Who Will Pay?

[sailingfool]

In New England very few boaters leave their boats other than at a dock during the winter. Last night a Cat 25 fetched up in South Boston. I assume it had been secured to a mooring.

This being a popular bathing beach, I am sure the boat will be removed, I wonder in a situation like this who ends up paying for it?

[haffiman37]

Hopefully he has got a 3d party liability insurance, which may be the first that comes into play when it comes to clearing off the beach.
Then most likely a discussion between the owner and insurance company.

[JaredC]

That certainly doesn't look like a well-cared-for boat...

[Minnewaska]

There is a story behind that one. The growth doesn't look like it's simply from the winter. Sometimes owners become sick or even pass away and their boats just sit until someone figures it out or this happens. In some cases, people pass without a will or surviving family and the state doesn't even know they own a boat, particularly if kept in a neighboring state.

To your question, I would think a salvage company would be called by the town to remove it. Depending on maritime legal circumstances, they could literally own the boat at that point, which is their compensation. I can't quote the circumstances that allow for it, but believe they relate to abandonment and imminent peril. They may just file a mechanic's lien on the boat to be sure they are paid for their time when the owner retrieves it.

[sailingfool]

This morning the outboard is gone. There were several police officers observing the boat. I would bet this vessel would not be insured.

[J36ZT]

The answer is that ultimately WE pay for it...either higher insurance rates or higher taxes. I would be amazed if you could squeeze the clean-up cost (may be $10K+) from the owner...presuming you'd even be able to find him/her.

It's very sad to see a boat totalled by extended neglect.

Skipper,
J/36 "Zero Tolerance"

[zz4gta]

I was about to say, 'I'm surprised the outboard is still there'.
As popular as the Cal 25's are I'm sure more pieces would 'dissapear' in very short order if the cops weren't there.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by J36ZT

The answer is that ultimately WE pay for it.........

I would think a salvage company would drag her off for salvage value, particularly if she remained in tact. Losing the outboard is reducing their desire, I'm sure.

[carl762]

A crying shame. I ate dinner last night on a boat just like her.

[therapy23]

Originally Posted by carl762

A crying shame. I ate dinner last night on a boat just like her.

Unable to sail tooa? if a bottom similar?

Ditto on the outboard being lifted.

And WE paying for it - ditto.

Shame.