Acquiring a Sunken Derelict Vessel for Free

Lets see if we can get this yacht for free.

[@HouseMadeUS]

Support my Channel: www.amazon.com/shop/housework - Thank you!!

[@yeahnahnahyeah4681]

If I was an adult I would take the boat

[@nowthatsfunny1]

My old Neighbor 25 years ago was a certified retired navy diver. After Hurricane Opal, him and his son recovered around 30 boats of all sizes from 10' to charter fishing boats 60'. I saw all these boats in his yard! I asked him what he was doing and told me they all belonged to him as salvaged boats. It was an amazing site. Most of the boats were only under water for about a week or less. He told me any boat that was abandoned was forfeited by the owner. He used the registration number, called tax office, found owners number asked if they wanted their boat salvaged for so and so price. If they declined they 90% of time gave him the boat because penalties by the state would bankrupt them. Most boat owners don't have insurance. This guy made a fortune salvaging boats and was super cool guy.

[@RoberttAvro]

The two best days in a boat owners life. The day he buys it..........and the day he sells it.

[@urbanstuff9950]

if only that was not true...

[@sunbeam8866]

....or the day he collects the insurance!

[@Live-Life-Freely]

Never purchase the three Fs, if it flies, if it floats, if it fucks.

[@AG-sy4wt]

information stored... thank you

[@calanon534]

Instructions unclear. Flying boat now pregnant.

[@paulvirginia8788]

Hell yes, this is right! Fuckin funny dude!

[@fixit4u73]

+stoichiometric 👱🐎

[@snowflakemelter1172]

It can be easy to salvage sunken boats in some circumstances, tow it to a tidal area and sit it on the beach is one free method, once the gunwales are above the water you've won , actually pumping out a boat that size can be done with a small electric pump in a few hours, even a 12 v bilge pump will do it overnight. If there's a big hole in the hull you cant get to drop a tarp over it outside and the water pressure will hold it in place as you pump it out.

[@rwdplz1]

Sounds like a politician lost a boat to a salvage recovery, and passed legislature to prevent it from happening again.

[@Baltic_Hammer6162]

Very possibly. Being effected by govt of all levels I saw laws passed that were only the pet peeve of some politician or their friends. That is how we end up with stupid and weird laws that make no sense unless you know the backstory.

[@Hellsong89]

Thats open corruption for you...and USA is littered with it. :/ Could be nice place to live, but too much corruption, religious nutjobs and healthcare sucks

[@YourWifesBoyfriend]

I prefer the corruption, religious nutjobs and healthcare in Iran.

[@coastalkona6549]

Hellsong89, If your believing that nonsense prevents you from coming here, then good! Please stay away!

[@seanwatts8342]

No. Believe it or not, the FL legislation came as a result of treasure hunters and salvors tying up the court system with "It sunk, it's mine" cases when the owners were not even back on shore yet.

[@robertvanderhoef7850]

Hi There are boats like this in New York that aren't sunk and run that the owners can't give away. Stay away from this one.

[@NsKrewtable]

Wow, that's amazing. What's the reason? They're just REALLY bad? I get that boat ownership is a generally a money pit, but what's the difference from any other boat that hasn't been cared for?

[@robertvanderhoef7850]

I believe that Egg is all wood and the maintenance on that is crazy.

[@NsKrewtable]

I would have thought there were people out there who like wood boats and also don't mind the extra maintenance. That's surprising.

[@christopherleveck1599]

NsKrewtable There are. People who love wooden boats call them Woodies. People call people who love Woodies, Woodies.... Go figure. People who want to get in a boat and go boating with friends usually by fiberglass, but people who like spending part if not all of a trip working on the boat, don't mind the time they spend endlessly cleaning and sending and sealing and painting and polishing. Like a guy who spends all day Saturday working on his classic mustang and all day driving it on Sunday and winks at it every night when he comes home from work...

[@shnarklevonbarkle110]

NsKrewtable "I would have thought there were people out there who like wood boats and also don't mind the extra maintenance. That's surprising." When I used to live out on the Sacramento Delta, there were quite a few people, (some were quite notorious) who would find abandoned boats in really bad shape and just float them up and live in them. They wouldn't fix them up beyond what was necessary to keep them floating. You'd be surprised what little effort is required to keep a wood plank boat afloat. The quick fix is to just throw enough bilge pumps in to keep it floating, or even paddle it over to a beach, or shallow area to let it sit. I've seen people take sawdust and just spread it around the planks outside the hull and let the force of the water getting sucked up into the cracks clog it. Another favorite is to just take anything that floats, e.g. Styrofoam, plastic jugs and containers etc. and stuff it down into the bilges. The water seeps up in and around the stuff, but the boat can't sink. After a few years planks can start to just fall off the hull because there's really nothing holding them on, and no pressure outside the hull because the floatation has neutralized the pressure.

