Boat short sale??

I have some good friends who are letting their boat go to the bank. They inquired to the bank about settling for a lower amount than they owe, which they agreed to as long as it is a cash lump sum amount. My friends said to tell them what I would offer, they will relay it to the bank, but expect a counter offer. Has anyone heard of/done this? If it's anything like a home short sale process, maybe I will hear back by next summer!