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Treasure diving business opportunity

ropesfish

Bronze Member
🥇 Charter Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2007
Messages
1,304
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Golden Thread
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Location
Sebastian, Florida
Detector(s) used
A sharp eye, an AquaPulse and a finely tuned shrimp fork.
Primary Interest:
Shipwrecks
Email me at ropesfish@gmail.com if interested.
Hi folks - due to advancing age, declining energy levels and other various personal issues I am offering to sell up to 50% ownership of Search and Salvage LLC and directly associated assets ( Showdown and related onboard equipment. (Detectors, dive gear, etc) in 10% increments. Buy 50% and you only have me to deal with. When I sell the other 50%, the folks who are already part owners get right of first refusal. Sampson is not included in this deal, but I still plan on using it for a mothership in the summers if I can get enough work done in time.
$10,000 for 10%. Extrapolate from that for your chosen percentage.
Note: The only reason I include numbers here is to decrease the number of messages asking 'how much?".
Remember that buying in does NOT cover operating expenses. You get your percentage of those too.
In the winter the total expenses run about $1200/month.
During working season it is considerably higher, but is usually offset by selling interest in the year's recoveries.
I would point out that a good used truck costs about as much or more than I am asking for half interest in a 38' boat and a business.
I am NOT quitting, but it is time to get some new blood and new ideas in this operation.
The new guy(s) or women get to have input on where we hunt and how we do it within reason.
Seriously interested people should message me for more complete information.
Note: I have had some questions about why I am looking for new blood in the business.
Here's the deal: I am going to be 70 at the end of this year. Over the 15 years that I have been close to the treasure business I have seen a lot of guys that for one reason or the other had to cease operations. As soon as that happens, all those years of work and effort to accumulate the equipment and knowledge needed to be successful dissolves into little bits of nothing. The boat gets sold, the dive and detecting gear usually just sits in someone's garage unused for a decade and the knowledge of years and years goes up into the ether. I view this as nothing more than a damned shame.
I would much prefer to be able to work with someone to hand this all off intact and working so they can have the advantage of a running start into success. I will still work at this the same way I have, but with an eye towards the future while saving the history.
Showdown is arguably one of the nicest treasure boats working the fleet. Our equipment actually works and we keep upgradiing every year a little at a time.
It's a chance that doesn't come very often.
Now's the time!I have had some questions about why I am looking for new blood in the business.
Here's the deal: I am going to be 70 at the end of this year. Over the 15 years that I have been close to the treasure business I have seen a lot of guys that for one reason or the other had to cease operations. As soon as that happens, all those years of work and effort to accumulate the equipment and knowledge needed to be successful dissolves into little bits of nothing. The boat gets sold, the dive and detecting gear usually just sits in someone's garage unused for a decade and the knowledge of years and years goes up into the ether. I view this as nothing more than a damned shame.
I would much prefer to be able to work with someone to hand this all off intact and working so they can have the advantage of a running start into success. I will still work at this the same way I have, but with an eye towards the future while saving the history.
Showdown is arguably one of the nicest treasure boats working the fleet. Our equipment actually works and we keep upgradiing every year a little at a time.
It's a chance that doesn't come very often.
Now's the time!
Search and Salvage Assets
1982 38’ Bertram Convertible III in EXCELLENT condition, fully outfitted as a dig boat w/bow and stern electric winches, gunwales plated with ½” aluminum, 26” aluminum blowers, stern wrapped with ½” plate, custom rear deck shade, custom dive ladder, full electronics, rebuilt 7 KW Northern Lights generator, AC, head, flybridge
2x 3208T Caterpillar engines @ 320 HP w/1200 hrs
Pair of reconditioned props that are onboard
Bottom paint is 2 years old
New zincs for running gear and engines aboard ready to install
3 Fortress anchors & associated ground tackle, 3/4" Blue Steel rode, 1 year old. CQR and Danforth storm anchors aboard.
2 AQ1b detectors, various bone fones and coils
Dive gear - 8 aluminum 80 cu ft SCUBA tanks and assorted gear
All intellectual property, maps, past and present research
Logo and brand.
1744923079870.webp

1744923108750.webp
 
For those that don't know.
Sebastian is ground zero for the 1715 Fleet, where the rescue camp was located and where the Pirates raided the salvage operations.

Sorry to hear you need to slow down. I'm sure you have a wealth of knowledge you can pass on.
 
Read your 3 FB and revised 3 combined into one... sure a lot of responsibility to handle. Should be a younger generation out there to make it continue.
 
