Donate a houseboat
Most houseboats live at a marina on a lake and rarely leave the slip. We coordinate the move with the marina, by water when it can run and by truck when it is trailerable, and we work through slip fees and moorage before anything is scheduled.
Houseboats we accept
No engine, permanently moored, or titled as real property? See floating home donation.
Is my houseboat worth donating?
Houseboats sell to a small, loyal market, often on the same lake. Value depends on the hull (aluminum and steel hulls age differently than fiberglass), the engines or drives, the generator, and whether the living systems work.
Useful for the review: whether the air conditioning, heads, and galley work; the generator hours; any known leaks; and the marina and lake where it sits. Photos of the interior help a great deal.
The big factor is often cost to move. A houseboat that cannot leave the lake may be best sold where it sits, and we will explain how that works.
Not sure? Call (888) 228-7320 and describe it. That is often the fastest answer.
How moving a houseboat works
Houseboat donations are usually handled at the marina rather than hauled away the next morning. Pickup is free, and timing depends on both sides' availability: sometimes a couple of days, sometimes a couple of weeks.
Paperwork for a houseboat
Houseboats are titled or registered as vessels by the state, and larger ones are often Coast Guard documented. Some marinas also require a release or a slip transfer form. We handle both.
If the houseboat is co-owned, as many are, every owner on the title needs to sign. We can send forms to owners in different states.
State-by-state rules are in our state guides. Lost the title? Read donating a boat without a title.
The tax deduction
Houseboats fall under the same IRS rules as other boats. For most donations, the deduction is the gross proceeds from the sale, reported on Form 1098-C.
The tax guide explains the exceptions and what happens if the sale runs into the next tax year.
We do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your own advisor.
Read the tax guideHouseboat builders we see often
Sumerset, Stardust, Sharpe, Lakeview, Fantasy, Horizon, Skipperliner, Gibson, Bluewater, Harbor Master, Holiday Mansion, Nautaline, Carlcraft, and custom lake builds.
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 houseboat, 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.
I called around to local charity centers and they didn't want my houseboat donation. I was looking for an experienced, real charity and after a little research Boats with Causes stood out as my best option. Fast and friendly!
Houseboat donation questions
I owe back slip fees. Can I still donate my houseboat?
Often, yes. The marina usually needs those fees settled or agreed before it releases the boat. Tell us the amount and we will work out a plan with you and the marina.
My houseboat is a partnership boat with several owners. How does that work?
Every owner on the title needs to sign, and we can handle signatures from different states. The deduction is generally divided among the owners by their share.
Can a houseboat be donated if it cannot leave the lake?
Yes. Many houseboats are sold on the lake where they sit. That is often the best route and avoids a costly haul-out.
Should I remove furniture and household items?
Leave built-ins and anything that belongs with the boat. Take personal belongings. If you are unsure about something, ask on the call.
Start your houseboat 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