Salvage What is Navigation Equipment

[Jack Heape]

Boat was recently declared a total loss. I was told the attached nav equipment should remain with the boat for the salvage company. I cannot seem to get a straight answer from anyone as to whethjer my removable Garmin GPS falls into the attached description. The mount is definitely attached, but I always removed the pop out GPS unit and took it off the boat with me. Anyone have any insight? Thanks.

 

[hughespat57]

First if it was listed on your insurance equipment inventory then I would say it stays.
If no inventory, and it is NOT hard wired (portable unit) I would call that personal property.

What does "pop-out" mean? if its like a stereo with a removable face plate? That's part of a unit.
If its just a universal holder with a power plug, that's still a portable.

i.e. I wouldn't leave my handheld VHF, but I would leave my installed VHF.

 

[Jack Heape]

Thanks Patrick! There is a holder mounted on the dash where the GPS just pops out after you release a lever. It is NOT listed on the boat inventory. It is not hard wired. I am leaving the mounted VHF. BTW funny that you have a 94 300 Sundancer. I am driving to FL next week to look at a 92 300 Sundancer. The boat I lost was a Sea Ray 270 1995. Thanks again for the input.

 

[hughespat57]

Thanks Patrick! There is a holder mounted on the dash where the GPS just pops out after you release a lever. It is NOT listed on the boat inventory. It is not hard wired. I am leaving the mounted VHF. BTW funny that you have a 94 300 Sundancer. I am driving to FL next week to look at a 92 300 Sundancer. The boat I lost was a Sea Ray 270 1995. Thanks again for the input.

Your call then...

The 92 300 are the style before mine.
At the 94 Sea Ray changed to more fiberglass, less cabinetry in the helm/cockpit area, and port holes for the side windows rather then the long sliders.
Check the window areas well for any leaks, and below them for any damage/wet wood. Even with the port lights and the fiberglass cockpit mine had un-detected rain water leaks that soaked the center section stringers. had to do some extensive center section rebuild.
Also I trailer mine but a 300 is a 10' 6" beam, it's an oversized load, permits required.

 

[fwebster]

If it was on the boat when the adjustor valued the boat then you may have a squabble on your hands if you remove it and t hat may open you claim and cause an adjustment on the value of the boat.

A better approach may be to write the adjuster a certified letter advising him that you are removing the GPS in order to record your waypoints and "fishing holes". My guess is that they will auction your boat as salvage and the buyer will never raise a question. Besides, technology moves lightening fast on small GPS units and prices fall about as fast, so this may be a great opportunity for an upgrade.

 

[Tim Fila]

Take it with you. Salvage may ask about it, but I wouldn't worry about it.

Tim