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Sybertron t1_je08uro wrote

Abandoned boats are always curious to me. It would make sense they'd just say "you have x days to claim the boat if you are the owner" and then if not offer the boat to the highest bidder/salvager.

This is kinda how it works for cars without titles, you advertise for the current title holder to come claim it and make reasonable attempts for them to claim it, if they do not then you can assume ownership.

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fryerandice t1_je0d928 wrote

Most fucked up boats cost more to get rid of than they are worth. Fiberglass doesn't hold it's value and everything else gets destroyed by water.

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motociclista t1_je16wt7 wrote

Anyone that wanted to claim ownership of that boat could have taken it. Problem is, it would cost far more to remove than it would ever be with. Two engines that were submerged for the better part of a year, plus frozen and thawed. Their toast. Every inch of wiring and everything electrical would need replaced. The wood in the transom and stringers is now soaked and rotten. All the upholstery is done. Carpet. Canvas. History. And before all that happened it was a 40ish year old Bayliner that was broke down to begin with. I bet it cost over $10k to pick it up out of the muck. Plus hauling it to wherever they’re taking it and storage until it can be stripped to go to the landfill. Then the disposal cost. Taking that free boat would likely cost more than buying two running boats.

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