SALVAGE. MODERN DAY PIRATES? or DESERVING HEROES?

We discuss Salvage companies and their practices.
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[@AbNomal621]

Glad you named the insurance company.

[@joeriweyenberg]

Remarkable you have the ability to stay so respectful. We really feel sorry for you. And can’t believe the unethical behavior of marine insurance companies. We are checking our power catamaran insurance policy for salvage clause as we speak!

[@RA-gk5zg]

Always refuse salvage. The moment they touch it they own it. You did the right thing. Now sue the F out of your insurance company. Edit. My apologies for a poor choice of words. I should not have said "refuse" salvage. The proper term is "define and negotiate" immediate salvage. In the panic of the moment the salvage company will take advantage of your emotions and get you to say yes to get to work immediately. The problem is now you have given them a blank check. I know this from experience. I have learned you must take a breath and make a rational decision on priorities. Absolutely do not allow the salvage company to touch your boat until you have defined exactly what they will do and how much it will cost. All salvage companies expect this and will cooperate. The price they quote will be high but that is OK it does not give them ownership (insurance will reimburse the cost). Assess the situation, are you leaking fluids? Is the boat sinking or just stuck on rocks etc.

[@Matlock69]

That’s the question I can’t wait for the video on, how does the insurance company deny that claim?

[@marcferrell1]

All insurance companies are the same. The less they pay out in premium the more they make, refusal to cover claims and litigation is all factored in. The worst are health insurance companies.

[@editorhallbrook6466]

You say refuse but you better be sure no fuel or other environmental issues incur cause that could be millions and Jail! Insurance home and boat and car is a racket and this is the 2nd story like this we heard. My husband and I have decided not to buy a cat and do this very same thing because of your nightmare. So sorry…

[@editorhallbrook6466]

Check out Barefoot Doctors. They had this issue in Ft Lauderdale. They hired a good attorney and they did a video on their story. Might be helpful?? Prayers for you..

[@ehavlice]

WOW! thank you for sharing this. We had Ion insurance through Edward William until last year. I had considered going back with them but NOT NOW! Your honesty through the life of this channel has been amazing. We have a sailing catamaran but have always enjoyed your videos. This experience although horrible for you and your wife, has shared a story I have never heard of. Thank you -

[@chadpomeroy3137]

The law should require the salvage company to buy the boat at the salvage company’s assessed value at the owners option. That would put market pressure back into balancing power dynamics.

[@marcferrell1]

Great point!

[@swisstechprecision9087]

Perfect solution! That would stop the piracy!

[@vit8250]

Then all the salvage companies will shut down. And there would be a lot of abandoned boats on beaches. Not what government wants. Salvage is a emergency service, kind of like needing a doctor when you have a heart attack, that's why it's called a rackeet.

[@FlightData101]

@@vit8250 While that is true, the heart surgeon doesn't get to charge ten times what the surgery is actually worth just because the patient had a heart attack.

[@chadpomeroy3137]

@@vit8250 I was trying to address the lack of rationality in the salvage company estimate of boat value salvaged. If the owner and the salvage company agree (and insurance company if involved) - then everyone should be fine. But there is no counter pressure on the salvage company to have a rational estimate of salvage value. What I'm suggesting is if they truly believe the value of the salvaged vessel is higher than the owner/ins co set it, then let them 'buy' it at that value. I realize that adds complexity, but isn't that the point of the video? The salvage business has no reason to be rationale. There is no business justification for a $500k 'rescue' of the wandering hillbilly. None.

[@duncanjames914]

This is an incredibly sad and frustrating story with a terrible ending. I feel gutted for you and your wife. Thank you for sharing your story as it will surely help many people. You are a class act, Alan. I hope many new doors open for great adventure going forward.

[@scottmichaels12]

Insurance is just such a scam whether it be boat, car, home, or health. You pay thousands and thousands of dollars for years with no claims at all and then the moment you actually need to use the insurance, the insurance companies do everything in their power to avoid paying. I hate it that you had to deal with this mess and give up your boat. Hopefully there will be a Hillbilly 2 in the future if this experience hasn't totally soured you on boating. Thanks for sharing this info. Be well.

