Who wants to buy Deep Thought? Auction underway for Milwaukee's abandoned boat

By: Kathryn Merck

Posted: Jul 22, 2025 10:45 AM CDT | Updated: Jul 22, 2025 3:22 PM CDT

NOW: Who wants to buy Deep Thought? Auction underway for Milwaukee’s abandoned boat

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The ship has not sailed on Milwaukee's abandoned boat saga just yet.

Milwaukee County Parks launched an online auction to sell the abandoned boat removed from Lake Michigan back in May after it sat idle near Bradford Beach since October 2024.

Even though county leaders say the boat would need a ton of work to get back in the water, consider it a vessel of opportunity. Could it be an outdoor patio decoration? An exhibit in a museum? The possibilities are endless.

It cost the county $50,000 to remove the abandoned boat named "Deep Thought" from the shore.

“There’s been tremendous public interest about this boat,” said Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, chair of the county’s Parks & Culture Committee. “Our goal is to raise $20,000 to cover our costs, and this auction gives residents the chance to own a unique piece of our lakefront story.”

On Tuesday, July 22, county leaders said the auction selling the boat as-is, with no minimum bid requirement, could help make up for lost funds.

See Also Milwaukee County to auction off 'Deep Thought,' but there's a catch

See Also 'Deep Thought' set to sail, by crane, after months stranded on Milwaukee lakefront

“Now this announcement isn’t just a quirky headline. This is actually about fiscal responsibility. This boat’s removal was not only complex, but it was a costly process and now we’re working to recoup some of those public dollars," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

Deep Thought CBS 58

"As we say, 'from local landmark to salvaged gold,' this auction is your chance to own a piece of Milwaukee's lakefront history," said Guy Smith, director of Milwaukee County Parks.

Smith said he believes the boat is priceless as it captivated people in Milwaukee for months on end.

The winning bidder will be responsible for getting Deep Thought out of All City Towing on Milwaukee's south side. County leaders say they will give the winner seven days to transport it out.

There will be a public viewing opportunity for serious bidders on Tuesday, July 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at All City Towing on Milwaukee's south side.

You can track the auction online HERE.