[@capecoddaysailing6793]

A friend had his boat sink in 1988 or so and we raised it and redid it. Back before the world went nuts.

[@scottnelson2384]

Before you had a bunch of out of control bureaucracies trying to capitalize on everyone's misfortune with their ridiculous fines.

[@maxwebster7572]

@@scottnelson2384 they charge you to clean up the oil and then dump diesel back into the water to kill mosquitoes.

[@TurnerRentz]

We should bear in mind Maritime law applies to all boats at sea, and should apply to any boat adrift in the waterways. At the very minimum, if you see a ghost ship drifting across the waterways - feel strong to get her to a place where she can be secured, then just leave her there until you can get title.

[@gotoyzmag]

Free boats are pretty easy to come by, and you don't have to settle for a sunken boat either. There are plenty of folks who are looking to get rid of their old boats. If they can't sell them, they will either have to pay someone to dispose of it, or they can abandon it somewhere and hope they won't get hit with disposal fees later on, which can be astronomical. If you can't find an abandoned boat, check out marinas and storage yards, boat repair facilities, etc., and ask questions. You never know, you might just get lucky. A friend of mine found a 38.5 foot Abeking & Rasmussen sailboat abandoned in Florida. He claimed it, titled it, refurbished it, and is still living on it many years later. It's worth about $160k or so, last I checked. The owner stopped paying the slip fees so the marina untied the boat and let it drift away during a storm. It spent a few years on a sandbar before my friend found it and decided to inquire about it. He ended up getting the boat, but even a "Free" boat is not really free. There are always expenses involved, like titling, insurance, renovation costs, fuel, slip fees, maintenance, etc. Even so, living aboard a boat can be much cheaper, not to mention far more exciting and rewarding, than living ashore, though you really have to have a taste for adventure, a good attitude, and the will to never give up. Even if you are able to find a FREE boat, remember that boats are a money pit, but with some hard work, you could find yourself sailing to exotic locations and living the dream. If you're looking to live aboard, I HIGHLY recommend you think this through first, or at least take a sailing vacation to see if it's really what you want before jumping off the deep end.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I grew up in South Florida and for many years that law has been misused and altered its nice to know that the State has finally made a way for people to really understand the written law when i was a teenager and a Cerified Scuba Diver we were under the impression that after 72 hours a sunk or abandoned boat the owners lost their rights to that Vessel and it became finders keepers you are a smart man imo for not going after that one by any chance did you catch the name of that old EggHarbor ? in the1970s and 80s i used to work for a guy that serviced a old EggHarbor like that one and her name was CoverGirl she was at that time owned by a former Cover Girl model who throughout the years couldn’t afford to do the upkeep and maintenance we did bare minimum work she needed at the time in exchange for cruises up and down the Intracoastal Waterway i have not had any contact or information since around 1984 or 5 on the whereabouts of the vessel or that Woman i mentioned as i did move from Florida in the late 80s to raise my family FYI that was also a time that Drug Dealers would steal boats to transport Cocaine from the Bahamas to the coast of Florida and often they would burn and/ or sink that boat to get rid of the evidence and if we knew about it we used to go do a dive on it to salvage anything we could salvage and sell at Flea Market for cash to help support or offset the cost of our Diving hobby

[@sunbeam8866]

Many decades ago, I spent some time at a marina helping a friend fix up an old wooden Bay-Built work-boat, and at a nearby slip was a half-sunk 28 foot Owens cabin-cruiser. I lusted for and dreamed about raising and saving that old hulk. But never mind any legal issues, I learned a penniless teenager like myself didn't have a chance. But somehow, when no one was looking, I did manage to salvage the 'wheel' - a pretty little chrome thing with a teak center and spokes. Still have it today, hanging in my laundry-closet!

[@HouseMadeUS]

Great story and glad you salvaged a piece!! That is awesome. Thank you for commenting and watching. 👍🏻😁

[@robsrandomness7824]

That old Egg may be gas, but most likely is also a twin. Everyone involved would LOVE for you to take possession of that boat.

