Coeur Guide

Local Spotlight: Meet the TowBoatUS Team Saving the Day on Lake CDA

Local Guide

If you’ve spent any time on Lake Coeur d’Alene in the past couple years, you’ve likely seen a bright red boat cutting through the wake. That’s the team from TowBoatUS Coeur d’Alene, and they are quickly becoming the most reliable friends a boater can have in North Idaho.

Launched in 2024, TowBoatUS CDA is a family-owned marine towing company that brings nationwide peace of mind to our boating community. While they are backed by the massive BoatUS network—the largest on-water towing fleet in the country—the service you get is 100% personal, provided by Preston and Veronica Rose, local boaters who treat every call like they’re helping a friend.

More Than Just a Tow

We all know that even the best day on the lake can take an unexpected turn. Whether it's an empty fuel tank, a dead battery, or a soft ungrounding on a sandbar, Preston and Veronica are ready to help. They provide 24/7 assistance including towing, fuel delivery, battery jump-starts, and recovery services. 

While they respond to both members and non-members alike, their focus is on helping North Idaho boaters get protected before the need arises. On the water, response time and experience matter most, and this team takes immense pride in their high-quality equipment and readiness.

"If you see the big red boat out on the lake, give us a wave! We usually have popsicles on board and love to meet fellow boaters."

A Journey Across the Country

The commitment behind this business is best illustrated by the story of their flagship vessel. Before launching, Preston built their first towing boat—a 25-foot twin-engine Boston Whaler—at their family boat yard in Florida. To get it home to Idaho, he had to trailer it across the country in the middle of winter, navigating mountain pass snowstorms to ensure the "Big Red Boat" made it safely to its new home base.

While Lake Coeur d’Alene is their primary hub, that’s not the only lake they service! With a trailerable second vessel, they are already expanding their reach to Hayden Lake, Fernan Lake, Spirit Lake, and Lake Pend Oreille. Their goal is to build a reliable presence across the North Idaho region so boaters know exactly who to call, no matter where they are.

“When something goes wrong on the water, response time, experience, and equipment matter. That is where we take a lot of pride.”

Meet the Captains and Crew

TowBoatUS is a true husband-and-wife operation. You’ll see Captain Preston responding on the water, while Veronica runs operations behind the scenes (though she’s currently working toward her own Captain’s license as well!).

When they aren't rescuing boaters, you can find them embracing the local North Idaho lifestyle—fishing, camping, or spending time on the river. They are also huge animal lovers, sharing their home with two rescue dogs, Mischa and Rocki, and a cat named Ricki. 

Despite having traveled the world—from Japan and Australia to France and Thailand—they say nothing beats the beauty of Coeur d’Alene. When they aren't on a boat, you might spot them grabbing a bowl of pho at Pho Le 1 in Riverstone, enjoying live music, or wandering around our local street fairs and farmer’s markets. 

Community & Safety First

Beyond towing, Preston and Veronica are deeply involved in our community. They regularly participate in local sheriff and safety events to share their knowledge on boating safety in North Idaho. Keep an eye out for a fundraiser they are planning for this summer––they love giving back and are always looking for ways to stay involved. 

At the end of the day, they are just grateful to serve. "Being the people someone calls when they need help is something we take seriously," they shared. "The friendships we’ve built along the way mean everything to us."

To learn more about TowBoatUS, visit their website or check them out on Instagram and Facebook!

Support local. Stay safe. See you on the water!

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