Detroit-area boaters have new towboat captain to call

The new towboat captain in the Detroit area is Rob Molnar, who has taken over command of TowBoatUS Detroit to improve on-water assistance along the Detroit River. Molnar, owner-operator of Gibraltar Boat Yard, said boaters should prepare for hazards rather than hope nothing goes wrong, pointing to shallow spots and difficult navigation near areas such as Mamajuda Island, which is underwater and once had a lighthouse. The service covers a 32-mile stretch from Lake Erie to Lake St. Clair, plus Belleville Lake and other inland waterways, with responses often in about half an hour. TowBoatUS provides towing free of charge to BoatUS members. Molnar is 43 and previously bought Gibraltar Boat Yard in 2021. The article describes a 2008 Silver Ships vessel with two 300-horsepower Yamaha outboards, a steel hull, and plans including a drone boat. The recap also notes on-board equipment like extra water, a jump box, and a first aid kit.