[@HouseMadeUS]

+Rob Neville - I hear you. This would make quite a channel. Would anyone sponsor the rebuild!? Better start a Patreon. Lol

[@cferguson6688]

Hey Capt'n, glad that you stated where you got your information. If you remember back in 2004-2007 we here in Florida had a few hurricanes.. Well, I use to raise these boats for people and the insurance company use to pay me for it (or owner). Anyways, I seen so many people misinformed thinking they can just go down and take what isn't theirs. I couldn't believe how many would argue that "its abandoned and I can salvage it", I just tell them that if they evacuate their house during a hurricane that I could just go in and take what I wanted? they shut up then. Well, to make a story short, I totally agree with you, those boats 99% of the time are not worth it. Well, enough of me taking up your time.. If you are in the market for some prolift lift bags, I have several I want to get rid of.. about 20k worth of lift.. Just send me a message. Take care and enjoy. Oh yea, retired 500 ton Capt, and commercial diver here. Back made me retire.

[@ervingoertzen7233]

I had thought of that , so I asked my brother in law who owns a marine industrial shop, rebuilding engines. He said it sounds likely true , if Diesel engine still full of oil , was only immersed in water for weeks , not years , it would be fine . You would do a thorough flush for internals and it would run. Remember , it was war time . It didn't matter if it lasted one year or so, equipment was usually rendered inoperable and abandoned. You build your runways and few Quonset huts as hangars . Run the dozer to edge of jungle. Now it's scrap . I for one believe the vet , he was there. You think a vet would lie ?

[@cliffordtitus7074]

I didn't see your original video, but I like the info you provided in this one for anyone that might be interested in salvaging a derelict vessel, especially in your state. Thanks man!

[@fiscusbenjamina]

Beautiful logical thought process. Stepping back and critically analysing common assumptions about salvage laws and the cost of doing so. Bullet dodged.

[@normanmcgill9532]

Looks like that boat is in Goodland,Fla. Probably the guy didn't pay the rent at the marina so they cut it loose. It floated that far before it filled up with water (no power to run the bilge pump) and just sank on a sand bar. You want a boat for free? Just go to some marinas and ask if there are any boats way behind in the rent. Get the owner and see if he will give you the boat but you may have to pay the back rent. Depending on the boat it may be well worth it.

[@johncatania7712]

Norman Mcgill ... chya I used to work in Naples and go to and from Marco and goodland. I remember swing this boat there..... what's the update?

[@rock.doctor]

Really true. used boats are so plentiful nobody wants them. Marina's are loaded with abandoned boats sill on jack stands rotting away in the weather. Also check the larger thrift organizations in coastal areas. Very common to donate boats to charities for the tax write-off.

[@joemorrow8411]

Norman Mcgill that's my secret hide-away,,,dammit Norman😅😅😅😅🍻🍻🤗

[@mythril4]

I'd do it depending, but my skill-set allows it (I rebuild large diesel engines and components). I'd scuba down and vacuum out any standing diesel in the vessel, airbag the bilge and float it to the surface ($100), tow it home or to port (fuel cost or low-boy rental, probably about $1,700). An engine rebuild for me to do it, $6000 including machining the crank, line bore, new rockers (if not over-head cam), new head, new sleeves, new pistons, new cam and rebuild kit. Re-hose everything ($1000). All electronics underwater that are not water tight ($2,000). Woodwork, paint and fixtures ($2000) and other expenses I would estimate around $1200. So total restoration with recovery for me would be around $14,000 give or take. To figure if that is worth the effort, I'd have to determine the current "sold" prices on the same or like boat in decent to bad shape. If they still sell for $50,000 or more than $14,000 for me might be worthwhile. Thing is, unless you can do all the tasks on your own, it's not worth it. I get long block diesels with good warranties for on average $8500 or less for 14 liter on down, any brand. But you do have to re-valve for salt water use on those. It normally costs me about $3000 to rebuild most Kubota or Yanmar diesels used on gensets (that includes all machine work). Any diesel that escaped the engine or tank is already gone, same with oil. Not too worried about cleanup, oil and diesel floats on water.

[@richardtroell6407]

You are correct Captain House. I researched this sometime back after our of our hurricanes. About the only way to do it is to get yourself licensed as a towing and salvage company, get an owner contract to recover the boat and then if the owner does not pay the recovery contract or storage fees, then and only then you can file the proper legal actions to sue and foreclosure your mechanics lien. But as the recovery firm you have to pump out any fuel tanks, pull a boom around (basically all the environmental protections you can think of and then add the same number of rules you didn't even know existed) the vessel float it and then remove and store it. So, with all that, it seems clear that Tallahassee has decided they are trying for the Guinness record for the most derelict and abandoned eyesores.

