I was searching around for an answer to a situation I have right now. I figured someone here would know the answer. Had an amazing day of sailing yesterday (a whole other story). Once it was dark, the wind died down and I packed up and headed home. On the way in to the marina I found a small boat floating out in the lake. I motored up to it to see if someone might be passed out inside and it was empty. No broken lines, no sign of anything or anyone. So I hooked it up and towed it into my launch ramp. Pulled my 17 out and then pulled out the little boat. I have the little boat secured to my rig in the parking lot. Now what I am wondering is about ownership. On a lake with homes and businesses almost everywhere there is no way to find the owner. Yesterday was very windy and also from a rare direction (which is why it was such a perfect sailing day) so I reckon some careless person just allowed it to float off the beach or away from the dock. As the 'salvor' of this goofy little boat I know I am entitled to compensation for the 'rescue'....but I would gladly either give it back to the owner.....or just keep it. Do I have the right to keep this boat? There is really no way to find the owner. When I was working in a marina at the coast a chap had his anchored 30 something sailboat break loose during a hard wind. It was saved by a quick thinking fellow in a big motor boat. The motor boat guy ended up owning that sailboat. I don't know the details. It would not be an issue but for the fact that my wife would enjoy this boat. It one of those Pelican paddle wheeler things and has a built in cooler, drink holders and even a bimini. ~:0) Cheers, Tim in BC......a member of the Old Geezers Racing Club......BCM/P division.