Milwaukee abandoned boat 'Deep Thought' sold to familiar face

'Deep Thought' finds new owner

Milwaukee County Parks launched an online auction for "Deep Thought," the boat abandoned at the lakefront ? and it sold Tuesday to a familiar face.

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Parks launched an online auction for "Deep Thought," the boat abandoned at the city's lakefront – and it sold Tuesday to a familiar face.    

Abandoned boat

The backstory:

In October, the boat ran out of gas and landed on Milwaukee’s lakefront. People flocked to the unofficial landmark – Google Maps even listed it – as it sat there for nearly seven months.

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On May 6, workers with All City Towing did what other companies could not: They freed "Deep Thought." The boat has sat on the company’s lot since then.

Milwaukee County held an online auction for the boat over the past two weeks, hoping to recoup some of the costs associated with its removal. It was supposed to close at noon, but ran a little long as people continued to bid.

Photo gallery: Deep Thought

Winning bid

Local perspective:

County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, who chairs the Milwaukee County Parks and Culture Committee, called a news conference to close out the auction – not sure who would win Tuesday. 

"I think the more you ask me if I want it to be gone, I think the more I want to hold on to it," said Piller, the owner of All City Towing and, as of Tuesday, the boat itself.

Piller won the boat for $2,525, keeping it right where it’s been on his lot – for now. He plans to cut it up and donate pieces for charity auctions.

Jeff Piller bids in online auction for "Deep Thought"

"I think there’s a lot of good that can happen with the boat," he said.

Piller might keep some pieces for himself, including the back section with the words "Deep Thought." He may cut it and turn it into a bench for his backyard.

"There’s a lot of cool pieces inside the boat that I guess I was a little unaware of, and I’m also looking at all the work because it’s going to be a lot of work," he said. "The whole journey has been fun, and it’s something I will think about for the rest of my life."

Winning bid for 'Deep Thought'

The auction for "Deep Thought," the boat abandoned at Milwaukee's lakefront, ended Tuesday. The county announced the winner.

What's next:

The boat will be sold as-is with no minimum bid required. Milwaukee County Parks is now working with the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation Fleet team, the auction platform provider, to verify details of the bid and confirm payment.

While no certificate of title exists, the Milwaukee County Office of Corporation Counsel has created a process for transferring ownership legally and appropriately.

Footing the bill

By the numbers:

Milwaukee County's bill to remove the boat was $50,000. It received $30,000 in donations from an anonymous donor and the Daniel Hoan Foundation.

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The county hoped to raise around $20,000 to recover some outstanding costs. Leaders hoped the excitement that surrounded the vessel would carry over to the auction, only to see those hopes sink. 

Wasserman said the county looked at going after the previous owners, but they didn't have money, and he said it would have cost more than they had to sue them.

"At this time, we've really explored all legal options, looking at the previous owners, and they just don't have money," said Wasserman. "It's a very sad tale of what happened with these individuals."