[@YTPartyTonight]

A 1965 to '67 37' Egg Harbour Convertible, probably with Chevy Crusader engines. A friend of my grandfather had the same boat when I was a kid. At that time my grandfather had a '67 32' Pacemaker Convertible with Crusader engines. My parents took ownership of the Pacemaker in '77. Very similar boats built in Southern New Jersey. This boat now would be major project that might be worth $1,000 to $3,000 BEFORE it sank.

[@HouseMadeUS]

Very true. Good memories were had I am sure. Thanks for the info on the boat.

[@rpdiamond]

I work for a commercial Salvage company I can tell you from experience raising the boat incurs a lot of cost, that being said if you know what your doing and have the right equipment it's really quite simple as long as you are prepared to contain for any environmental situations. A simple principle of pumping more water out that's coming in and a way to patch or fix it.

[@HouseMadeUS]

+rpdiamond - Wanna come down and get this thing raised up. We can make a vid on it.

[@wilsondominguez6987]

rpdiamond

[@bulletbegone355]

Back in the late fifties a friend of mine got involved in salvaging a vessel. He bought the boat from the estate of the owner who drowned when the boat sunk. he invested quite a sum in the equipment and tools he needed and during all of this the law got involved because a judge had ordered that the boat be brought up so they could use something in it for evidence. My buddy was delighted that the state would do it and save him a pile of dough. The state wound up spending several hundred thousand dollars because they had to retrieve it without damaging the so-called evidence. They finally got the boat in a warehouse and the judge and jury went there to examine the parts they were interested in and danged if the salvage company hadn't brought up the wrong boat. The Judge ordered the salvage company to return the boat to the place where they found it and fined them whatever the final cost for retrieving it was. The cables they had used to drag the wrong boat up had literally cut the one my buddy wanted up like slicing a cheese rendering it worthless. Come to find out one of the Judge's son -in- laws was under investigation for sinking the boat for insurance.

[@zarkondamean]

Last time I was in Fla, I saw what looked to be a nice boat sunk in shallow water, and wondered why it was still there days later. Now I know. Thanks!

[@Baltic_Hammer6162]

This was on the suggested list so I watched it on a whim. Really interesting story. Not as much fun watching videos of failed boat ramp experiences! LOL But I've also dumped a lot of money into the water. Learned some valuable lessons so if I ever get boat #4 it will be a much smarter purchase therefore much less painful and less expensive. Boats can provide unique experiences like aircraft. Its really a matter of making informed, smart decisions to avoid unnecessary draining of your bank account.

[@cozydram1]

good luck and good for you on your research of said boat........well done

[@mallypat5679]

Found this so interesting from a marine insurance point of view as here in South Africa the salvage cost with conditions would have fallen to the insurance company. I live in the Johannesburg area so we do not have any of the coastal problems that you deal with at the coast.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I am not a maritime lawyer but have been around a while and have always been under the impression that you can not lay claim to a marine vessel that is not yours. What you can do in certain cases is if the boat is unmanned and in danger you can remove it from danger or salvage it if it is aground or sunk and in danger of being further damaged and be compensated for your time and cost. I know of a case where a sailboat ran aground on the beach and the owner hiked a few miles to go get help and a gang of people descended on his boat and tore it to pieces claiming they were salvaging it as an abandoned boat.

[@mbreckwoldt9813]

Plenty of "free" boats at marinas on blocks. Most are 70's and 80's boats 32' and up with big blocks, one bad motor, 10 year old fuel with ethanol , and $20,000 in back storage fees. A huge expense to dispose of a boat properly. Old wooden Eggs were a work of art back in the 60's. Looked at a 33 Bert last year. 1979. Still had the original 400 gallon fiberglass fuel tank. Scary. And to think it costs over $1,000 to fill, plus insurance, summer and winter fees, repairs, etc.

[@captainboggles]

like the old saying: you get 2 good days with a boat, the day you buy it, and the day you sell it.....

[@donaldstarkweather7579]

Great information, I was always under the impression in Florida that you could salvage the hole and take ownership of them. Thanks for clearing that up for me

[@greg1268]

Great video! Thanks for posting. My brother is a Coastie in Florida and I've had this conversation with him a number of times when he would tell me about how its not that uncommon to come across abandoned boats. Thanks again! I'm sending this video his way.

[@georgetpeppel2900]

You have got to be kidding, right?

