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Abandoned Watercraft

How do I get rid of an abandoned boat on my property?

Generally these procedures are used by marinas, storage facilities and repair facilities for watercraft that have been stored or fixed and go unclaimed. If you have found a boat on your property recently, contact your local authorities.

If the watercraft or outboard motor is valued at less than $10,000 and has been left for six months without permission on property you own, you may sell the watercraft or motor at a public auction and recover your maintenance or repair charges, including parts and labor charges and dockage or storage charges.

  • Apply for a title search of the watercraft/motor at the External linkDivision of Watercraft.
  • Send notice via certified mail (return receipt requested) to the watercraft/motor owner and any lien holder or mortgagee.
  • If the watercraft/motor is still unredeemed 45 days after return receipts are recovered, request to have the watercraft/motor appraised.
  • Advertise the public auction.
  • Sale goes to the highest bidder.
  • Immediately after the sale, you must file an affidavit.
  • When you get paid from the sale, you must give the purchaser:
    • the notarized affidavit in triplicate;
    • written confirmation of the value of the watercraft/motor;
    • and the certified mail return receipts.
  • When you get paid from the sale, you must send money not owed to you to the External linkFranklin County County Treasurer.

Note: This is just an overview. The Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources regulates and oversees the requirements for abandoned watercraft. You may obtain detailed instructions of these steps on the External linkOhio Dept. of Natural Resource website or contact them at 614.265.6480.