Hurricanes are among the most powerful forces in our weather system, their average speed between 10 and 13 knots. Annually, they cause severe damage and devastation to people, affecting their lives.

In Florida, the powerful hurricanes of the past few years have caused havoc among boat owners. Many of them, finding their insurance does not cover the damage caused to their boats, are forced to sell. As a result, there are many power boat auctions from a hurricane.
Hurricanes leave people unable to cope with everything at the same time.

The amount of work needed to be done can astounding and overwhelming. As a result, a boat owner may have other priorities than recovering, repairing or restoring a damaged power boat. In such a scenario, it is best to look for a reputable salvage company or service provider.

They can be expected to handle all the details, including putting the sending the vessel to a power boat auction from a hurricane.
The type of salvage company should conform to a number of basic criteria. It must be able to retrieve, tow and store the boat. These are the very least it should do.

It should also be capable and willing to preserve the boat and maintain it until the next power boat auction from a hurricane.
It helps if all salvagers do not act like predators, leaping on the available customer’s boats before he or she has had time to recover from the initial shock of seeing what might well have been a lifetime’s work and labor of love battered and broken.
A good salvage company undertakes the work efficiently; a good customer realizes the need for the salvage company to exist and recognizes it is freeing him or her up to deal with other more pressing matters.
Once the boat is recovered and safely lodged, it is up to the salvage company to arrange a power boat auction from a hurricane. While the boat sits in storage, the owner has a chance to consider how to proceed. Insurance policies might well cover the cost or remaining amount owning on the boat.

Unfortunately, some owners will find their insurance was not comprehensive enough. Boats are sometimes abandoned, left to the salvage company.
If an owner still retains control, the power boat auction from a hurricane can be a boon. If he chooses a salvage company wisely, there will be multiple and not single bids at this auction.

There could also be the chance of an on-line auction. Whatever means the salvager has decided to use to auction off the cargo, a power boat buyer should be careful when entertaining a bid. The damage to a boat may not be obvious, the serious problems only seen after purchase.

These boats may a clear title and no apparent background. The previous owners may not be around. Buying at a power boat auction from a hurricane can very well typify the saying: “Buyer Beware.”

Sometimes, you have to search out different ways of fulfilling your dream. If you can’t afford that brand new power boat and even the used ones are out of range, don’t settle for your second choice just yet.

There is another option: power boat repo auctions.
Boat auctions are more common than you think. The problem is discovering when and where. While some are printed in newspaper ads or announced in a few periodicals, many are not.

They have to be tracked down.
How do you find out about a power boat repo auction? Check a variety of sources including local marine bureaus. Have they repossessed any boats lately for non-payment of slip fees? A common practice, this is a possible source.
Government agencies and banks are two other possibilities. Remember to phone, e-mail and follow up any possible leads.

Some groups contract out to internet agencies to handle the sales. A possible, if frustrating way to pass the time and maybe find out information, is to type the word power boat repo into a search engine and see what comes up. Frequently, a site leads to other sites.

Don’t get caught in the whirling eddies.
If you find and plan to attend an auction, don’t expect miracles. Each auction has its own rules.

Prices can vary wildly. Much depends upon attendance, the product, who is bidding and the drive of the crowd.
Before arriving, do your homework. Obtain all possible information on what will be there.

Attend a preview to examine the boats at close range. See what flaws they have, make a list of what boats interest you, then hit the book: the “blue book”. In this way, you can check the value of the boat, compare low and high ends and decide your bid range based on reality not a fictional fancy.

As with buying any boat, check comparable models in the classifieds and gauge the local range.
Read the boat descriptions carefully. See what is listed and, just as, or maybe more importantly, note what is not included. Assume nothing. This way, on the day of the auction, you will come prepared.
There are two major points of concern when attending a power boat repo auction. Do not get caught up and born away by the auctioneer and his/her spiel. Also, avoid entering into a competition with other bidders and ending up with a boat you do not want.
There are a few caveats with buying a power boat repo. The boat is sold “as-is” and the shipping costs. There is often no way to verify the condition of the engine, the soundness of the electrical system or the solidness of the inner workings. These boats do not come with warranties.
Finally, make sure you have complete ownership of the power boat repo. Obtain clear title not just a bill of sale and you might just have bought your dream.