Dan (his last name withheld), the new owner of a 1994 Bayliner Sierra 3055, found himself navigating a series of unfortunate events that turned a routine boat purchase in need of small repairs into a desperate struggle against the elements and unexpected setbacks. What began two weeks ago as an appointment to fix impellers and transom leaks has escalated into a battle to save his cherished vessel, now partially submerged.

The boat had lost a significant amount of fuel leaving a sheen on the water which prompted the Seattle Fire Department to eventually place a containment boom around it.

The initial plan was straightforward. Dan had an appointment with a Marina in Tacoma, a facility that advertised itself as a “do-it-yourself yard”. The work involved hauling the boat out to repair the impellers and fix leaks in the transom. Dan said he had clearly communicated the necessary tasks, and the marina seemed to understand. However, on the morning of their appointment, after Dan had paid a deposit and signed papers, an hour before the scheduled time as suggested, a chilling discovery was made. Another boat, its slings still dripping wet, had just been put into the water by the marina’s crane. Despite clear evidence of a crane operator being on duty, Dan was informed they couldn’t haul his boat. A voicemail, which Dan only received later due to his phone being dropped and recently replaced, claimed there wouldn’t be a crane operator. Online reviews revealed a pattern: other customers had also reported being refused service for unknown reasons, even after prior agreements. MORE ON WESTSIDESEATTLE.COM