Boats are among the most common vehicle donations in the country. Owners donate boats because kids have grown up and the boat sits unused, because a health change ended the boating years, because a move made storage impossible, or because the maintenance simply outlived the enjoyment. Whatever the reason, boat donation is a clean exit — the boat is picked up at no cost, and the donation supports U.S. veterans.
What Kind of Boat Can I Donate?
Nearly every type of boat is accepted:
- Powerboats, runabouts, and bowriders
- Center consoles, walkarounds, and cuddy cabins
- Bass boats and fishing boats
- Pontoon boats
- Cabin cruisers and cruising yachts
- Sailboats — daysailers, cruisers, and larger keelboats
- Personal watercraft (Jet Skis, WaveRunners, Sea-Doos)
- Ski boats and wakeboard boats
- Aluminum fishing boats and jon boats
Condition is not a strict filter. Boats with mechanical problems, cosmetic damage, aged upholstery, worn gel coat, or years-in-storage wear are all accepted. Very old boats and boats with structural damage may need extra evaluation, but the general rule is: describe what you have and let the coordinator confirm.
Does the Trailer Come With It?
If you have a trailer for the boat, it goes with the donation and is included in the receipt. If the boat is in the water (marina, dock, mooring), no trailer is needed — pickup logistics account for the storage situation, whether it's a driveway, a marina slip, a dry stack, or a boatyard.
Titles, Registration, and Documentation
Boat titling rules vary widely by state. Some states title boats above a certain length or weight, some title all of them, some don't title boats but do register them. Have your title (if applicable), your registration, and your Hull Identification Number (HIN — usually on the transom) ready when you start the donation.
For documented vessels (federally registered through the U.S. Coast Guard), the documentation number and any Coast Guard paperwork should be provided as well.
If titling paperwork is incomplete or lost, that can usually be worked around, but it takes longer to schedule pickup while the paperwork is sorted.
How the Process Works
- Start the boat donation form with the boat's make, model, year, length, hull material, and current storage location. Include the trailer if you have one, and note the general condition and any known mechanical issues.
- Coordination confirms the donation is accepted and gives you title transfer instructions.
- Pickup is scheduled — free anywhere in the U.S. Boats leave on their trailer, on a dedicated hauler, or (rarely) via water for larger vessels.
- After the boat sells, you'll receive the tax receipt.
The Tax Receipt for Boat Donations
Boats are qualified vehicles under IRS rules. For boats sold by the charity for more than $500, you'll receive IRS Form 1098-C (About Form 1098-C) showing the gross sale price. Your deduction is generally the gross sale price. See Are Veteran Donations Tax-Deductible? for the overall itemization rules.
For high-value boats where the fair market value substantially exceeds the anticipated sale price, or in certain narrow situations, different rules may apply. Consult a tax professional for advice on your specific situation.
Ready to Donate Your Boat?
Boat donation is one of the most impactful vehicle donations because boats tend to have real resale value — the proceeds directly support veteran programs. Start your boat donation here and a coordinator will guide the next steps. You can also learn more about boat donation at UsedBoatDonations.org.