It just seems to me that by solving the derelict boat issue it would go a long way to solving a lot of problems for everyone.
It's not just the derelict boats. The worst of the lot are drunken bums with alcohol and/or drug issues. Those who flaunt the laws (anchor lights, registration aka taxes or fees, sanitation, safety like fire extinguishers, etc.) -- those guys are a menace.
They live outside society and are driven by inner demons. Those 2% are the reason shoreside folks get "unreasonable" -- I doggone sure would not want an anchorage full of unmovable boats with bums aboard near me.
Not bringing their refuse ashore or worse, tossing it overboard. Standing on deck to pee in broad daylight. Really!?!?
Turning on a landowner's water and refilling jugs from the tap they pay for, especially when the sneak-ashore's don't shut off the water when the containers are full. And yes, any number of property owners on Sister's Creek in Marathon will attest that was a problem at least in the 1970's and it got really bad in the 80's.
The preponderance of boats has increased exponentially. It's not getting any better.
The Problem as I see it is the laws call for fines. Well, a guy living social security check to SS check isn't going to pay just because there is no consequence for not doing so.
If you don't pay there's an added fee. Well, a guy on the margins of society doesn't have the $183 for a fine for not showing an anchor light. He's not going to have more penalties and interest either.
Besides, he has nothing. What can anyone do to him? Nothing.
The boat is most likely not in his name so he cares not. The bum might have "bought " it, but registering costs money. It won't have been done. Previous owner has no clue the boat is still Officially his.
And if the boat has an anchor light the next time drunk needed a bottle of Vodka that light would be gone. Or there's no battery in the boat to supply power...
Consequences beyond unpaid fines is Part One of the solution.
Further, set a time limit for anchoring in one spot and enforce it through fines (parking tickets).
This is most reasonable. In BLM lands (Bureau of Land Management, aka the national forests) you may boondock (anchor, on land) for up to 14 days at a time. Then you must move your location at least 25 miles to a new spot.
To me, that seems reasonable.
Two weeks is reasonable for waiting for a hop over to the islands. Waiting for a weather window for a couple of weeks is not unheard of. As for permanently establishing residence right off my house were I to have one, NO.
Move your boat. The question in my mind is how far is "enough" ... a mile might be okay.
Were you to wonder while I believe a mile is sufficient, this is the reason: If a guy on a boat has a job ashore, rowing 1/2 mile each day to and from the boat is not unreasonable. I don't know that I would want to row a mile each way...
Anyway, it's too late now. The law has passed. Enforcement will happen, especially in those areas where the most vocal opponents to anchoring boats were. Such is life.
It's not all about me.