Donate a fishing boat
From a 14-foot jon boat to a 60-foot convertible sportfisher. We take bass and walleye boats, bay and flats boats, aluminum fishing boats, walkarounds, and express and convertible sportfishers. Rods can stay in the holders, and the electronics and gear go right along with the boat. Center consoles have their own page.
Fishing boats we accept
Is my fishing boat worth donating?
Fishing boats tend to hold their value well. A recent bass or bay boat with a strong outboard can carry substantial resale value, and so can a well-kept sportfisher from the 1990s or 2000s. The engines usually carry a large share of the value, so their make, horsepower, and hours matter most, along with the electronics, trolling motor, tower, and outriggers.
We also look at the transom (soft or rotted transoms are common on older fiberglass boats), the stringers, and the trailer. Aluminum boats age well and are often worth more than owners expect.
Sportfishers with inboard diesels get a close look at engine hours and service records. We will be straight with you.
Not sure? Call (888) 228-7320 and describe it. That is often the fastest answer.
How pickup works for fishing boats
Trailered fishing boats are among the simplest pickups we do. Sportfishers take more planning, and we handle it. Pickup is free, and timing depends on both sides' availability: sometimes a couple of days, sometimes a couple of weeks.
Paperwork for a fishing boat
You will sign over the boat title or registration and, where it is separately titled, the trailer title. Sportfishers are often Coast Guard documented, which adds a bill of sale and a release of any lien. A handful of states also title outboard motors separately.
Your state guide explains the rules where you live. A lost title is common and fixable.
State-by-state rules are in our state guides. Lost the title? Read donating a boat without a title.
The tax deduction
Fishing boats follow the same IRS rules as other boats: for most donations, your deduction is the sale price reported on Form 1098-C.
See the tax guide for details, including the rules for boats that sell for $500 or less.
We do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your own advisor.
Read the tax guideFishing boat makes we see often
Ranger, Skeeter, Nitro, Triton, Bass Cat, Phoenix, Xpress, Tracker, Lund, Crestliner, Alumacraft, G3, Warrior, Pathfinder, Hewes, Maverick, Hells Bay, Carolina Skiff, Albemarle, Luhrs, Cabo, Hatteras, Viking, Bertram, Rybovich, Ocean Yachts, and others.
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 fishing 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.
We upgraded to a bigger fishing boat and my husband was unable to sell our other boat as easy as he was thinking it would be. I think he spent around $500 in gas and too many hours of his time over the last 5 months and it started feeling like everyone was just looking for a free boat ride or something. I found you online, filled out the fishing boat donation form and within 2 hours someone called back and arranged for the free pick up. Everything was very professional and we received a nice tax break. Thanks again!
Fishing boat donation questions
Should I take the electronics off before I donate?
You can, but you do not need to. Electronics add to the sale price, and that raises what your donation funds and, usually, your deduction. Just remove anything personal.
Can I donate a sportfisher?
Yes. Express and convertible sportfishers with a tower, outriggers, and a full electronics package are some of the most valuable fishing boats we take. Send us the length, engine make and hours, and where it is kept.
I have a center console. Is this the right page?
Center consoles have their own page, since many owners use them for cruising and diving as much as fishing. Either form reaches the same team.
My outboard was stolen. Can I donate the hull and trailer?
Sometimes. A modern hull with a good trailer can still have value without an engine. Tell us the size and condition and we will give you an honest answer.
Does it matter that my boat was used in saltwater?
It matters for the review, not for eligibility. Saltwater boats get a closer look at corrosion on the trailer, the engine, and the fittings.
Can I donate my fishing gear too?
Rods, reels, and tackle that go with the boat can stay aboard. We cannot accept separate loads of fishing gear on their own.
Start your fishing 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