[@johndworak6474]

That boat is still there my wife and I where over that bridge a few hours ago she made a comment about it, a year later you would think they would have it gone by now they should let who ever wants it take it get it out of the water looks like shit sitting there

[@cartersharp92]

I have salvaged upwards of twenty vessels. This one with the gunnels so close to the surface, very easy 4" air cooled pump will bring it right up. The damage to the engine will not really occur until raised and left flooded. Flush right away with diesel after raising and it's not a problem if it's only been down for a week or two. I have gotten them up and running after three to four weeks. Good luck with it

[@DoktorDomo]

Carter Sharp do u do this as a job or for yourself

[@tedthesailor172]

There are plenty of dreamers out there who don't realise that when a boat sinks it can be a write-off, even if the hull damage is minimal or even non-existent (burst seacock, maybe) and the superstructure looks fine. The engine is usually finished, most of the woodwork is ruined, all the electronic & electrical system - including the wiring, and so on. All you're actually recovering is a fibreglass hull and top with windows and masts. It'll need a complete - and I mean complete - refit, which will cost far more than a decent equivalent vessel in sailaway condition. Plus a) you've got all the work to do which means your free time is spent grafting instead of sailing, and a vessel that has sunk and been re-floated will always have that bete-noir on its record and command a substantially lower resale value than otherwise. Avoid like the plague.

[@anon7039]

don't forget mold and mildew which LOVES spray adhesive so while you've managed to bleach all the vinyl and replaced all the cushions, mold is having a field-day growing undisturbed inbetween the vinyl and wood.

[@patlowney2834]

You're right never touch a sunken boat for liability reasons.

[@DigiTechLabs]

The interior, fuel tanks, fresh water tanks, electrical, navigation, steering, generators and propulsion system have to be showroom new being preserved in saltwater?? You sir forgot about the free food in the refrigerator & pantry too! YUM!!

[@danharding4794]

Sounds to me like the State needs to amend the law so a citizen can claim a sunken vessel sooner.

[@prewettcr]

Good info - thanks for the reminder that nothing is free. I'm looking at a submerged pontoon "working deck" 8x12 or so. In about 4' water in Homosassa and getting ready to give notice of my a intent via the proper channels. Thanks again for your insight!

[@captsam54]

I know that boat.. an Egg Harbor..... I delivered that Boat around from Dania for these 2 ladies that bought it around 2011.. I don't remember who they are anymore but I delivered it to the Marina there and I never saw it move anymore.. I would pass by every few years coming back from the islands and still see it there and looking worse for wear.. She was a good boat back then.. but I would not touch it now... Parts maybe... Old Egg Harbor chrome parts..lol. Not even those are worth anything in today's environment.. The Mahogany wood.. yes. but no one will take the trouble to work with it.. So a complete loss..

[@isaacnichols12]

Information on point. Thank you. Subscribed immediately

[@eddiespencer1]

Assuming ownership of a sunken vessel includes assuming ownership of liability for any environmental damage caused by the sunken vessel and vessel recovery. These costs can easily vastly exceed the actual value of the vessel. Only bid on such a sunken vessel if all associated environmental impact costs are paid or forgiven before sale (almost never.) Even then, you need to have a containment plan and systems in-place before even thinking of raising the vessel because if any leakage occurs (and it will) when raising the vessel, the environmental impact costs will fall on you anyway.

[@bluegreenash]

it kinda depends on how bad the damage to the hull is on how hard it would be to raise, I mean if you can "find" the breach, and seal it, using some kind of patch sealant, or injection foam then it's just a case of pumping out the water. It sounds like there's more legal wranglings than practical difficulties in raising a boat like this.And getting the owner to actually pay, because you can't hold his boat until he's paid.

[@bluegreenash]

Perhaps have a barge with a water tank on it, to pump the water from the boat into, then drain from the bottom of the tank (as oil etc tends to float), this might avoid contamination issues, as polluted water is not just dumped into the waterway. Perhaps use float valves to drain once the water has reached a certain level.

[@bluegreenash]

Perhaps use floatation bags with a strap going under the rear of the boat to make the entryway above water.

[@troy9er]

I spent 26 years boating with my parents on their boats over the years. We owned 5 different boats over that time period. My Dad had a sign hanging in the galley of one of our boats that said, Definition of a boat....it’s a hole in the water one pours money into!!! That’s why I’ll never own a boat. Love em, miss em, but I’ll never buy one. Maybe rent one for a vacation. I’m in my late 50’s now and I could back in our 42 ft Christ Craft in it dock backwards since I was 14 years old. I miss boating but I don’t have the time and cash for ownership.

[@KoolBreeze420]

That's crazy where I live you can claim boats unless it has heritage or military value and you may even be eligible for what is called the Abandoned Boats Program (ABP) which provides federal funding for the removal and disposal of abandoned and/or wrecked small boats.