[@2lucky1957]

This is exactly correct. ALL insurance companies want to collect premiums and avoid paying claims.

[@scottmichaels12]

@@2lucky1957 💯

[@markslowen1411]

When they are selling you the policy they are like sugar and syrup when you make a claim you are a criminal

[@ROHDEOOO]

That’s why Insurance companies manage to have the biggest and best salaries, offices, etc., etc.!!

[@wstadlock]

One expired fire extinguisher can void any claim, I hear

[@jayklamon7220]

As always, you are simply a class act and a great person. So sorry you had to deal with this! I sincerely hope this gives you closure and the ability to move to the next chapter! I have seen over the years how happy you are on the water and The BVI, so I remain hopeful for your return in whatever capacity is best for you! Jay

[@kimb6962]

We are just so so so sorry for you. I worked years ago for a lawyer who did maritime law. I learned then how different the laws are for boats and boaters. You have offered invaluable information to your viewers. God bless you! 😔

[@AbNomal621]

Glad you did name the insurance company. Hope one day they get sued.

[@tc6984]

Thanks for naming names this is most important!!!

[@nancycurtis3964]

As a fellow deep-water sailor, my heart breaks with every video. I have said to my husband, more than once, "We should probably sell our Big Girl, and just charter." (We still own our boat, 44' monohull.) The train trip looks amazing, and therapeutic.

[@wtf_usa5597]

God bless you my friend. Having sailed in the BVI's many times I feel your pain. I'm very glad to see you've moved on & that this event didn't break your soul. 🙏

[@rickviviano6700]

Hey buddy, Thank you for all your information, because of you I rented the 50ft Lepord and took my whole family on a vaction around the US Virgian island during Covid, it was the time of our life, we are a family of 5 of divers and snorklers and it was a blast. All the kids are gone now and became an empty nester a couple weeks back, Now they all want to go for another trip, it ment so much to them they always bring it up, Carry on and be proud of what you have done. Love you Man!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

That is awesome!

[@robertgranafei2781]

Exactly. The emotion tie between the owner and their boat can be quite strong. Boatyards, surveyors and salvors know this and some exploit it. As an Admiralty lawyer, and yacht owner for over 50 years, I can attest to the unfortunate situation you experienced. My advice would have been, once they demanded 570k I would say "No problem. The boat is yours." They would change their tune in a heartbeat. Sounds to me you have a barn burner lawsuit against your carrier. Having handled several similar cases in the past my advice is get it before a jury. The punitive damages will be huge. Don't bend to the pressure to settle as a "sure thing". Unless you have a binding arbitration clause in the contract, hold out for a jury trial. Good luck.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I agree! thanks

[@charley95sheridan44]

good advice!

[@zachmills4595]

Tough story and I hate this for you. However, I’m cheering for your return to the water. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@Sea_Dog7]

Thank you for the update. I feel so bad for you. I watched this with my wife who is an attorney and she was furious. She thinks you should sue the insurance company for denying your claim. I am sure you have thought about this and will update us in future videos. Thank you for your class, honesty and education to many boat owners out there that have no idea what could happen to them. Peace be with you.

[@rickbaird1284]

$570K is BS. I’m very sorry you’re having to go through all of this.

[@GeorgeJohnstone-ze8ct]

This story breaks my heart, I know how much you loved that boat. It was you and your channel that lead us to charter with MarineMax back in June. Fabulous trip and we so loved doing what we saw you do. To quote you, it did not suck! Remain strong and can’t wait to see the next chapter of The Wandering Hillbilly.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!

[@pmwinkler]

Thanks for sharing this info, Alan. What a nightmare you’ve been through! I look forward to your update about the insurance claim, and appreciate any insight you may share about lessons along the way. Most of all, I look forward to hearing more about your future adventures. Stay strong, my friend!

[@searay260sundeckforsale4]

That is so unfair.. 570K for one day of work.. Thanks for posting this - we, ordinary people, would have less power and be easily robbed. Hope you recover quick! Really enjoy watching your channel! It's mind boggling there are no regulations for how high they can go - truly mafia.. I really hope, the insurance company will pay for it in the end, after so many nightmares, as they should.

