Things that shouldn't get thrown away

[rebel heart]

At my marina, there's a table where people leave things that they don't need, but that other people might want. It's on the way to the dumpster, so maybe if you were throwing away an old tea kettle, you might leave it on the table, and see if someone else wants it, etc. Things don't normally stay on the table for long.

So what weird things have people thrown away (or discarded for others, like on our table)? I've seen:

- 50' shore power cable, fully functioning.
- Massive fish net, a few repairs, weighs maybe 50 lbs total.
- Kerosense stove, with tank.
- $200 Shimano reel, in box, with receipt.
- Huge stack of DVDs.
- Radar reflector.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Rebel,
Wow!! That's great. Wish we had a Marina. I'd be leaving a lot of things on the table and maybe gathering a few.
JohnL

[rebel heart]

The weird part now is that since it's kind of the "social table" where people sit around and tell sea stories, if you leave your cell phone or keys on there for even a few minutes, people walk by eyeballing them. So it's never a good idea to leave anything on there unattended, even a cup of coffee.

[Vasco]

We've found lots of "free tables" on our way up and down the ICW. I wouldn't mind the Shimano reel!! It's a good idea. Your useless stuff might be very useful to others. Got a good pot off one to mix my oxalic acid cornstarch mixture that I use to get rid of the waterway smile.

[S/V Antares]

Hello fellow dumpster divers (Marine dumpsters!) At our marina it is proper ediquit to leave unwanted but usable items next to the dumster. I have "salvaged" 300Ft 3/4" anchor rode, 2, D4 batteries and a very nice oriental rug to name a few. A like new sail was left for several days . Did not fit my J but I took it to Bacons (Used sails) Got a check for $200 US a few months later. I think the Yachties toss the power cords when they get dirty.

Thanks for the Dip Tip Vasco. My boat moustash thanks you .

[jdoe71]

Vasco, what proportions do you mix that in? We have a fabulous smile this year and haven't found anything yet that works on it.

The salvage table is great idea, have to propose that next year.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by jdoe71

The salvage table is great idea, have to propose that next year.

It's a table near the bathrooms and laundry room. We have a coffee maker in there, so it's where the liveaboards & co. hang out in the mornings and chit chat. It's also 10' away from the gate to the docks, so it's a high traffic environment. Works out really well.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by jdoe71

Vasco, what proportions do you mix that in? We have a fabulous smile this year and haven't found anything yet that works on it.

The salvage table is great idea, have to propose that next year.

I use warm water and put oxalic acid crystals (wood bleach) in it (on the stove) until it's saturated. I just keep adding crystals until it won't take any more. I had to get the pot off the free table because my wife won't let me use our regular pots. I buy the crystals from Home Depot ( $5 for a tub). I store this stuff in a jar. When I'm ready to use it I usually cut it 6:1. That's six water and one acid. My original recipe was 8:1 but 6:1 is fine and even stronger doesn't seem to harm fiberglass. I put the cut mixture in my acid pot and add a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch and bring it to the boil. This thickens it so that it's not runny. I swab this mixture on the waterway smile. Also good for getting rust off decks and stainless. This stuff goes far. I'm still on the original tub I bought five years ago. You can get the same stuff from WM for $12 a small jar but their gell is a bit better than my cornstarch. Another good product is Barkeeper's Friend (Publix), it's a mild oxalic acid powder and good for getting the rust off all the stainless on deck.

[blove8]

That free stuff table kinda reminds me of The Freecycle Network.

[David M]

I do the same thing, except at my house. The last time I cleaned out my garage I had a free garage sale. I figured it beat haggling with these professional garage sale people who want to verbally beat me over the head until I come down on price. Everything I put out there was gone by the next day....saved me a trip to the dump and a $50 dump fee.

[ughmo2000]

Excellent idea Rebel.

Sounds like a great community you've got there. And what a neat way to meet your dock neighbors!

[mikereed100]

In my marina the "free table" is the transformers that dot the main walkway. That's where I got my stove, head, power cord, 2hp outboard, force 10 barbque,books etc.

Mike

[svnisus]

We were docked for a couple of years at a marina that was also home to college sailing school. The stuff they threw away was amazing! Sails, pedestals w/wheels, spinnakers, etc.etc. Things we couldn't use we put on E-Bay--silly yachties!!

[svnisus]

At another marina, someone put a small bookshelf in the laundry room where people could put obviously books and magazines. Then it started having pieces/parts and other things that were still usable but needed a good home. The old dockmaster quit and the new guy decided it was too "messy" so he threw everything away including the bookcase. I printed up a sign "One man's trash is another man's treasure" and posted it right above where the bookcase used to be. I don't think he was even smart enough to understand what it meant.

[rebel heart]

I think it helps that our's isn't inside the marina gates, because eventually (within a few hours, absolutely within a day), people cruise by it that will just take whatever is on there and sell it at the swap meet or on craiglist. That probably helps to keep it thinned out.