[@beansoup9966]

honestly doesn't seem like a bad little boat haha. good find!

[@equinoxfishingteam5837]

Great information provided...Sharing it was instrumental on your behalf...Thank you again..

[@kraventhearcher]

Thanks for introducing yourself at the end. It's always nice to run into another person who hustles and does neat/weird stuff without a job title.

[@jvalentine8376]

I thought that the laws of salvage don't apply inshore . I think if if you rescue that boat the owner can legally reclaim it from you . I could be wrong .

[@johnritchie5968]

Lots of great information backed up by solid research. WTG !

[@southernblueblood5402]

This place reminds me of williams boat ramp on the alifia river in Riverview Florida. They have a bunch of boat's abandoned there, mostly sailboats.

[@honestabe7099]

Hmm... interesting. I stumbled upon this video in one of my many KZbin wormholes I go down daily and to be honest i don't like subscribing to very many channels but you seem like a good dude, like the work shop set up (looks like mine) and I appreciate the sign off u left for viewers. Gonna subscribe and like this video. Cheers

[@angelmorales3308]

That's the barge that sank in the providence harbor you can see it when your driving by on interstate 95 you can see the crane sticking out of the water

[@HouseMadeUS]

We actually shot this in the Everglades close to Calusa Island Marina

[@genehicks1483]

A boat is like a drug addiction,it's a a hole in your arm where all your money goes.

[@jimmygrant3212]

Should talk to the coast guard and local marine police about raising a sunken vessel. I do know on an inland lake someone raised a boat and restored it. The boat had flipped and sunk 10 years prior and the owner didn’t bother raising it.

[@rbodell]

I used to live in Florida and lived a big part of my life on FREE boats. I also traveled around South America and circumnavigated the Atlantic ocean on free boats but NOT EVER SUNKEN BOATS. FIRST OF ALL, know about boats. If you can't work on one this ain't for you. NOW THEN Go to a big busy marina with dry storage. The more expensive the better. You will get a better boat. Go WAY OUT BACK and look for something that has been there for YEARS. They store junk under it. NO WOODEN BOATS, only fiberglass. When you find what you want go ask the manager about it on the first week of the month. If storage has eaten it up It is yours. Tell them you will take it off their hands for FREE as soon as they get a storage title for it and I will need a week to move it by land or till the end of the month to make sure it is seaworthy (if you are taking it by water). (that is why you approach them at the first of the month) In Florida it costs About $500 to get a storage title for the marina to get rid of it. They will want you to pay it but you say no. You could be renting that space out for $500 (check their rates first) a month. Will you have it gone in 30 days? Here is my number, call me when you have the storage title. I have had probably 18 or 20 free boats in Florida from 24 to 38 feet. I live in Alaska now and I went to look at an aluminum crab boat to buy. It was too much but we found another one we got for free and and it cost less to fix up than what he planned to buy one for. We also got the owner to throw in the crab license and that was probably worth about 10 grand. That was a lucky one though. We just caught the guy at the rite time. When we went back to haul it out, he said that twenty minutes after we left he was kicking his ass for making the deal. He said he could have sold it for 40K tomorrow. BE CHOOSEY and be able to deliver on your part of the deal and they will call you in the future. Remember, If you pay ANYTHING for it you get what you pay for.

[@GoldRushMedia2023]

Good for you on salvaging a nice boat!

[@captsgdiver879]

Having spent 10 yrs in the Coast Guard as SAR Coxswain and Boarding Officer, my last 3 yrs at Lakeworth Inlet Station, I had come across many abandoned vessels sunk or beached. First off, the CG is NOT in the business of raising vessels for money. That's why when a broken down vessel needs a tow and nobody or property is in immediate danger the CG puts out a broadcast on the radio for privatized businesses to have at it first. And yes the Florida laws are stupid because of the stupid politicians that make the laws. The CG is tasked to enforce the laws only, not make them. I'm 60 now but grew up in Fl and thankfully don't live there anymore. (Retired Master 1600 Ton). Just didn't want you having the wrong idea of the USCG according to your friend.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

It is like becoming a partner with someone that has their own business , then all of sudden you have become responsible for the debts of the business,

[@HouseMadeUS]

Yes I totally agree. Haha!

[@Jay-vr9ir]

@@HouseMadeUS I know a young lady years ago , that worked in a tiny office and the owner talked about making her a partner. The owner of the business , was a guy that liked to run up a tab, buying fancy cars etc. When I heard about his secretary becoming a partner , the first thing I thought of were his possible debts and how they could become her debts.