[@JeffGrommersch]

Sorry to hear about your struggles with the Hillbilly. I just wanted to let you know that you inspired me and my wife to go through the power boating course in the BVI we just returned home this morning! It was a wonderful experience minus hurricane Ernesto….. We are excited to charter our own boat with the family!

[@rdland2985]

Salvage companies are some of the biggest crooks and they know it(Insurance companies are the 2nd biggest crooks)! Salvage companies always make out like bandits, they never get the short end. I would sue that insurance company for the max amount plus pain and suffering. Now back to normal, miss the videos and was getting worried all of this was stressing you and the Mrs out big time as this would anyone! I do hope this hasnt ruined the adventures in the BVI as they have been my inspiration to get back out on the water and enjoy life again. Many blessings to you and the Mrs, as well as the rest of the Family!!! Long live "The Wandering Hillbilly"!!!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

we will be back in the BVI in October. this chapter is not over!

[@paulburgess3996]

Hopefully, the salvage company wasn’t Husky…

[@Stevah00]

@@thewanderinghillbilly Alan, You have been the victim of maritime law. I am hoping that Maritime law will end soon under the NESARA/ GESARA change to over take the world soon. You might be eligible to recover under the new more fair system of laws. We will have to see. It will take some time.

[@erickramer9291]

Thank you for sharing. You just made it clear to me that chartering has a place. We came back from Split and spent 120 for a week. I thought that was expensive. Love your channel. Eric

[@karenmcdougall3515]

So tremendously sorry for your loss; you’ve handled this whole ordeal with such dignity. My heart bleeds for you and your wife. May something wonderful come your way soon. ❤ … And so glad you enjoyed your train trip in our Canada! We DO live in a beautiful country!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Your country is amazing. I have a crush on Canada!

[@karenmcdougall3515]

@@thewanderinghillbilly you and your whole family are welcome anytime!!

[@baggerbater]

This breaks my heart, you’ve done such a great job with your channel we all kind of felt like the Hillbilly was ours. As an insurance agent it makes me sick that they determined there was no coverage. Hopefully your lawyer will get them to pay. I’m looking forward to more adventures from your channel

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

thank you kindly

[@Boody523]

Thank you for sharing!!! Was in talks with said company and now going to re-asses

[@michaelwilson438]

I hate that this has happened to you. It is obviously a systematic problem that the industry relies on. You are a class act. Please keep us all updated on your progress with the ball company and the insurance company. Your videos are great to see. The content is great fun to watch. My wife and I dream of owning a boat, but this has given us a reason to hit the pause button and do more research into ownership. God bless and we hope you get to feeling better soon.

[@GuyWesson]

Its was very easy to see the on-going enjoyment you shared with your friends, family, business associates as well as anyone you met along the boating roads. I hope in time you decide to rejoin us on the water. Until then enjoy yourself but know that your kind presence will be missed.

[@colincartee2145]

Been rocking with ya since before 200 followers, very sorry to hear this. Champions take losses acutely and move on quickly. Keep moving, champ. Looking forward to the next series of videos.

[@danstovall8660]

So sorry for the way things turned out, but so glad you liked the Canadian Rockies! One of our favorite places to go. Good luck in your next adventure.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Can't wait!

[@williamwhaley7842]

Ouch!!!! That was painful! So sorry for how it all worked out! Hope you continue with videos and maybe a new boat!

[@mikebest7625]

I have loved your videos from the very beginning. Clearly this has been a very troubling experience for your family and I hope you will close this chapter and open a new one with Hillbilly 2. Much love to you and yours.

[@prospect8696]

I feel so bad for you. It’s CRIMINAL what’s happened. I went through the same thing when my boat was stolen from our dock and used for a drug run. Then beached and destroyed. When I saw my boat that I loved and took care of, I couldn’t stop crying. I feel your pain. I will pray for healing so you can move on. God bless

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

God Bless you!

[@glennb5048]

I had a similar experience and did the same. Give it up and walk away. I feel your pain but glad you have found peace and are able to move forward.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks friend

[@derrickclemons2862]

Thanks for the update. So sorry for your troubles, it seems that you made the only choice that made sense. God bless...

