How do you move a derelict boat or, more particularly how do you deal with such a situation? Unfortunately, these types of scenarios are all too common in the Sunshine State. Surrounded by water, with the Gulf of Mexico along the west side of the peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean residing along the east coast. So, boats are quite ubiquitous throughout the state. And, with so many people owning watercraft, it is not at all unusual for these vessels to wind up abandoned in a number of spots. Read on to learn more about how to move a derelict boat.

What Exactly is a Derelict Vessel, Anyway?

First, let’s define what it is you’re dealing with in the first place. A “‘derelict vessel’ means a vessel, as defined in s. 327.02, that is left, stored, or abandoned: 1. In a wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled condition upon any public waters of this state,” according to the Florida Statutes.

Most all derelict vessel removal projects in the state of Florida require environmental permitting from one, or both of the following agencies — Florida Department of Environmental Protection or the United States Army Corps of Engineers Failure to apply and be granted required permitting, before a project begins, could result in state and or federal fines and penalties being assessed.. —Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Putting aside the legalese, this simply means boats in a state of disrepair that are left unattended by their owners. When someone does not maintain a vessel and it suffers from wear and tear and or damage, and is left abandoned, that is what the state of Florida considers a derelict vessel.

How to Move a Derelict Boat in Cape Coral

Now that we know how the state classifieds this type of personal property, we can get on to the logistics. Moving a derelict watercraft, as you might guess, requires the right equipment. It also takes a good amount of time and manpower. Because the average person does not own the necessary equipment or have the resources, it’s only sensible to enlist the help of a professional boat removal service. And, this is where things get a little bit tricky.
In most cases, the FWC, US Coast Guard, or even local municipality, will not remove the vessel. That is, unless it poses some real danger to the environment and/or obstructs the flow of waterway traffic.
Since this is typically not the case, it’s necessary to bring in a local boat removal service. The company will prep the vessel for transport, haul it away, and deal with all hazardous materials, as well as recycle anything that is eligible or required to be recycled. It’s inadvisable to attempt to move the watercraft yourself, because it poses a safety hazard and requires a certain process to ensure the hazardous material and recyclable materials are dealt with properly.
When you need boat removal, just phone 800-433-1094 or visit Boat Removal.com.