Abandoned Boat

[BR549]

About 2 months ago I arrived at my cabin to find a boat beached in the yard. Looks like a late 80's aluminum Lakesport with a 50 hp Force - through the local Marine Police I was able to locate the person the boat is registered to - he had sold it over a year ago and with it being a cash sale he could not recall the name of the buyer. So my question is how long should I keep this boat? It had the keys in it, is in good shape and still runs, but it has been tied to my pier for far too long. I have put up a flier at the local stores but no luck. I want to be a fair as possible but I don't want to keep it all summer - any suggestions?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Abandoned Boat

I would put a chain and lock on it and when the person comes to pick it up, charge them a storage fee, if this is your place.<br /><br />Also check with the locals to see what the requirements are for abandon vehicles/boats.<br /><br />Take the numbers off the side and if it has been transfered, then you should be able to locate the now owners of the boat.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Abandoned Boat

Hi BR549, to protect youself I would make a point of getting a copy of some paper work from the local police regarding the apparent abandonment with tag/hull numbers just in case you try to get possession and the owner comes back and accuses you of theft.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Abandoned Boat

Definitely get everything cleared with the police before you do anything. Report it to the Sheriff and get some paperwork proving that you did. "Salvage Rights" is one of the most commonly misunderstood myths of marine life. The Sheriff should be able to tell you when you can legally do what you want with the boat. Anything could have happened with this boat before it showed up on your property and you want to be sure you're in the clear.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Abandoned Boat

Intriguing situation.<br /><br />I would haul it it to the nearest landfill, watch til they buried it and thereafter deny all knowledge.<br /><br />{edit} Incidentally, I would have done all this BEFORE/WITHOUT contacting the local constabulary.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Abandoned Boat

I think Jack has the right idea BR. Keep yourself in the clear as much as possible. Make the local authorities aware of the situation and keep on posting in the newspapers or what ever local publication there is. Law is a funny thing. Just keep yer butt covered.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Abandoned Boat

Just one small thing to add here... When speaking with the authorities like Police/Sheriff, DMV, Tax collectors,or to whom ever else is involved, always get the names, badge numbers, and position title of whom you speak with...<br /><br />Keep a list...

 

[aspeck]

Re: Abandoned Boat

I agree with what has been said - over kill on the documentation is a must. Document fliers, where and when posted, classified ads, where and when, who you talked to with a brief of the conversation, times and places.<br /><br />Have never reclaimed a boat but have a few cars and a camper. Basically, depending on your jurisdiction, all you need is to find the owner, or the last known owner, send a registered letter giving at least 30 days to respond and let them know there is a storage fee. If they do come to claim you may be able to reclaim storage fees plus all expenses incurred in finding them and posting notices.<br /><br />If they do not come for the claim, then there should be a form (can get from local authorities - I have gotten mine from AAA) that is filled out, signed and notarized, mailed to and processes by the state authorities, and you are suddenly the owner of a new boat!<br /><br />If the owner does ever come for it, he can only claim the value of the boat less the expenses you have incurred, and if you have sold the boat for less than you have incurred, he will still owe you $

 

[SCO]

Re: Abandoned Boat

You could also put a notice in the legal notice section of the local paper, or lost and found. You'll have a clear cut record that way, along with your documentation of the last known registered owner per that date as well.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Abandoned Boat

perhaps I'm wrong, but if it was "sunk" on your property, maritime law kicks in???

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Abandoned Boat

I know here in Ky. if anything is left for 60 days or more on your property without your permission, then the ownership converts to the property owner.<br /><br />If you get your car towed in, you have 60 days to come get it or it belongs to the wrecker yard.

 

[BR549]

Re: Abandoned Boat

Thanks to all for the feedback - one of my neighbors does some work with a local church summer camp a few miles down the lake and he is willing to go through the legal process for abandoned property and get it for the church to use. So this weekend the boat will "drift" over to his yard. I never really wanted to profit from the boat, was just concerned that it came loose during a storm and the owner was unaware. Now that I know that the new owner never reregistered the boat in their name I am not that worried about it. The whole thing got me thinking about when I leave mine in the water - believe I will make sure my name and phone # are in one of the storage compartments.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Abandoned Boat

Greetings, <br /><br />If the Chuch guy doesn't take the boat, I may be interested. Where in Alabama is it?

 

[BR549]

Re: Abandoned Boat

It's at Smith lake in Winston County,Alabama.