[@CraigLankester]

A sad ending to something you loved but your story is an important lesson to other boat owners. Best wishes.

[@tanyasheldon2468]

Your emotion also brought a tear to my eye. You don't have to answer if it is too personal. But did you have have a loan on the CAT? Do you know what might have happened with the insurance company if a bank was involved?

[@jameslinderman6825]

Alan. You are an inspiration amigo. It’s not quite a comparable vessel, but you inspired me to get a 28 foot cabin cruiser to use as a crash pad in the Dallas area as I live elsewhere, and come into Dallas at least once a week for work. I was on the fence about it, but I’ve always loved boats and seeing your videos helped give me the nudge that I needed because I thought to myself if I don’t at least try, I will never know. I’m so sorry this happened to you and the dick punch of a situation you’ve had to deal with. Keep making your content; you’re helping people and inspiring people more than you know!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much Texan! I love to inspire. Good luck to you!

[@RobertJones-ty5mg]

From the very beginning of our search for our yacht, your channel has been a treasure chest of information. Thank you so much for continuing to share the story. It is so incredibly useful. I hope this has not marked the end of your time at sea. I look forward to seeing you out there someday!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks!

[@rickdoll7220]

I feel really bad for you and your wife. Thanks for telling us about this experience. I will be sitting down with my boat insurance company to find out about salvage issues. Good luck in the future.

[@suegilman501]

So sorry for your loss! We too lost our “retirement home” 45’ Mainship in Hurricane Ian. We were completely screwed in the deal by both the boatyard where the boat was supposed to be out of the water & the insurance company. Hope to see you on a boat again soon. We loved watching your videos. We honeymooned in Tortola in 1982 and loved the area.

[@Nezzer57]

You've been so much nicer than a lot of people would be in this situation. You're a gentleman and it's to your credit 👍 I'd have been tempted to say they can have the Hillbilly for their crazy $1.9m valuation, less their crazy salvage cost of course... Bunch of gougers..!

[@johnhall942]

In the market for a policy for a potential boat and now after this, the companies to look into have reduced by one. Thanks for that! Condolences on your loss I cant even imagine the stress this has put you and your wife under. Glad to hear you have found a respite in other travels.

[@scottehrlich6653]

Time to file a “ Bad Faith “ suit against the insurance company. Sorry this happened to your wonderful family. You’re loved

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

thanks

[@jilllyons1091]

My heart is broken for you. I know what a responsible boat owner you are. I have heard so many nightmare stories about boat insurance (insurance in general for anything) denying the claim. We are just about to receive a leopard 42 and will be reading the policy in depth. Any chance you will be making an Insuance video so we can learn from your experience. We watched your bvi charter video Before our first charter and it was so helpful. I know your life will continue to be full of joy but this one would hurt for sure.

[@carloslovesmandy248]

Man! We really hate that you and the missus had to endure this kind of hardship. I truly admire how calm and professional you are with this and not seeking vengeance. Praying for peace and direction to lead you to another adventure. You share it, we'll watch. Greetings from Bama, Carlos and Mandy.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks guys!

[@midnite22767]

Wow, what a painful educational experience. Its hard to believe what you had to go through after the loss of your beautiful boat. Having just learned how to sail recently and newly retired, I was so looking forward to making a boat purchase in the future. This video series should be mandatory viewing for anyone even thinking about buying a boat. If I do ever buy a boat it will be for a boat price that I won't have any issue just walking away from if things go sideway. Thank you for sharing this experience. New subscriber!

[@tomreid5184]

Too many comments to read them all so I'll just say that I admire you for how you've handled this entire process. It's sad that it had to end up this way. I respect you and wish you all the best in the future. I know that the "Hillbilly" wasn't just a boat to you. It's like loosing a friend. God speed Alan PS: no need to reply. You have enough on your plate as it is. .Semper Fi.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks Tom

[@jordan0brown]

Sobering, outstanding information. Thank you for sharing.

[@robertabbott8541]

SUE the insurance company! They really dropped the ball. Avoid that insurance company like the plague.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Indeed

[@Dan-Chrssy]

What an absolute nightmare. It will all work out and thank you for sharing this experience. The second this happened I re-did my policy to update my salvage insurance to $250k on a $500k boat.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Very good!

