A roofer by trade, Lawler is a devoted boatie who previously told the Herald he was shocked by what had unfolded and was not insured for such a catastrophe.
"It's their property and the expectation is that they will do the right thing," he said.
"Unless it's a navigational hazard we don't rush in with all guns blazing.
"Unfortunately, we are finding more and more owners aren't doing the right thing and are reneging on their responsibilities," he said.
The age of the boats moored around the region was on the climb exacerbating the problem as they fell into disrepair and sank, often while still stationed at their moorings, he explained.
They were probably looking at a sum of about $12,000 to cover yesterday's removal work, he said.
The boat was lifted by crane after divers secured the necessary strops. Photo / Supplied
Just months prior they had also footed the bill for the retrieval of a heavy ferro-cement yacht that sank off Hobson Bay which cost just short of $30,000.
"The problem is getting worse, it's not getting any better," Hayton said.
It was becoming "increasingly untenable".
"So we are looking at perhaps reviewing the mooring fees that these owners pay so we can recover some of those costs."
An onlooker, who did not wish to be named, praised the "skilful" manoeuvring that began about an hour before the incoming full tide.
