Abandoned Boats

jhwilson · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:50 am Post subject: Abandoned Boats

There was a news item yesterday that stated abandoned boats are increasingly becoming a navagation hazzard in some parts of the country. The item went on to say that due to the bad economic conditions some are leaving their boats afloat or sinking them rather than continue to pay for maintenance, etc. Doesn't make much sense but just wondered if anyone is familiar with this?

Harper

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:20 am Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:27 am Post subject: Re: Abandoned Boats

dotnmarty · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:37 am Post subject:

and this from yesterday's NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/business/01boats.html?scp=2&sq=boats&st=cse

BrentB · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 12:24 pm Post subject:

Yes this is a problem in SW FL. After Hurricane Charley, we lost a boat and needed to remove it but was nonworking and didnt float. A couple of years ago, State of Florida gave Charlotte County a grant to remove boats and I called them to see if we qualified and we did. A flat bed tow truck removed the boat after we removed oil, gas, opened fuel tank, etc. It took 2 days to remove the gas and take to hazmat disposal service. The towing company received $50 and I tipped the operator $20 and gave him the AL fuel tank and engine for scrap value. Well managed program IMHO

thataway · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:29 pm Post subject:

Who pays for those "abandoned boats"? In most cases "owners" have removed the serial, HIN and state or doc numbers so that they will not be responsible for the costs! The Florida grants are very limited and are in adequtae to remove those boats which are genuinely abandoned without known owners.

We have hundreds of abandoned boats for many years in Florida waters--and it gets worse after every hurricane.

My C Dory 25 in Calif. is stored in the same lot that National Liquidators (distressed sales etc)-- operates. This week about half the boats in the yard are from this source--and for sale. Buyer be aware. But there are some very high end boats there.

BrentB · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:10 pm Post subject:

In my case, funds came from FL taxpayers and FEMA grants. Yes funds are limited. I recall Charlotte County FL received a little over $200,000 as fixed grant according to the Charlotte Sun newspaper. I didnt save it but expect it is online. It was my understanding that goal was to remove abandoned boats irregardless of their location. Someone made a map using GPS locations and set priority levels. Someone made decision to do the most good with the funds considering all factors involved.
I felt fortunate to be accepted after explaining the details. The county person was exceptional helpful and informational. After the boat was removed I wanted to reimburse them but it was declined. Initially the fee was $500 from the same contractor that removed the boat. Their operation was land and water based. Land removal jobs were scheduled during slow time of day. I dont know the water based operations
I wish I knew but the driver was new and was learning English but knew how to operate a flat bed tow truck. O Smile

) and made some extra money that day to enjoy the night life

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:30 pm Post subject:

Here in Washington State we have a Derelict Vessel Removal Fee of $3.00 for each yearly renewal boat tab. In 2004 the state supposedly had about 270,000 registered boats. that was the latest numbers I could find. Probably about 20,000 of those are now either abandoned or about to be.

thataway · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:19 pm Post subject:

My point--us tax payers paid for the boat removal--FEMA comes from Tax dollars, as do any of these grants.

BrentB · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:52 pm Post subject:

yes I agree however I cant explain the details b/c other factors like user fees, enhancement fees, misc fees can be involved and to me are not taxes...... or maybe they are. I just know it effects my pocketbook