We pulled up to the rural lot in Byram and found a white 17 ft Thompson runabout parked deep inside an open pole barn. The hull had yellowed badly along the waterline from years of standing water. The owner reached out to us after receiving a city code enforcement notice to clear out the property.
The trailer sat on two dry-rotted tires that were completely flat and split down to the steel cords. Dragging flat rubber across dirt can tear up the trailer axle, so we jacked up each side and swapped the flat rims for solid haul-away tires we keep on our truck. Once the trailer rolled smoothly, our crew hitched it to our winch vehicle and guided the vessel carefully past the barn posts without hitting the wooden support beams.
Because the fiberglass hull remained solid despite the age, we were able to haul and sell the runabout to a local repair yard for parts and restoration. Our price sheet lists boats under 20 feet at about $75 a foot. If you have an unwanted vessel in Byram or anywhere in Hinds County, call us at 833-658-4847.
In our experience, keeping an old vessel hidden inside an open shelter does not stop damp air from ruining the finish over time. High heat and humidity cause gelcoat to chalk while summer storms slowly collect inside unsealed hulls. Before taking any runabout for scrap or salvage, our crew drains all remaining fuel and oil from the outboard engine and disconnects the battery for proper disposal. We take the title when there is one, and when there is not, we sign a release of liability so the boat is off your name.
Boat removal job details
| Boat | 17 ft Thompson 17 runabout |
|---|---|
| Where it sat | Pole barn on a rural lot |
| Coverage area | Hinds County |
| Outcome | Sold to a repair yard because the hull was still sound |
Illustrative case: it shows a typical boat removal in Hinds County and is not the record of a specific job. Photos are representative, not of this boat.
Questions from the phone this week
Can you take a boat to the junk yard?
Yes, we regularly haul unwanted hulls to scrap yards and processing facilities. Our crew handles the loading, transport, and proper disposal of the fiberglass and metal parts so you do not have to drag a failing trailer down the highway yourself.
Is my old boat worth anything?
Most old hulls that have sat outside for years have lost their resale value due to sun damage and damp rot. However, if the hull remains structurally sound or the motor still holds usable parts, a salvage yard might purchase it for scrap value or rebuilds.
Boat removal throughout Hinds County
Crews cover Hinds County: Clinton, Terry, Utica and Raymond. Summer heat and sudden afternoon thunderstorms often trigger code compliance drives across rural properties. When water accumulates inside abandoned hulls, algae grows quickly and local property inspectors start issuing notices to clear out old vessels.
Want a quote for a boat in Byram? Call 833-658-4847 or send pictures through the estimate form.