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Email me at ropesfish@gmail.com if interested.
Hi folks - due to advancing age, declining energy levels and other various personal issues I am offering to sell up to 50% ownership of Search and Salvage LLC and directly associated assets ( Showdown and related onboard equipment. (Detectors, dive gear, etc) in 10% increments. Buy 50% and you only have me to deal with. When I sell the other 50%, the folks who are already part owners get right of first refusal. Sampson is not included in this deal, but I still plan on using it for a mothership in the summers if I can get enough work done in time.
$10,000 for 10%. Extrapolate from that for your chosen percentage.
Note: The only reason I include numbers here is to decrease the number of messages asking 'how much?".
Remember that buying in does NOT cover operating expenses. You get your percentage of those too.
In the winter the total expenses run about $1200/month.
During working season it is considerably higher, but is usually offset by selling interest in the year's recoveries.
I would point out that a good used truck costs about as much or more than I am asking for half interest in a 38' boat and a business.
I am NOT quitting, but it is time to get some new blood and new ideas in this operation.
The new guy(s) or women get to have input on where we hunt and how we do it within reason.
Seriously interested people should message me for more complete information.
Note: I have had some questions about why I am looking for new blood in the business.
Here's the deal: I am going to be 70 at the end of this year. Over the 15 years that I have been close to the treasure business I have seen a lot of guys that for one reason or the other had to cease operations. As soon as that happens, all those years of work and effort to accumulate the equipment and knowledge needed to be successful dissolves into little bits of nothing. The boat gets sold, the dive and detecting gear usually just sits in someone's garage unused for a decade and the knowledge of years and years goes up into the ether. I view this as nothing more than a damned shame.
I would much prefer to be able to work with someone to hand this all off intact and working so they can have the advantage of a running start into success. I will still work at this the same way I have, but with an eye towards the future while saving the history.
Showdown is arguably one of the nicest treasure boats working the fleet. Our equipment actually works and we keep upgradiing every year a little at a time.
It's a chance that doesn't come very often.
Now's the time!I have had some questions about why I am looking for new blood in the business.
Here's the deal: I am going to be 70 at the end of this year. Over the 15 years that I have been close to the treasure business I have seen a lot of guys that for one reason or the other had to cease operations. As soon as that happens, all those years of work and effort to accumulate the equipment and knowledge needed to be successful dissolves into little bits of nothing. The boat gets sold, the dive and detecting gear usually just sits in someone's garage unused for a decade and the knowledge of years and years goes up into the ether. I view this as nothing more than a damned shame.
I would much prefer to be able to work with someone to hand this all off intact and working so they can have the advantage of a running start into success. I will still work at this the same way I have, but with an eye towards the future while saving the history.
Showdown is arguably one of the nicest treasure boats working the fleet. Our equipment actually works and we keep upgradiing every year a little at a time.
It's a chance that doesn't come very often.
Now's the time!
Search and Salvage Assets
1982 38’ Bertram Convertible III in EXCELLENT condition, fully outfitted as a dig boat w/bow and stern electric winches, gunwales plated with ½” aluminum, 26” aluminum blowers, stern wrapped with ½” plate, custom rear deck shade, custom dive ladder, full electronics, rebuilt 7 KW Northern Lights generator, AC, head, flybridge
2x 3208T Caterpillar engines @ 320 HP w/1200 hrs
Pair of reconditioned props that are onboard
Bottom paint is 2 years old
New zincs for running gear and engines aboard ready to install
3 Fortress anchors & associated ground tackle, 3/4" Blue Steel rode, 1 year old. CQR and Danforth storm anchors aboard.
2 AQ1b detectors, various bone fones and coils
Dive gear - 8 aluminum 80 cu ft SCUBA tanks and assorted gear
All intellectual property, maps, past and present research
Logo and brand.
View attachment 2202989
View attachment 2202990
Hello Rope fish

I am impressed. Its a very smart move. and win win for all concerned. While potential partners must be aware there are no guarantees of making a fortune. it is an excellent opportunity to live dream of treasure hunting. plus slowly learn from you experience while you progressively step back over time. Probably the best people are those who are pretty much set up in life and are passionate about treasure hunting and history.

Sadly many young people are saddled with debts, mortgages and family life commitments. Its not generational thing it happens to all generations. Still I think it is wonderful opportunity for some one passionate about history and treasure.


