T&T: Anchoring is a criminal offense

[2elnav at netbistro.com]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Philip Odom" <philodom at gmail.com>
> Here in NC you only have to look at Town Creek in Beaufort to see all the 
> floating junk there swinging on the hook.

What would happen  if  apparently derelict boats were simply impounded and 
the owner of record sent notification  givign them 30 days to respond.  If 
the boat is abandoned, no response will be forth coming and the authorities 
are free to dispose of the boat by auction or whatever.

If  a response is made the owner would be notified that  they  owe so much 
for moorage in excess fo 30 days or whatever.
Perhaps an inducement  can be divised for them to  notify the authorities 
if they know they have to leave th eboat longer than  30 days but will 
definitely return  in some stated time frame.

Auctioning off the derelicts  to wanna bee  boat repair guys, DIY  home 
builders  etc  would offset the cost of towing these to a holding place. 
Legitimate long term anchorage would be subject to mooring fees. also a 
source of revenue.
Ample notice  should be posted that  un manned vessels will be subject to 
this procedure unless other arrangements are made in advance.
If someone  did indeed plan to anchor full time  for two or three months 
they should contact the local authority and get a permit.
As long as the fees charged are reasonable,  and consistent with  storage 
fees charged in that area  I can't see a problem.
30 day grace period is much more reasonable than 72 hours.

Arild