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Derelict Boats

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by olderboater, Mar 7, 2014.

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  1. olderboater, Mar 7, 2014
    #1
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    It's amazing how much attention Primadonna got and yet it was just really a minor nuisance. But I've been reading about much more serious issues with derelict boats. Key West, and more specifically Stock Island, has developed a serious problem with people beaching or leaving derelict boats at docks. One of the things going on is the docks basically giving them away, hoping to get them moved. They've even given them to homeless. But then some have resold them to unsuspecting persons on ebay. Regardless, right now there is an 81' Tug sunk and creating an obstruction with an estimated cost of removal of $500,000. There are others that have sunk.

    I've also read of some areas in Europe where people have beached old boats.

    Florida has laws requiring the owner to remove it but if the owner is homeless that's not likely to happen.

    Here is a Key West article.

    The Blue Paper | Derelict Tugboat Set To Cost Hundreds of Thousands to Monroe County
  2. Pascal, Mar 7, 2014
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It's a problem just about everywhere... There are quite a few around Miami - coconut grove, marine stadium as well. Every couple of years the county (or maybe state) sends a barge with a crane to pick up and crush those that have sunk or drifted on the spoil islands.
  3. NYCAP123, Mar 7, 2014
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I think you just hit on the main reason so many marinas are no longer allowing live-aboards and are requiring proof of insurance. (insurance assures that the boat is registered or documented). Although generally on a smaller scale, we used to have a bad problem with abandoned boats on Long Island's south shore. Then the towns started tracking down the last registered owner and charging them with the disposal cost. If unable to find or collect from the last owner a marina is the next deep pocket since they have to perfect a lien before they can move the boat, making them the owner. A $100,000 judgment will certainly make them think twice about grabbing few quick bucks rent by letting in a derelict.

    Those who buy derelicts because they're cheap should also take note. You do not want to be the last owner of a boat.
  4. olderboater, Mar 7, 2014
    #4
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Well, I look for them to potentially go after the marina on this last one. Question of who was last in control of the tug and whether the owner ever really had control. It's one thing when they're sitting on shore or at a dock, but when they're towing the boats out and strapping a small outboard on. Beware 81' yachts on Craigslist. And the marina tried to toss in a steel barge.

    Wonder what happened to the 1919 Trumpy that sold on ebay for $11,001 that was discussed here?
  5. Capt J, Mar 7, 2014
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Where that 81' tug boat is sitting is about 40 miles from Key West....it's hardly a problem to just leave it there on the reef as a shipwreck.......Honestly, the marina should've just taken it 20 miles south to very deep water and scuttled it.
  6. olderboater, Mar 8, 2014
    #6
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    There are several sitting now in various places and some are potential navigation issues. Yes, Scuttle in 1000 feet would beat being on a reef. The marina playing games trying to technically adhere to the law, but that's a very dangerous game. This comes behind a $100,000 fine a couple of years ago. And some boats are overpriced at free. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. And the motor and the way the marina attached it.
  7. Capt J, Mar 8, 2014
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The Marina should've put a 150hp outboard on it, a good autopilot, and plenty of fuel.....and just sent it straight to Cuba. They'd probably put it to use there.....LOLOLOL