to 25-feet stationed at the Friday Harbor location, ready to go at a moment’s notice to assist boaters. Much like an auto club for recreational boaters, TowBoatUS Friday Harbor is part of a nationwide network of more than 300 locations and 600 towing-response vessels that annually responds to more than 70,000 requests for routine on-water assistance.

TowBoatUS Friday Harbor can be hailed on VHF channel 16, by calling the company directly at 360-378-1111, by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 dispatch center at 800-391-4869, or via smartphone using the free BoatUS App.

BoatUS provides advocacy, services and safety groups for recreational boaters.