Your local TowBoatU.S. operator is Red Clay Marine, captained by Thomas Cunningham — a USCG-licensed Merchant Mariner with 20+ years on the water. When you need help, a true professional is on the way.
TowBoatU.S. is the nation's largest and most trusted on-water towing network — and Red Clay Marine is your local operator serving Jordan, Falls, Harris, and Kerr Lakes in North Carolina. When you call TowBoatU.S. in this region, you're getting Red Clay Marine.
At the helm is Captain Thomas Cunningham — a graduate of SUNY Maritime College and a licensed U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate — Unlimited Tonnage officer. Thomas also holds a USCG 100-Ton Master's License, credentials earned through years of professional service as a merchant mariner on commercial vessels. He is not simply a boater who learned towing — he is a career maritime professional who chose to bring that expertise to North Carolina's lakes.
Thomas grew up on the Great South Bay of Long Island, New York, spending over 20 years on the water before his career took him across oceans and eventually to the Triangle region, where he previously operated as a TowBoatU.S. captain. He founded Red Clay Marine to put that experience to work for local boaters — delivering the national reliability of TowBoatU.S. with the accountability of a local, owner-operated business.
Most tow operators are skilled boaters — but Captain Thomas holds a USCG Unlimited Tonnage license, the same credential required to command large commercial vessels on open ocean. This means he has trained for and responded to emergencies at a level far beyond a standard recreational boating license. When you're in trouble on the water, that experience is the difference that matters.
Stranded on the water? Our towing service operates 24/7 across all four lakes. TowBoatU.S. members receive free towing — sign up today and boat with confidence.
We raise and recover sunken vessels quickly and professionally. Fast response time means less damage and lower costs. Call us immediately if your boat is taking on water.
Ran out of gas mid-lake? We'll deliver fuel directly to you. Members pay only the cost of the gas itself — no service fee. Non-member rates apply per incident.
A dead battery doesn't have to ruin your day. Our crew can jump-start or assist with battery issues right on the water — fast and hassle-free.
Learn essential boat-handling skills with hands-on, 3-hour powerboat training courses on some of North Carolina's most scenic lakes. Great for beginners and returning boaters alike.
TowBoatU.S. members always receive priority dispatch. On a busy summer day when calls are stacking up, members get to the front of the line — every time.
A TowBoatU.S. membership pays for itself the first time you need it. Non-members are always welcome — we'll get you home either way.
The Red Clay Marine response vessel is purpose-built for on-water assistance — equipped with professional towing gear, emergency fuel cans, lighting, and everything needed to get you back safely.
We patrol Jordan, Falls, Harris, and Kerr Lakes and can reach most locations quickly when every minute counts.
"Definitely worth the membership! So many benefits. The captain is so nice and knowledgeable. You do not want to get stranded on the water without it."
"I had grandchildren visiting and got the tow rope sucked into the jet ski engine! They came right away and saved the day. Very professional, kind, helpful and reasonably priced."
"These guys know what they are doing. Fast, courteous service — I would certainly recommend them to any boater on the lake."
We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — call us now.
919-303-1669