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Donate surplus fleet vessels from a city, school, or agency

Cities, school districts, colleges, and public agencies often send retired boats to auction for a fraction of their worth. Donating them to Boats with Causes is an alternative that keeps the value working for families, veterans, and children.

Call (888) 228-7320
A gray aluminum patrol boat with a pilothouse, foam collar and twin Mercury outboards beside a floating dock in front of a brick harbor building at sunset
Start your donation here
Two answers now, the rest takes about three minutes.

Vessels we see

  • Police and sheriff patrol boats
  • Fire and rescue boats
  • College research and training vessels
  • School and camp program boats
  • Parks, harbor, and public works boats
  • Utility and survey workboats

Approvals and surplus rules

Most public bodies need a vote or an administrative approval to dispose of surplus property. We provide our IRS determination letter, a description of the donation, and anything your procurement or risk office needs for the file.

Transfer paperwork

Government vessels are often titled to the agency or documented with the Coast Guard. We handle the bill of sale, title, and documentation transfer, and work with your fleet manager on equipment that must be removed first, such as radios and emergency lights.

Makes we see often

SAFE Boats, MetalCraft Marine, Munson, Lake Assault, Moose Boats, Brunswick Commercial, Boston Whaler Guardian, Defender, Silver Ships, and Willard Marine.

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, 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.

Questions

Can a public agency donate to a nonprofit?

Often, yes, depending on your state and local rules. Your attorney or procurement office will know. We provide whatever documentation they need.

Do we have to remove lights and markings?

Usually yes. We coordinate removal with your fleet manager before pickup.

Can several boats go at once?

Yes. A fleet can be one donation with paperwork for each vessel.

How a donation works

1
Tell us about the boat
A short form or one phone call.
2
We review it and call
An honest answer, usually within a business day.
3
Free pickup
A member of our trusted transport team works around your schedule.
4
Tax paperwork
We put it to work and send your Form 1098-C.

What your donation supports

Net proceeds fund Boats with Causes' charitable programs across the country.

Housing and shelter Veterans Children and youth Family relief Disaster relief Medical hardship

Start your boat donation

Takes about three minutes. Your best guesses are fine, or call (888) 228-7320.

BWC Donation: Commercial Boats

Free pickup by our trusted transport team · We handle title transfer and tax paperwork · No cost to you