How to donate a boat, step by step
From the first form to the tax paperwork, here is exactly what happens, what you need, and what we handle for you.
Gather what you have
You do not need everything on this list to start. Bring what you can find.
- The title, or the registration in states that do not title boats
- The hull identification number (HIN), usually on the upper right corner of the transom
- Two or three photos: the whole boat, the engine, and the interior or deck
- Your best guess at its value, or "not sure"
- Trailer paperwork, if it has any
Tell us about the boat
Fill out the short form on this page or call us. It takes about three minutes. The questions cover you, the boat, where it is, and its paperwork.
We review it and call you back
A real person reviews the details and photos and calls you, usually within one business day. We talk through condition, location, and paperwork, and tell you plainly whether the boat is a fit. If it is not, we say so.
We schedule our transport team
Pickup is free. A member of our trusted transport team coordinates a time that works for both of you. Timing depends on both sides: sometimes a couple of days, sometimes a couple of weeks. If the boat is at a marina or storage yard, we coordinate with them too.
Pickup day
You do not need to be there if the boat is accessible and the paperwork is ready. Leave the keys and signed paperwork where we agree, and the transporter handles the rest.
- Remove personal items
- Leave registration numbers and decals on the boat
- Share gate codes or yard contacts ahead of time
- Keep a copy of the signed title or bill of sale
After the sale: your tax paperwork
We transfer the title and sell the boat, usually through a broker or private sale. We improve it first when that will raise its value. After the sale, we send your Form 1098-C, generally within 30 days, showing the gross proceeds. For most donors, that figure is the deduction.
Donating a boat without a trailer
You do not need a trailer. Our transport team brings one sized for your boat. Boats on blocks, stands, cradles, lifts, and in the water are all routine.
Tell us where the boat sits and roughly how long it is, and whether a truck can back up close to it. For boats in the water, we arrange a ramp pickup or haul-out.
Donating a boat that does not run
Many boats we receive do not run: fuel systems gum up, batteries die, and engines seize after a few idle seasons. A boat with a sound hull and a dead engine can still have real resale value.
Do not spend money trying to fix it first. Tell us what happens when you try to start it, how long it has sat, and whether anyone has looked at it.
Questions about the process
Can I start the process before I find the title?
Yes. Start the form and tell us the title is missing. We will explain how to get a duplicate in your state while we review the boat.
What if I change my mind after the call?
That is fine. Nothing is committed until you sign the paperwork.
Can someone else handle pickup day for me?
Yes. A family member, neighbor, or marina can hand over the boat as long as the paperwork is signed by the owner.
How do I donate more than one boat?
Use one form and describe all of them in the notes, or call. We plan pickup and paperwork together.
Start your boat donation
Takes about three minutes. Your best guesses are fine, or call (888) 228-7320.
Free pickup by our trusted transport team · We handle title transfer and tax paperwork · No cost to you