For customers who want out
Some owners stop paying because they do not know what to do with a boat they no longer use. Pointing them to a donation gives them an easy exit and clears your space. We handle pickup and paperwork directly with the owner.
Abandoned and unpaid vessels
When an owner cannot be reached, most states have a legal process, often a lien sale or abandoned vessel procedure, that lets a facility obtain title. Once the facility holds title, it can donate the boat like any other owner. Follow your state's process with your attorney; we cannot accept a boat until the title is in order.
What facilities tell us
One New Jersey storage facility added language to its contracts so that long-unpaid vessels would be donated to charity. It reported that customers started paying on time. Talk with your own attorney before changing your contracts.
Offering donation to your customers
A simple note on invoices or at the office counter lets customers know donation is an option. Owners who are months behind often just need an easy way out.
- Mention donation when an account falls behind
- Share our number or website at renewal time
- Tell customers who are selling that donation is an alternative
Clearing space before the season
Spring and fall are when yards need space most. If several customers want to donate, we can plan pickups together to clear space before haul-out or launch season.
What we need from the facility
- The owner's contact information, or the title if the facility holds it
- Access hours and gate details
- Any fees the owner must settle before release
- Forklift or travel lift scheduling, if needed
Questions
Can you pick up several boats from our yard at once?
Often, yes. Send a list with sizes and locations and we will plan pickups together.
Who receives the tax paperwork?
The owner of record at the time of donation. If the facility obtained title, the Form 1098-C goes to the facility.
Do you pay the facility's unpaid fees?
No. Fees owed are between the facility and the owner.
Can the facility donate a boat whose owner disappeared?
Only after the facility has legal title through your state's process.
Do you take boats that are sinking at the dock?
Call us right away. We may not be able to take it, but we will tell you quickly.