An abandoned hull can become a problem long after its last owner stops using it. BoatUS Foundation is assembling specialists to discuss how communities can remove and dispose of neglected vessels without creating another waste problem.
Its Turning the Tide Summit is scheduled for 6–9 December 2026 in New Orleans. The September announcement identifies speakers from public agencies, boatyards, river groups and the marine sector.
Removal needs more than a tow
A derelict craft may contain fuel, machinery, batteries and damaged composite material. Assessing those hazards is a different task from simply moving the hull to a different berth.
The summit will address removal programmes and methods of disposal. The range of participants matters because one organisation rarely handles every stage from identification to safe treatment.
Disposal involves several material streams
Composite and fibreglass recycling are among the issues included in the wider event programme. A sound solution must also consider components that can be separated and materials requiring specialist handling.
A conference can share experience and examine new methods, but individual projects need funding and permissions before work starts. Local waterway needs will shape what is practical.
A concern even for the smallest boat
Neglected small craft can obstruct slips, marinas and sheltered waterways while continuing to deteriorate. Owners can help prevent the problem by arranging maintenance, sale or responsible disposal before a boat is abandoned.
For LBG readers, the summit highlights the end of the ownership lifecycle. That stage deserves planning just as much as the original purchase.