Name:	Mulligan -	Reply
Subject:	Abandoned boat
Date:	7/20/2020 6:51:16 PM

I need some help from the LM brain trust:

After the July 4th weekend an abandoned boat, no registration floated up to our dock. Rather than allow it to become a hazard to navigation we put it on our deck and made a couple of neighborhood postings.  Door to door was fruitless as most in our neighborhood are part timers.   At 2+ weeks since it arrived, no one has claimed it. So the question:  What is the legal protocal in Alabama for abandoned boats?  I am comfortable with the ethics, just want to know when I can claim it and either keep or dispose as I see fit.

thanks in advance.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Abandoned boat
Date:	7/21/2020 8:07:59 AM

I think there are salvage laws but I don't know if they apply to this situation.  You might be able to find the owners from the serial number if it was registered in Alabama.  But if they went to the trouble of removing the registration it is probably abandoned.  Might call the MP to see what they say.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Abandoned boat
Date:	7/21/2020 11:06:24 AM

Call Capt Brooks at 256-329-2268 Al Marine Police Alexander City

Name:	F1Fan -	Reply
Subject:	Abandoned boat
Date:	7/22/2020 9:33:41 AM

Calling marine police is a good idea. I am admittedly puzzled about a boat that drifts up, you think would have a registration and are looking into salvage laws but is also so small you can put it on your deck?

Is it this?

Name:	Mulligan -	Reply
Subject:	Abandoned boat
Date:	7/22/2020 3:25:32 PM

That's close, it doesn't have any SN just a plastic boat.  Looks nice enough to want it back, but maybe not.  The MP call is a great suggestion.  Might give the part timers one more weekend to find it.