Many National & International membership plans can only promise monetary reimbursements for your out-of-pocket expenses (They simply don't have towboats in every port)  Here on SE Georgian Bay, the OBL Service Craft does help members of other organizations--our rate is $200 per hour.  If your home-port is on SE Georgian Bay, OBL Membership is right for you.  You'll enjoy a wide array of services, (with immediate dispatch) and you won't have to pay up-front, then wait for reimbursements.  Remember, OBL offers much more than just towing; We're marine technicians.  But, if we can't get you up and running on scene, we will tow you back to your home-port or port of choice, anywhere on SE Georgian Bay . . . just cover the gas).
Below is a bit of our history, including OBL's first dramatic service-call . . . on launch day 22 years ago!

Below are some photo's from our own archives - including some showing the motor yacht, Radel, her Mayday we answered using the 19' twin engine outboard Zodiac shown below.  It was truly dramatic; 12 persons onboard a 110' private yacht which was flooding rapidly after it struck black submerged ice off Midland Pt on the night of April 22, 1989.  (In case you are wondering, we did not charge any fee).  The events are described below.
OBL is not the Coast Guard . . .  Nor is it an insurance company.  The OBL is simply a privately managed & funded organization with one or two towboats on-call day & night all season long to assist boaters on SE Georgian Bay.  OBL has assisted more than 3000 boaters since 1989.  Everything from safely removing persons from sinking vessels, to routine tows, to on the spot repairs - Members and non-members alike.  All thanks to the support of boaters like you!

Fall, 1988- At left, Dave Holding (OBL founder) is towing a  new OBL Service Craft (a prototype Zodiac Hurricane) to Penetang Ontario from its Richmond B.C. factory.  Secured on deck, and all wrapped in plastic is a much smaller Zodiac (deflated) which Dave dropped off at Inland Inflatables, Zodiacs dealer at the time in Oakville ON.
At right is the new OBLService Craft at its dock (1989) - Beacon Bay Marina, Penetang ON.  Below left, OBL Service Craft approaching (next day) the flooded Radel.  All persons were removed by Dave the previous night.

Pictured above is OBL founder Dave Holding with "mission specialist", daughter Sarah.  Photo taken July 1989 at Lost Bay, Georgian Bay.
75 Missions were accomplished using the Zodiac Hurricane that first season.  (we only had 25 Members).  Doug Maynard (concierge at Wye Heritage Marina)  occasionally took care of Sarah when Dave headed out on risky missions from his base there at that time.  Thanks Doug!

On April 22, 1989 at 8.30 pm Dave heard a distress call on his VHF Radio; The Radel (pictured at left) has struck black ice just off Midland Pt and is flooding rapidly.  She has 12 persons onboard, and her inflatable dinghy (not yet inflated) cannot hold them all.  Within half an hour of receiving the call, Dave manages to get the new OBL Service Craft through an ice field, and arrives on scene.  Just as Radels' aft deck is going awash, the grounded vessel threatening to capsize in beam seas, all 12 persons onboard (including a well-bundled, seemingly content baby) are passed to safety aboard the OBL Service Craft.  'Thank you OBL Members!

Radel's owner, Reg Cunningham (seen on deck) patched her right there in the slings at Beacon Bay Marina.  Reg had the Radel running again in just a couple of days!
Reg donated a 3" gasoline powered pump to the OBL.  Thanks Reg!  (OBL's pump has been used many times over the years, preventing the loss of many boats, including for a ski boat recovery following an accident near Roberts Island in 2010 - see story & photo's on the next page.  And in 2011 it was used to prevent the loss of a 41' Silverton after it struck rocks in the Whalesback Channel (NW of Governor Island).  Member Support means so much; While OBL can't guarantee rescue, our presence on SE Georgian Bay certainly improves everyone's chances!)

The photo above shows the Radel being de-watered the next day with the assistance of the tug, Dawn Light - (owner, Garnett Cheney).  Garnet and Don Limoges (Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Volunteer - "Sparky") also responded to the mayday, both accepting the transfer of passengers from the OBL Service Craft en route back to Penetanguishene.
In 1952 the converted sub-chaser, Radel was owned & operated by the National Research Council and was one of Canada's most advanced "gadget ships".  The National Film Board of Canada has a short film clip featuring the Radel.

Dave & his 14 year old son, Steven lived (year-round) onboard a 35' steel hull Chris Craft Roamer, Marie II, (shown in the foreground at left) wintering at Penetang's Town Dock--1987).  Also shown is Ken Hisey's, Argonaut Diver and Chummy Hook's, Rock of Ages--part-time live a boards.
Dave & Steven were onboard the Marie II  (at Beacon Bay Marina) watching,  "A Night to Remember" when they heard the Mayday from the Radel.