As a boat owner, I have always taken out insurance to protect myself against the unknown but I have never really considered breakdown protection.

We were recently out on our single engine rib and decided to anchor at Osborne Bay for lunch. Our engine has always been a bit tricky to start but generally once she’s going it’s fine. Before casting off or raising the anchor we always check the engine goes in forward/reserve gear, that day was no exception apart from it cut out each time we put it into gear! Not being mechanics, we tried various different things for about 45 mins before deciding we needed external help! We did not feel it was an emergency – it was daylight, the weather was good and we were fed and watered, so we called Sea Start.

What is Sea Start?

They offer 24/7 Marine Breakdown Assistance and have been around since 1994. They cover from Portland, around the Isle of Wight to Selsey Bill and offer shore side assistance in all major ports along the South Coast, as well as the Channel Islands, Cherbourg Peninsula and North Brittany Coast.

Benefits of being a Sea Start member:

  • Unlimited call outs
  • Assistance on your home berth
  • Fouled propeller clearance
  • Tow to nearest port if repair not possible
  • Independent telephone technical support
  • You get an hour of labour/towing with each breakdown once alongside
  • Their average response time is 45 minutes
  • Over 90% of calls are resolved there and then

We spoke to Nick on the phone who was really helpful and explained that as we weren’t already members we had to join for a year and pay a one off emergency call out fee so the total cost would be £220.00. After a sharp intake of breath I realised that it's extremely good value and we are now covered until October 2016. Nick took basic details from us so he could get the engineer on his way and then called back to take further details and of course payment!

I had never really thought too much about Sea Start before, as I have always owned sail boats and figured if the engine broke down I still had sails to get me home. It wasn’t until we were stranded with our only means of propulsion not working that I thought – why didn’t we join??

I thought the service we received was excellent and I have already told many people about our little adventure and how Sea Start were able to save us! They were professional at all times and I would highly recommend you take a look at their website and if you’re not already a member – you should join. We always think 'it will never happen to me' but sometimes it does!

Should you join - in my experience - YES!!

Wendy Barker - Boatshed HQ Team