Donate a classic or antique boat
Mahogany runabouts, vintage sailboats, heritage cruisers and yachts, restored or waiting for restoration. Classic boats have their own collector market, and we review each one on its own merits.
Classic boats we accept
Is my classic boat worth donating?
Make, model, originality, and the condition of the hull decide most of the value. A well-kept Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, or Hacker-Craft can be a strong donation, and so can a rare boat from a small builder that closed decades ago.
Unrestored boats can still have real value to restorers, especially rare models with their original engine and hardware. Tell us what has been replaced, what is original, and how the boat has been stored.
Boats with widespread rot in the bottom, transom, and frames, and no rarity to offset the work, are the ones we may have to decline. Photos of the bottom usually answer the question quickly.
Not sure? Call (888) 228-7320 and describe it. That is often the fastest answer.
How pickup works for a classic boat
Classic boats need a little more care in transport, and we plan for it. Pickup is free, and timing depends on both sides' availability: sometimes a couple of days, sometimes a couple of weeks.
Paperwork for a classic boat
Many older boats were never titled, and boats built before 1972 have no hull identification number. A bill of sale, an old registration, or a builder hull number is often enough. We work through it with your state.
Heritage yachts are often Coast Guard documented. We handle the transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center along with any state registration.
State-by-state rules are in our state guides. Lost the title? Read donating a boat without a title.
The tax deduction
A classic boat donation follows the same IRS rules as any boat. You receive Form 1098-C for your tax deduction.
See the tax guide for what that means on your return, including when an appraisal applies.
We do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your own advisor.
Read the tax guideBuilders we see often
Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, Hacker-Craft, Century, Lyman, Elco, Thompson, Penn Yan, Old Town, Dodge, Richardson, Higgins, Matthews, Owens, Herreshoff, Concordia, Hinckley, Trumpy, Grand Banks, Glasspar, Larson, and regional builders long out of business.
Not on the list? It is here to help you find your boat, not to limit what we take. We accept every make and model of classic boat, listed or not, including rare builders and companies that closed decades ago. A donation depends on the boat's condition and paperwork, never the name on the hull, so enter yours on the form even if you do not see it here.
Classic boat donation questions
Is my boat a classic or just old?
Make, model, originality, and condition decide it. Send a few photos and we will tell you what we think.
Should I restore it before donating?
No. Restoration rarely pays back its cost, and many buyers want to do the work themselves.
My boat has no title or HIN. Can I still donate it?
Often, yes. Older boats commonly have neither. A bill of sale or old registration usually works.
Start your classic 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