[Mr. Sandman]

I agree, some folks stretch the intent of the law to fit their requirements. I am not referring to the dingy you found as I am sure if someone claims it you would return it....and I bet if you go over to the yacht club and mention it you will find the true owner and he will thank you. I remember when a guy bought a brand new boat, around 30' or so he didn't know squat about boating, he drove it to the black dog restaurant and took his family for dinner. The boat was not tied up properly and had no numbers on it. (I know, the guy is a goon) the boat drifted away from the dock on to the beach of a nearby homeowner who was licking his chops to claim it as his. Cops, EPO, uscg and all kinds of folks got involved in the controversy. Sure, fine the fool for not having numbers on the boat and negligence of not tying it up...make him take a boating course, what ever but in no way should the boat automatically become the property of the persons beach it washed up on.

Salvage laws are complex, some of the towing guys are experts the loopholes in the laws...there are subtleties between hard grounding and soft groundings, be careful . From what I have heard, they can up owning your boat without you knowing about it. That said, I know little boat maritime law so as always..."your mileage will vary"

But I do know that it is aways better to do a good deed than stick it to someone