[@MarcVaillancourt-s9k]

Wow, wow wow wow. I fell on your channel by total accident (no pun intended) and as a ex- sailboat owner I was dumbfounded and so hurt by your story. My goodness, the video you produced is a very real and true vid. Glad you loved our Western rail trip, cheers.

[@burrlaise]

So sorry for what has happened to you, and thank you for sharing. This is some of the most valuable educational content out there about the reality of boat ownership. It must take a lot of courage to post a video like this. Power to you.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!

[@tradewinds-wb4kn]

Is it salvage or savage? Thanks Mr. Hillbilly for the update. I am so so sorry. You are too nice of a person for this to happen to. Taking advantage, just because you can, does not mean you should. Reminds me of the credit card companies that will charge 29.99% because the government said they are not allowed to charge 30% because that is taking advantage of people. Will stick with you because you are an incredible human being that has extended so much kindness and generosity to others. You are a hoot and a blast to watch enjoying yourself and can't wait to see the next adventures. Really seriously big hugs to you sir.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much!

[@williamjunius1110]

I’m real sorry to hear about the Hillbilly. Your videos set the stage for our family vacation in the Exumas in 2023. Thank you.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Our pleasure!

[@denisesimpson3356]

Count it all joy when we face trails.. your time in the BVI was over . Your blessing came the moment you walked away from your baby to those thieves (who will get their just) and can now enjoy wonderful alone time with your wife and family… it’s painful but your testimony will help others. see this as protection from what Our GOD saw happening in the future there in the BVI(getting you out of there) .. I pray GOD gives you and your wife the peace that passes all understanding in the days, months to come.. keep us updated with your travels 🇧🇸🇨🇦

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!

[@charley95sheridan44]

As the saying goes, what the devil meant for bad, God has meant for good. If only we could understand it on this secular earth?!

[@burrows10011]

Another incredible story and video. I wish we could hear from some salvage operators on this issue. It does seem like an unfair business that preys on boat owners. Id love to hear their logic!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Logic = $$

[@mediaman369]

Great job!!! Dignity!!! What a way to go. Keep doing what you’re doing!!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! Will do!

[@calliganmooringanddiveserv593]

I do salvage work on the midcoast In Maine. Usually, I contact the insurance company before I salvage the vessel and get them to sign off on a price. If not, I want payment upfront and the pay will work out with the Capt owner. Once I put a line on your vessel, I am responsible for it if it is leaking fuel into the water, I could be fined. we do everything we can to contain the mass and the environmental impact that these vessels cause sometimes this work is rough diving boating, rough conditions and you’re never guaranteed to get paid. Usually, we are entitled up to 25% of the value of the vessel. but most of the time we settle with the insurance company for a 15 to 20% pay off

[@larslotus]

Hi everyone. I'm so sorry for your loss and bad experience. The maritime law is made for cargo ships and there cargo far back in time. It's not made for leisure boats and as you said time for a law change. Best to all of you out there from a Swed in France

[@travis4619]

WoW!! I do understand wanting the nightmare to be over

[@lagrandet7477]

I’m relatively new to your channel and enjoyed your content, perspective, love for you family and friends, and love for the BVIs. Your experience here at the end with the hillbilly is gut wrenching. I’m sure brighter days are ahead. However, the many hours you put into sharing your time on the hillbilly has been appreciated by many. Best of wishes for your next endeavors. You’re a fabulous story teller.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks and welcome

[@lukegolfer2261]

So sad to see the Hillbilly gone and what you had to go through. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks

[@russellhaywood645]

Wow, what a saga to say the least! Very informative and so sorry that it ended the way it did. Very negative and emotionally and monetarily draining expereince for you and your wife. I appreciate you posting as it is a learning expereince for all of us who own boats. I look forward to your upcoming video about the insurance process as well. Until then, thank you for all the wonderful videos from the past, now and in the future! Stay tuff amigo!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Gracias!

[@spikestubbs210]

I have a good friend that practices maritime law...the vessel owner will ALWAYS lose. That's why you do not see a lot of stories of ships being saved...the owners would rather sink it then save it.

