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Boat Donations: Bring Hope to the Hopeless
Goodwill Car Donations has been helping individuals and families in need across the U.S. for many years. When you donate a used boat or vehicle to our trusted organization, you give hope to people facing challenges. We turn every boat donation into help. Our team auctions your watercraft and uses the money to support local Goodwill Car Donations programs.
The IRS-approved nonprofits we support offer important programs in your community like job training, education and work opportunities. Our mission is to help disabled and low-income people and families gain the stability they need for a better future. That is why Goodwill Car Donations is one of the most trusted places to donate your boat.
How Do I Donate My Boat to Charity?
Donate your boat easily with Goodwill Car Donations! We value your generosity and make the process simple so you can enjoy giving back. Learn how to donate your boat through our easy three-step process below.
- Contact us.
This is the only step you need to take. You can call our company or fill out our online form. Just share some basic info about your boat and your contact details. We will call you soon to schedule a free pickup at your preferred time and place.
- We collect your boat.
On pickup day, please remove all your personal belongings from the boat. Have your boat title ready because it is required. If you lost your title, our team can help you get a duplicate.
Before we tow your boat, we will give you a towing receipt. This receipt lets you cancel your boat’s registration and insurance.
- We send you your tax-deductible receipt.
Your boat will be sold at a leading auction house. After the sale, you will get a full tax-deductible receipt within a few weeks. This receipt is important for your taxes.
That’s it! To learn more about donating a boat, visit our FAQs page. If you have questions, send them to us here. We will reply within 24 hours. You can also call our toll-free number 866-233-8586. We’re always happy to help!
What Types of Boats Do You Accept?
Worried your old boat has little value or won’t be accepted? Don’t be! We gladly accept boats in any condition. We take boats from all makers, including Yamaha, Sea Ray, Chris-Craft and more.
Unlike other groups with strict rules, we accept boats that barely run or have broken parts. You can even donate a boat without a trailer. Just make sure your boat is not stolen or abandoned. There is nothing to worry about when you donate with us.
The vessels we welcome at Goodwill Car Donations include the following:
- Tugboats
- Sailboats
- Motorboats
- Catamarans
- Cabin cruisers
- Fishing boats
- Bass boats
- Center console boats
- Yachts
- Personal watercraft
- Dinghies
- Pontoon boats
You can also donate to us other vehicles that you no longer need or use. For a listing of the other vehicles we accept, please check this page.
Why Goodwill Car Donations?
Many benefits await when you donate your boat! Enjoy a top tax deduction and make a difference in your local community. Here are some of the top benefits of donating your boat to Goodwill Car Donations:
- Experience a stress-free donation process.
- Free towing whenever and wherever you prefer.
- No more paperwork for you — we’ll take care of everything from start to finish.
- Stop wasting your time advertising and looking for a buyer.
- No need to spend money to make your boat appear sellable.
- Say goodbye to costly insurance, maintenance, storage and repairs.
- Partner with one of the nation’s highly respected charitable organizations.
- Be proud of yourself for being able to help transform lives in your community.
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How Do Donations Play a Role in Supporting Important Initiatives and Programs?
When you donate a boat to Goodwill Car Donations, we auction it and use the money to help people in your community. The nonprofits we support offer job training, work placement, scholarships and otherwise contribute positively to humanity. These free training programs give people the skills they need for steady jobs. The goal is to help families gain financial stability and improve the whole community.
When you donate your boat, you’re contributing to vital programs that offer job training, education and career assistance to those facing tough times. Your generosity, compassion and empathy help families achieve greater stability and opens the door to long-term success. Read on to discover how your donation directly impacts lives in your community and creates meaningful, lasting change.
The groups supported by Goodwill Car Donations help place qualified people in good jobs where they can grow. They offer career advice, networking, resume help and more. People who didn’t finish high school or college can join scholarship programs. These programs help them reach goals and find steady, well-paying work.
Besides these programs, Goodwill Car Donations backs groups offering disability help, education, family support and more. We believe when people succeed, the whole community grows stronger. Your boat donation makes a real difference for neighbors facing poverty, disabilities and other challenges.
Can I donate a boat that doesn’t run or has missing parts?
Yes, you can donate a boat that isn’t running or has missing parts to Goodwill Car Donations. The organization accepts a wide range of watercraft, including those that may no longer be seaworthy or are in poor condition. Whether your boat has mechanical issues, cosmetic damage or is incomplete, it can still help support Goodwill’s mission. Proceeds from the sale or salvage of the boat go toward funding programs to those in need, so we try to accept as many vehicles as we can. Just be sure to provide accurate details about the boat’s condition when you schedule the donation.
How should I clean and remove personal items from my boat before donating?
Before donating your boat, it’s important to remove all personal belongings and clean out any storage compartments, cabins or lockers. This includes safety gear, fishing equipment, electronics, documents and anything else you may have left on board. While a detailed cleaning isn’t required, giving the boat a quick tidy-up (such as sweeping debris or wiping down surfaces) can be helpful. Removing your items ensures you don’t lose anything important and allows the donation team to process your boat more efficiently. Treat the preparation like you would if selling the boat privately: cleared, clean and ready for transfer.
What Causes Poverty?
Many individuals across U.S. communities struggle with poverty, driven by limited access to resources, employment opportunities and education. A combination of external circumstances and personal hardships contribute to this ongoing issue. By choosing to donate your boat to Goodwill Car Donations, you help generate funding for job training and educational programs. These initiatives empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty, paving the way for brighter futures for themselves and the communities they live in.
Use Your Old Boat to Transform Lives Today
Give your old boat a new life! Donate today and make an impact. Call 866-233-8586 or complete our easy online form
Last Updated: July 1st, 2025