Crow
 
Hello Rope fish

I am impressed. Its a very smart move. and win win for all concerned. While potential partners must be aware there are no guarantees of making a fortune. it is an excellent opportunity to live dream of treasure hunting. plus slowly learn from you experience while you progressively step back over time. Probably the best people are those who are pretty much set up in life and are passionate about treasure hunting and history.

Sadly many young people are saddled with debts, mortgages and family life commitments. Its not generational thing it happens to all generations. Still I think it is wonderful opportunity for some one passionate about history and treasure.


Crow
Well said Crow let the dreams live on, what treasure hunting is all about.
 
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I am still looking for someone that has the means, the interest and the will to join in the recovery of the rest of the 1715 treasures...
Having means...
 
Fkn A i spent more on dumber shit. Extremely intrigued. As a long time certified diver, been years but it’s like riding a bike ehhhh. lol i have couple retail business that allow me to have a much more passive income nowwa days. no wife or kids to tell me wtf to do. I regularly medal detect and have even found couple small hidden treasures locally…. Just seems it would be a full time job.
 
Fkn A i spent more on dumber shit. Extremely intrigued. As a long time certified diver, been years but it’s like riding a bike ehhhh. lol i have couple retail business that allow me to have a much more passive income nowwa days. no wife or kids to tell me wtf to do. I regularly medal detect and have even found couple small hidden treasures locally…. Just seems it would be a full time job.
It is as much a full time job as you want it to be....Our season runs from about May to or through September depending on the weather. The annual subcontract runs from April to December 31. You can dig on any good day but the good days get few and far between for shallow water diving after September. You can survey with some sort of geophysical gear the rest of the fall if you get reasonable sea states. I have a great crew that does all the fun stuff. I make sure that they have what they need and occasionally go out and eat their snacks.
 
If my kids were older I'd go for the 50% and take next summer off to hunt treasure. You sure you can't hold off another 5 years?8-)
 
I am still looking for someone that has the means, the interest and the will to join in the recovery of the rest of the 1715 treasures...
Roughly what percentage of the original cargo (and its modern equivalent value in USD) is believed to still be lost in the area?
 
The Spaniards worked on the salvage for years, as did other sovereign vessels. Quite a few pirates, too. Pearl divers and salvagers brought up whatever they saw above the sand - there was very little digging with holding your breath. But then a storm or wave action could remove the overburden and expose sections that were previously covered. There are still unknown sections of wrecks not found. Also, there was a considerable amount of contraband, so even the recorded amounts don't help us much. There's simply no way to accurately know what is left due to so many variables. But we press on, and hope...
 
I still think its an excellent opportunity for those wishing to become involved in salvage business and treasure hunting. But as all experienced treasure hunters know. Many people romanticize but do not know the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. They think success is how it portrayed in Hollywood movies. Success comes by working smarter and not harder. Dedication of a zealot. And profound love in what your doing. For many have not got the hunger or commitment for such endeavors. Out of population 99.9% of the population would not be suited to such projects. Its not to say they are bad people. They just do not have the right stuff. Die hard treasure hunters are elite group of people dedicated to treasure recovery. I hope you find that 0.1% comes your way.

Crow
 
If my kids were older I'd go for the 50% and take next summer off to hunt treasure. You sure you can't hold off another 5 years?8-)
Well.. it is more likely that you can move your timeline up 5 years than I can move mine back 5 years.
 
Roughly what percentage of the original cargo (and its modern equivalent value in USD) is believed to still be lost in the area?
John Brandon and several 1715 Fleet historians have convinced me that there are a total of 40 tons of silver coins still unaccounted for, approximately 20 tons on Ubilla's Capitana and Almiranta which are thought to be the wrecks at the Cabin site and Corrigans Patch.
 
I still think its an excellent opportunity for those wishing to become involved in salvage business and treasure hunting. But as all experienced treasure hunters know. Many people romanticize but do not know the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. They think success is how it portrayed in Hollywood movies. Success comes by working smarter and not harder. Dedication of a zealot. And profound love in what your doing. For many have not got the hunger or commitment for such endeavors. Out of population 99.9% of the population would not be suited to such projects. Its not to say they are bad people. They just do not have the right stuff. Die hard treasure hunters are elite group of people dedicated to treasure recovery. I hope you find that 0.1% comes your way.

Crow
Thanks for the kind words, although 'zealot' might be a little strong. It has come to me that maybe best way to do this is to find folks that want to buy in and then hire an operations manager to run the show (which is how Queens Jewels does it).
 

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