[@mikestinyshedofdreams]

how about a couple of old zodiacs, push them under the boat, inflate them, then pump it out, or maybe use 4 high lift jacks (farm jacks) placed on slabs to prevent them from sinking into the mud, with some steel box section between to support the boat.

[@rocketman63]

I wouldn't bother. You can get them free all day long on craigslist... including some pretty large ones!

[@israelsly1666]

best sailboat I ever had I took from the bottom of the San Francisco bay

[@hondacrx4909]

fun fact, there's the exact model half sunk just like that in my country, probably they had a common leak issue

[@bertwells3128]

Awesome boat in its day. My father purchased one new. None better

[@marytica123]

DOZENS OF DERELICT BOATS like this one dot the waterways of Florida. Usually, they are in MUCH worse condition - since scavengers descend upon them and steal anything of value. I give this yacht about 2 weeks, before the vultures get to it !

[@brucepreston3794]

boat stands for "bust out another thousand"

[@willieboy8798]

thanks for your expert advice! and your forthought I going to stick to title, dry dock or slip purchases....ty for posting

[@3DPDK]

*IF* the boat is "documented" with the federal government it means it is not titled with any one state and the Florida laws would not apply. This particular boat IS registered with the state of Florida, ie, the FL number plate on the bow rail so the state laws do apply. Be aware that if you take over the documentation to any U.S. flagged vessel you also take on any debt applied to that vessel. This can be fuel bills, outstanding repair bills, unpaid slip and yard fees, even unpaid wages to previous crew or repair contractors, or as mentioned, any environmental damage costs . U.S. Maritime law treats a documented vessel as a separate entity that can incur debt under the vessel name, and as new owner, you become responsible for any unpaid debt that vessel may owe. This can happen even if you purchase the boat from the previous owner - whether he informs you of the debt or not.

[@georgiahothersall8964]

3DPDK i

[@YensR]

Thanks for following it up so thoroughly!

[@teksight9714]

I used to live in Key West, and they say the original economy down there was built on salvaging and plundering ships that would get stranded on the reefs. There was a lot of references comparing this activity with pirating, and there were stories of ships being lured onto the reefs with fake lights and channel markers at night. Guess Florida law evolved overtime to combat this sort of activity.

[@gabegaram6047]

TKS for valuable info .Boat like that is a hole in the water to poor money into it anyhow. Tones of abandoned boats up for grab in many boatyards around Grate lakes just pay some of the storage fees.

[@rebelhawk4206]

there are ways to get around the hazardous issues with claiming a sinking vessel. unfortunately it's a lengthy process an you would have to work with someone with the state to do so. A friend of mine salvaged a 40ft yacht from the lake worth lagoon in West Palm beach Florida after Hurricane Jean. it took him about 3 months of jumping through hoops an it only costed him around $1,200 for a boat that was nearly worth $100,000. if you have the time an patience you can get ur own yacht

[@formhubfar]

If you read me a bed time story i'd be asleep in 30 seconds.

[@franksunden8789]

Interesting video from a guy with good karma,thanks for posting

[@D-NICE79]

Keep up the good work. I enjoy the videos

[@lanselithgow5865]

Hmmm... Florida State Law is one thing... Admiralty Law which applies to the high-tide mark?!?! Still , that would be a waterlogged moneypit!!!

[@fposmith]

No B.S. ! Just a lot of straightforward information. Well done !

[@LaDayna04]

I like weird.....great information. You have a great week.

[@joeray2910]

I went by that boat today, it's at the Goodland bridge and it's not worth anything. Florida has a big problem with people abandoning boats that cost more to fix then they are worth.

[@RevtosTV]

Awesome video! I just found the Yacht video and this one and subbed! Lovin all of your videos!

[@carlo9524]

So buying a new boat is cheaper than restoring a similar vessel?

[@HouseMadeUS]

In this case yes most likely.

[@williamwurthmann1573]

Great info. Laws are somewhat different here in Alaska waters.

[@mazdarx7887]

Very strange laws. Rather than let someone raise and take the boat for restoration or repurposing they would sooner let it sit there , creating a navigation hazard and or contaminate the waters as the contained fluids slowly gets released

[@sdowney717]

Wooden hull if older than 1972, else FG hull and wood topsides. It is the associated costs and government imposed liabilities just like the video mentions that keeps people away.

