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Why are there no "salvage yards" for major boat parts like there is for autos?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by 54' Bertram, Mar 14, 2010.

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  1. 54' Bertram, Mar 14, 2010
    #1
    54' Bertram

    54' Bertram Member

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    Location:
    New Orleans, Louisiana
    when looking at boats that will be scrapped or sold via auction after a major storm (like Katrina, since I am in New Orleans, I saw a LOT!), I often wondered why someone hasn't developed a salvage network for major parts not damaged on the boat.

    as an example, I have been considering a hardtop to replace my canvas top on my boat. The prices I have been getting for even the most basic top is around 40k, plus the pipework that would be required fit the hardtop. seems like someone would have a network or at least be known for their ability to locate a used fairly hi buck item like that, or a tower, or a fighting chair, or helm chairs, etc, etc..

    are there sources out there like that and I'm just not looking in the right place?
  2. NYCAP123, Mar 14, 2010
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Things like fiberglass, canvass, etc. don't lend themselves well to being ripped out, stored and replanted. There are bone yards (not much left on those wrecks) and salvers who stip anything worthwhile like motors, wheels, electronics, etc. for resale. Several can be found in Boats & Harbors, there's a guy in Naples Florida who is good, but I don't have his name at hand.
  3. geriksen, Mar 15, 2010
    #3
    geriksen

    geriksen Senior Member

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    ebay is good source for things like that

    Great Lake Skipper and Flounder Pounder are good sources for mid size American cruiser parts.

    The real problem is that specific models are built in such low production numbers that there is very little commonality. It is also not cost effective for the builders to stock parts for a model that they only built 75 copies of.

    This is why "boat parts" aside from common hardware are so hard to get.

    It is a huge problem for those of us in the boat repair biz. We often have to have replacement parts custom built.
  4. Norseman, Mar 15, 2010
    #4
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Yeah, ebay or the internet in General:

    I scrapped a 62' motor sailor a year ago and sold the masts/sails/rigging to a Brit for a decent price, then outsourced other parts to places like Sailorman for consigment sales. http://www.sailorman.com/
    Other stuff on ebay and classifed ads on bulletin boards such as this one.

    (Got a good deal on a bow railing and windows with SS frames, for you my friend, very good price..:D )
  5. fantasymaker, Mar 21, 2010
    #5
    fantasymaker

    fantasymaker New Member

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    It costs to much to transport them to a common spot. and the land in most yards is to valuable to let them take up space for long.
  6. DanB, May 5, 2010
    #6
    DanB

    DanB New Member

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    Yes! You would think, with at all the pictures of boats and yachts that are damaged after floods, hurricanes, etc.. There would lot's of yards around. Sadly, due to the size of large cabin cruisers and yachts, transport on roadway entails "over-size" permits: Escorts: Government, local, state, regulatory controls, it is very expensive to transport from point to point. And also as per reasons already posted. Transport, ALONE, is enough, to prevent many business's from buying damaged boats for salvage resale. Sad, but true! If I had the money, I would love getting a salvage yard for boats , cabin, and yachts!!