Salvage laws

[HTHM]

What is the law for recovering a boat that has gone ashore. I saw a 20+footer on the shore of Lake Erie today that had a boat nearby that was obviously watching it. There is no doubt that this was a wreck, the whole boat was up on shore and not at all able to navigate under its own power. Can I walking on shore lay claim to the vessel by going on board and recovering it?

This is not a moral question, but rather a legal one.

[Terry]

well not sure that it would fall under marine salvage laws

it's on dry land and someone owns the land, which would give some control to the land owner

 

if I beach a boat because it is in trouble of sinking, could someone claim salvage rights on it, I don;t think so

but if it is under water or adrift, that's a different story....

just my opinion

[bigugli]

It's been beached. Hard to press a salvage claim.

 

Adrft, you would be within your right to do so. However, you may only claim a fixed percentage of the vessels worth as your salvage fee unless no one claims the vessel. If unclaimed, a percentage reverts to the Crown. There are , again, fixed time frames to follow. You really do need to talk to a lawyer.

[2 tone z71]

recovered a crestliner all smashed up on the rocks last season not an older boat either,towed to Marina,marina lifted it out,owner tried to claim it ,marina put salvage rights on it for fees owing ,I think it went to Auction eventually,its a tricky situation go get the Hull #s, check with the gov on who owns it ,ask him if he wants to part with it ,sign a paper and go get it is what id do

[BITEME]

I dont believe ther are salvage laws for the great lakes

[HTHM]

I had no intention of trying to recover it, but it got me wondering.

[Garnet]

I found a boat on Scugog 30 years ago and learned. Never turn it over to the police. Phone local cops make a police report after 30 days you can make whats called a Quick Claim and that gives you ownership.

 

The police will want to pickup property up just say no.

 

Garnet