Illinois Statutes Chapter 625. Vehicles § 45/3C-9. Disposal of unclaimed watercraft without notice

(a) When the identity of the registered owner, lienholder and other person legally entitled to the possession of an abandoned, lost or unclaimed watercraft of 7 years of age or newer cannot be determined by any means provided for in this Article, the watercraft may be sold as provided in Section 3C-8 without notice to any person whose identity cannot be determined.

(b) When an abandoned watercraft of more than 7 years of age is impounded as specified by this Article, it will be kept in custody for a minimum of 10 days for the purpose of determining the identity of the registered owner and lienholder, contacting the registered owner and lienholder for a determination of disposition, and an examination of the Illinois State Police stolen watercraft files for the theft and wanted information. At the expiration of the 10 day period, if disposition information has not been received from the registered owner or the lienholder, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction will authorize the disposal of the watercraft as junk.

However, if, in the opinion of the police officer processing the watercraft, it has a value of $200 or more and can be restored to safe operating condition, the law enforcement agency may authorize its purchase for salvage and the Department of Natural Resources may issue a certificate of title. A watercraft classified as a historical watercraft may be sold to a person desiring to restore it.