[@shawnfinley4982]

I sincerely hope you havent lost your heart for boating . The world needs more owners like you . Please get another Aquila and keep making good memories and videos. Peace !

[@Alan-R1971]

As gun shy as He may be now after this misadventure, I hope he does too BUT also understand if he decides against it.

[@shawnfinley4982]

@@Alan-R1971 Yes Sir, I agree with you wholeheartedly.

[@eze8126]

WOW!!! What a learning experience. Thank you for all your videos.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for watching!

[@bluewateraddict4493]

Well done handling a sad situation for you and your family. Excellent as always.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you kindly

[@alanmolloy3661]

Wow, sorry for what happened. Just keep smiling 😃 and have a good weekend.

[@Injess]

Thanks for sharing your story with us really eye opening. Helping so many people make the best decisions even now. Good man Alan thank you.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for watching !

[@johnnycooper630]

That is a total mess, very sorry to hear and ive had similiar experiences things are more corrupt than we realize .😢

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Complete mess. Thanks for watching

[@benjamingass1688]

Thank you for sharing so candidly and integrity. Please share why the insurance company declined the claim (you did everything you could to act responsibily and prevent the issue in the first place)

[@dtmunnthomas]

The best revenge is to live well. You certainly are doing so. Your response to been to educate, inform and to conduct yourself with dignity. Wishing you happy travels and more adventures come what may.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Dignity = Health. Live by it

[@spiritbeacon7945]

What a story Alan, glad you away from the drama now and can't wait to see your travels through Canada. Please take care of yourself and see you soon. Cy

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks!

[@brentfriedland]

Courageous post. I appreciate your condor. I also sympathize with your situation. I wish you the best in your trying time.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@freedomwanderer91]

Hillbilly I've missed you...

[@cruzinZ]

Life has many turns of events. Make me sick to see the outcome of events that transpired. Your videos on the hillbilly were some of the best that I followed. Hopefully you and your wife will make many more memories on future vacations and experience this great world we live in.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much

[@lookingforbluewater6162]

I am so sad you have had to go through this, I can only imagine the stress you both have been under 😢. Thank you for sharing your story because it will definitely help others. Looking forward to your next adventures, we always enjoy your channel 🥰❤️. Best wishes for you!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!

[@Thebink21]

One would think that after the damage occurred, insurance would cover most of the cost to get you your boat back in working shape. What you have gone through is a nightmare. In the end, I believe you made the right decision to walk away and keep your sanity/health by not having this situation hang around your neck. This story reinforces my decision to always rent when I go away sailing. Hope to see you on a rented boat doing another video with a Painkiller in hand at the beach in front of the Soggy Dollar!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

See you there!

[@TerryKeever]

Don't know what to say. I had heard others say similar things after yacht losses without the details. Assumed they were exaggerating. So sorry to hear they weren't. Hope the future is brighter.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you

[@mc400cricket2]

Excellent information, thank you for sharing.

[@Mandurath]

Sorry it turned out this way. Your self-control and gentlemanly behavior get nothing but respect from me. I don't know how I would have handled that situation. But I totally understand that just signing the boat away and cutting the whole debacle loose, well, most of it anyway, was the best thing for you and your wife. Looking forward to the train trip videos. My wife and I have considered some of the Amtrak vacation trips so seeing a perspective of a train trip will be interesting. Travelled by train a lot in Europe and enjoyed it then. There were two Berlins at the time so a while ago.

[@mylifeonthebeach]

Wow, what a shocking outcome to the saga. I do hope you do a video on what grounds the insurance claims to claim no coverage. Yet, I do know you likely cannot speak about it for some time. I personally went through a lengthy suit under maritime law and it was confusing and crazy. I applaud you for getting away and clearing your head. Peace bro…

[@landahoy5217]

My goodness who would ever think boat ownership would end like this. Absolutely crazy. What happened to common decency? So sad! All the best to you and your wonderful family. PS they can’t take that from you. ❤

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

My thoughts exactly

[@brianbradley6953]

Way to take the high road.....your momma would be proud! Prayers for your family's peace of mind.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

My momma is proud. She taught me how to act. Thank you

[@micheandmikey]

Salvage companies and insurance companies always try to take advantage to someone just trying to do the right thing. It makes me sick Alan. I'm so sorry you have had to deal with this as it is completely unnecessary. No wonder billionaires just let their massive yachts burn to the waterline and sink. Ugh. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.......hopefully peace and brighter days are ahead. Also, I commented on your trip in Canada! If you look at the comments on the Kamloops visit, it is my other favorite place to visit for biking and skiing. Take care Akan, can't wait to see the train video!

