Boat slip squatter

Seastrider · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

Aloha all: I'm looking for a bit of advice after the tsunami that decimated Keehi and La Mariana on Oahu. After arriving @ La Mariana at my boat slip in the morning, I found my vessel intact and undamaged, albeit with six boats dogpiled against it. Guidance of one of the staffers was to throw lines and get clear once the next surge came through and cleared the boats out, which I did. Was able to get outside the channel, and then couldn't get back b/c the USCG shut down access. Found a temporary slip elsewhere, which I'll have to vacate Monday morning.

Found out today that some random boat owner, whose A dock was destroyed, came into my slip, tied up, and left. I haven't spoken with him (although I stopped by today to try talk story with the guy); however, word from other people who were affected is that he's digging in his heels and will refuse to leave.

Not wanting to be a dick w/o aloha and make the guy homeless, but he's potentially leaving me in a bind. I've paid up my rent through the month for the spot he's sitting in. Hoping to talk story and find a solution for him (tying off next to the boats @ the end of the pier, tying off to a mooring ball, etc.), but if the guy proves to be a choad, is there any legal recourse I can follow (e.g. contract with La Mariana has me assigned to the spot he's squatting in)?

Advice = appreciated. Mahalo nui loa.

Minnewaska · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

Speak with the dockmaster. In times of crisis, rules are hard to follow and triage will require the largest wrongs are fixed first. This is probably not going to be very high on the list, until the dogpile is dealt with. As I think about it, you are probably better off elsewhere, if you're secure, until the mess is cleaned up.

Seastrider · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

Thanks Minnewaska. The problem is that come Monday, I'll have to move my boat away from the temporary slip at a different Marina (which is occupying a space reserved for a fishing vessel, who's scheduled to return). I'm secure for another 24 hours, and after that....

Everyone in that particular (La Mariana) community has come together to help their fellow mariner out (e.g. we helped bail out my neighbor's boat and patch a softball-sized hole from where it took a hit from a corner dock). However, witnesses say this fella came in full bore < 30 minutes after we left, rammed the dock, tied off, then took off. In terms of etiquette in a time of crisis, this isn't what I'd call neighborly.

haffiman37 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

Goes under 'natural disaster', you may just have to live with it. this video from your place?
Make too much noise and the marina will probably ask you to find another place to more in the future!
YouTube - 2011 Tsunami Hawaii - La Mariana Damage
If so you may not be the only one having to drop the hook for some time!

Minnewaska · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

Is there an open mooring ball available while you work this out with the dockmaster?

PalmettoSailor · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

I'd suggest the same tactic as your squatter. Find a slip in the marina that has your money and put your boat in it.

Minnewaska · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

As I think further about it, most marina contracts have clauses that call all bets off in the event of a natural disaster.

Flybyknight · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

Sue him for theft of services.

Minnewaska · #9 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybyknight

Sue him for theft of services.

Doubting that will work. The surge damage in the marina probably voided their right to the slip.

The best way to deal with this is to be cooperative and one of the guys that the dockmaster wants to help first.

ingasguns · #10 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

i tend to agree... let the other guy be the "dick"