Ask a Maritime Attorney - Page 58 of 66

David Weil has been the proud author of the “Ask a Maritime Attorney” column in The Southern California Log Newspaper and Sea Magazine since 2006, with over 300 installments of the column. We have provided links in this section to those articles, covering a wide range of topics of interest to the California maritime and boating communities.

Does the Balboa Ferry Always Have the Right of Way?

September 4, 2008

I sail out of Newport Beach and I spend a lot of time cruising through Newport Harbor. I frequently encounter the Balboa Ferry on its regular run from the Peninsula to Balboa Island, and it seems like I am in collision...

Can I Use My New Boat While I Wait for Documentation?

August 21, 2008

We purchased a boat last month and retained a marine documentation service to do the title work. The bill of sale provided that the boat was to be sold free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances. The documentation...

Can My Cruising Guests Sue Me in a Mexico Court?

August 7, 2008

I own a U.S.-documented recreational fishing boat that I take to Mexico frequently on extended fishing trips with friends. A question came up recently concerning a possible injury that occurred aboard the boat while we were...

What is ‘Admiralty Court’ and How Do Boaters End Up There?

July 24, 2008

I was briefly involved in a lawsuit last year, in connection with a boat accident, and I was a little confused by some of the terminology. First, what is the difference between “admiralty law” and “maritime law?”...

Should I Let a Boat Buyer Take Over My Loan Payments?

July 10, 2008

I am selling my boat and considering an offer from a buyer that involves some “creative financing.” The buyer was unable to qualify for financing from a conventional marine lender, but he has offered to make the payments...