[@jdamndub1]

Man I'm so sick for you guys. I can see and feel the emotions you have to deal with . I have a 37 leopard Powercat I keep west of Nashville on the Tn River. Every time I go to it I think about your story ,it just fucking hurts. Hang in their and I'm so sorry you had to deal with all this. You have enlightened me and others on salvage and insurance and we all should be scared to death of this crap. JW

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yes you should! Thanks

[@briansanderson1368]

Your story saddens me! I hope you get to a place of happiness that Wandering Hillbilly gave you! BTW can't wait for the new season of "The Voice"! God Bless!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I hope so too!

[@teachingrounds]

Thanks for sharing all this …. Why did the insurance company not “do their job”? Can you make a short video on what to look for in an insurance policy? No one out there on KZbin has that info. Thanks again for your content

[@elapostolsalsero1211]

Very sorry that you and your wife went through all this mess. Definitely insurance companies can do this to you. Thanks for the wonderful adventures you make us experience aboard the Wonder Hillbilly…. We pray better and more exciting adventures are ahead of you and the family.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!

[@elapostolsalsero1211]

@@thewanderinghillbilly no, thank you and your family. God bless you all

[@MultiCuir]

Hello, I am not perfectly bilingual but I listened to this video 3 times again. I am in all my states. In a way, I am not surprised because the Insurance Companies are known for finding reasons not to pay. They hire lawyers to help them find major reasons not to pay and they succeed. At a certain point, the victims of this unfortunate accident are no longer able to pay the many bills or people become ill and their health deteriorates. This is the game of the Insurers. I am terribly disappointed for you to see this beautiful dream end in a nightmare, already losing the Wandering Hillbilly was already too much, the saga of the insurers who never stop being ridiculous but with the power to pay or not. What a shame. What sadness. I wish with all my heart that you recover from all this bad adventure as quickly as possible and live your life to the fullest with your wife, children and friends. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending you my positive thoughts. Please remember that you and your wife are the best!

[@irishred1357]

Wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors, will still be following to see your new adventures but will miss the hillbilly.

[@kirkhousewright1043]

Thanks for sharing. This helps the thought process of some reasons not to purchase a yacht to sit in foreign countries. If I want to make some of these trips I’ll just pay the money for a couple weeks. Rough lessons at sea! Maritime laws are brutal!

[@kevbjork1]

Thanks for sharing. I've heard so many horror stories about insurance from dock mates etc that it has put me off buying a new boat of any kind. My boat is not worth near what yours is but it's a lot to me and i'm definitely going to look over my documentation and talk with my broker to make sure my coverage makes sense.

[@edenrr390]

Thanks for posting. Sad for your loss. What became of the mooring ball company on which you moored? Cheers, SV Good Karma as Grins.

[@davidmeyers838]

This is heartbreaking. You have taken the high road and I commend you for that. Let the legal system work for you if there is any chance it can. The love of yachting will come back to you and we will again see you and your family soaking up the sun and libations in the BVI. Good luck to you sir, wish I could do something to help.

[@evolutionaryTom]

I’m glad both of you are in a better place now. You deserve it. Even if your next adventure is a tandem bicycle, I hope you keep making videos! Going to miss the Hillbilly adventures but it was you that made the boat, not other way around. All the best to the whole family.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@javacup912]

So sorry, you lost your boat. This is making look at my own insurance policy to read the fine print. Thanks!

[@julioberard7866]

My wife and I love your channel. We hope there is a chance you get back to boating. Your channel is very professional. It is too bad what has happened to you. This boating industry just plain sucks.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

It sometimes does, yes.

[@ChristopherT1]

I’m so sorry to hear this. Bad things happen to good people clearly. For no reason! Peace be with you and your family ❤❤

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!!!