[@wilfdarr]

Mazda rx7 The laws are like that for a reason: many states have problems with abandoned boats being salvaged from driveways: unless there's a camera on it when it's taken it's hard to prove that it wasn't abandoned on someone else's land. And it's not that hard in Florida to get title of an abandoned vessel "The first requirement is to report it to a law enforcement agency. The law enforcement agency will collect a fee for beginning an investigation, conduct an investigation under Section 705.103, Florida Statutes, and determine the owner of the vessel. If the vessel is not claimed in the process of the investigation, the law enforcement agency may transfer it to the finder with a bill of sale and evidence of the investigation. The finder would then make application to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to have the title put into his name." In other words, if they find the person they believe to be the owner and tell him he's responsible for the removal of the vessel, and he says "naw man, no mine, don't know nothin' 'bout it", and you paid for the investigation to be started, then the boat, and all it's problems, are yours.

[@mazdarx7887]

That's the problem. If you, through legal means, claim the boat and there is an environmental issue, you are responsible for the clean up. If the boat was left alone, there would still be an environmental issue eventually, either through degradation, being hit by something in the water or the water itself moving the boat. The laws inadvertently discourage someone from removing and repurposing the craft. As before , if something was going to leak and cause an environmental issue, it's gonna happen anyway, by the process of removal or time and nature itself. There has to be some provisions to allow someone to take these boats and not be tagged with a huge bill in the case of spills

[@williammerola1226]

Last summer Boat in MASSACHUSETTS drifted in, man over seas had finished job not sure MA Maritime law's ? Salvage Title ?

[@williammerola1226]

Verifying Maritime law's where boat located 1st !!! if verified, salvage as directed , staying within Law's !!! , " Skipper "

[@chousewert]

Really interesting information. I had no idea. Good job.

[@MrTigerlore]

If people could just take sunken or derelict boats, then a lot more people would sabotage boats.

[@beachside1]

Hey Captain House did you see the sailboat and a few other boats just sitting filled with water and the state wound up getting them right by the Eau Gallie Causeway? Indian River. It was a while ago maybe after a storm..cant remember

[@jonathanstrong7682]

Salvage involves hazard and risk. Been there and "done that". It's worth it if it makes you happy and fulfills a personal challenge. Expect it to be ten to a hundred times more work than it looks like. Remember, to be charged with theft in a Florida project, a registered owner must come forward and put themselves at risk of responsibility by filing a "complaint". How likely is this?

[@jimbotheassclown]

Well you willing to bet your freedom for boat theft if you're wrong?

[@rickravenrumney]

I think the state can charge u with theft without the owner coming forward. I may be wrong though.

[@scdevon]

It wouldn't cost THAT much for local governments to contract with local companies to run a salvage barge and crane out to these eyesores and remove them "destructive style" would it?

[@MrJuvefrank]

Uncle Sam has momey. He can pay to dispose of that boat properly and clean the gas, oil, and other poisonous liquids that leaked into the the water. However, Uncle Sam doesn't like to part with his money if he doesn't have to; he'll fine the sailors at least $10,000 if he finds out that they left this aquatic vehicle in the water illegally.

[@Sky1]

Can you imagine having a yacht and find out someone is squatting in it?

[@mdnite2941]

I wonder if the state is charging the owner of the boat a fine for everyday it sits there?

[@monaangeloutdoors514]

Very interesting! Had no idea that boats were just left like that. Good info 👍 thanks !

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Looks like that A/C unit on the forward part of the boat might be worth salvaging, *if* it had not been submerged at one time....

[@worldwatcher5787]

Thanks for explaiing.

[@TheLenaweeTrekker]

So in the mean time, the vessel could be leaking oil and fuel into the water, but no one takes it because of potential environmental costs. So things get worse.

[@taffythegreat1986]

Are you going to do a video on you looking at that boat and deciding what you’re going to do? I hope so

[@HouseMadeUS]

Unfortunately no, that boat was cleaned up a few years ago. :(

[@jimbeau9763]

George the engines and drive's alone are worth it. Just as long as it wasn't under water for to long.

[@bluelipbeaver]

Boats are so much of everything. They all have split personalities. We love them like we love woman. Then we hate them like we do a boss. They bring happiness and sadness during the same day. In the end, the sea will always win. You are never going to beat the sea.

[@Differentmedia]

this video just made a really old video of mine blow up outta no where... Thanks captain house!

[@Emma66093-]

I've seen that boat so many times and wondered what the story was

[@sailingsolar]

I think the problem is that it is within state waters, so Maritime Law may or may not be involved. Maritime Law is another thing in open ocean waters. That said, if you devise a fool proof method or way to raise a vessel "easily" it would be an interesting project.

[@HouseMadeUS]

+sailingsolar - I agree, I called FWC and it would be grand theft to take the boat without a title. No thanks!