Boat value and financial Crises

[GordMay]

Owners abandon their boats in droves
By MALIA WOLLAN (Associated Press)

Owners abandon their boats in droves | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

“From Southern California to Maine, the foundering economy, high fuel prices and poor fishing have driven boat owners to abandon perhaps thousands of vessels on the waterfront, where they are beginning to break up and sink, leaking oil and other pollutants.
Boats have long been a barometer of consumer confidence, disposable income and the overall state of the economy. Now, marina and harbor officials are reporting a sudden increase in the past year in the number of deserted pleasure boats and working vessels..."

More: Owners abandon their boats in droves | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

See also:

Port of SD Receives Additional Funding for A-8 Anchorage Cleanup
By: Ambrosia Sarabia
The Log.com News

[Pblais]

I read the article and it seems like an incomplete exaggeration of a problem that has always been there and not related to the recent economic events. This is not anything newsworthy. The lead example was from last spring. People may be abandoning wrecks in favor of forgetting about them but I fail to see the connection. The value of a trashed boat has never been lower is about the most you can say from it. When disposal costs are $12,000 for a sailboat it's easy to see why 1$ boats become so available yet still not worth 1$.

[GordMay]

It appears we aren’t mature enough to maintain a focused discussion without diverging into potentially contentious digressions.

Accordingly, I’m very tempted to close this thread.

Anyone want to continue to test my limited patience?

[Pblais]

It would appear the attempt was made. Sorry folks the thread is now cloased.