If he declared bankruptcy the boat likely had a lien on it. The lien may have been settled during the bankruptcy, or not! ???
In may states the storage owner can dispose of the property in an official public auction.
It can not be given to a friend for a few bucks.
If the auction bring less money than is owed, the storage owner eats the shortage.
If the auction sells for more than the fees owed, the excess profits go to the property owner, or the state if he can not be located.
The storage owner breaks even or at least get his storage space back. He never makes a windfall profit.
This method prevents under the table dealings with other peoples property.
Otherwise it would be like evicting someone from a house and being able to keep all their furnishings.
If you want the boat, you would have to win it at the public auction.
If no one else shows up, $10 might take it, but your storage buddy might be P'd off!
Another option would be to have the local police declare it an abandoned vehicle and have it towed to an impound lot.
After 90 days or so, they will put it up for auction, and there will be your chance to get it, complete with legal papers.
If the transom is that bad, $10 may still win the day.
Option Three;
Sue him in small claims court for the storage fees, when he doesn't show up for the hearing,
the judge could grant ownership of the boat in lieu of damages.
Disclaimer: Every State is different.
