This is a HUGE problem that’s bedeviling regulatory AND tax payers. Let alone the environmental damage that is created by morons like this guy trying to haul away this useless junker. Hoarders in their own homes are generally only a hazard to themselves. Boat hoarders are putting our waterways and tax base at risk. I agree the previous owner bears some culpability for giving it away free, but the person who thought they could tow this junker to Tacoma was ill-prepared and none too smart. I’m sure he’s also pretty much peniless, which means we pick up the tab for the disposal of this useless scow.

Sad to say, there are many other boats out there in similar condition at Shilshole and elsewhere that are potential hazards waiting to happen, either by sinking and rolling over at the dock, burning due to bad wiring, auto bilge pumps putting oil into the water, etc. It’s always a balance to strike between personal property rights and protection of public and private marinas and surrounding environment, but in my view the Port should have dealt with this problem boat a long time ago.