Donate Now

Boat Donations For Veterans

Donate Your Boat to Veterans


Since 2015, Veteran Car Donations has been working to improve the lives of our nation’s veterans. We partner with trusted charities that provide critical services like mortgage-free housing, job training, mental health counseling, and more. When you donate a boat through our program, you directly support veterans in need.

Keep reading to discover how your unwanted boat can make a powerful impact in the lives of veterans facing tough times. You’ll see just how simple the donation process is and how your contribution can help provide housing, job support and medical care for those who’ve served. You’ll also learn which types of boats we accept and how your gift could lead to valuable tax benefits. It’s a smart move for you and a meaningful way to give back to veterans who truly deserve it.

Our veterans deserve reliable support when they need it most. Unfortunately, many don’t receive timely help, especially during health crises or after returning home. While the Department of Veterans Affairs tries to provide assistance, it often lacks the funding and flexibility to meet individual needs, requiring involvement from their community.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, around 39,500 veterans are homeless on any given day. These are men and women who once risked everything for our country. But homelessness is just one of the many challenges veterans face:

  • About 3.8 million veterans live with service-connected disabilities.
  • 53,000 veterans cannot find employment.
  • Over 540,000 veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Each of these individuals deserves real support. Through your commitment of donating a boat, you can help provide the services they need. Proceeds from every auctioned watercraft help veterans reintegrate into civilian life.

What Is the Boat Donation Process?

Selling a boat can be time-consuming and expensive. It often involves repairs, advertising, and scheduling showings. Our donation program offers a stress-free alternative and you don’t even need a trailer. We come to you!

Here’s how it works:

  1. Call 877-594-5822 or fill out the online form at the top of this page.
  2. Schedule a free pickup at a time that works for you.
  3. Receive your IRS tax receipt by mail after we sell your boat.

We auction each donated boat to raise the most money possible for veteran programs. The funds help veterans who’ve returned from military service adjust to civilian life and get back on their feet.

As a bonus, your participation in our program could qualify you for a tax deduction, sometimes even more than what you’d get from selling the boat yourself.

How Does My Donation Benefit Veterans?

Boat donations make a real difference. Proceeds help fund programs that:

  • retrofit homes for injured or disabled veterans (such as adding entry ramps, widening hallways and upgrading bathrooms)
  • pay for any food or shelter that veterans might need during emergencies
  • provide educational and mentoring opportunities so veterans can improve their job skills
  • help veterans find good jobs so they can support their families
  • help veterans make the difficult transition from the military to civilian life

Your donation directly funds these efforts through our nonprofit partners. Every watercraft donation, big or small, has the power to change a life. Don’t worry about the value of your boat.

Every contribution matters. Contact us today to get started.

We usually require a boat title to process a donation. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! There are options. The easiest solution is to visit your local DMV or watercraft registration office to request a replacement.

In some cases, you may be able to prove ownership with other documents like registration records, insurance papers, or a bill of sale. Keep in mind that many charities, including ours, prefer or require a title for donation. Rules can vary depending on your state. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help you get the title or guide you through the process.

At Veteran Car Donations, we accept a wide variety of watercrafts, not just traditional boats. From jet skis to yachts, we can turn your donation into vital funding for veterans’ programs. Here are just some of the types of watercrafts we accept:

  • Air Boats
  • All-Purpose Fishing Boats
  • Aluminum Fishing Boats
  • Banana Boats
  • Barges
  • Bass Boats
  • Bay Boats
  • Boat Trailers
  • Bowriders
  • Cabin Cruisers
  • Catamarans
  • Center Consoles
  • Commercial Vessels
  • Convertible Fishing Boats
  • Cruisers
  • Cuddy Cabins
  • Daysailers
  • Deck Boats
  • Dinghies
  • Downeast Cruisers
  • Dual Console Boats
  • Electric Boats
  • Express Fisherman Boats
  • Ferry Boats
  • Fish and Ski Boats
  • Freshwater Fishing Boats
  • High-Performance Boats
  • High-Speed Boats
  • Houseboats
  • Inflatables
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Jon Boats
  • Yachts
  • Motorboats
  • Narrowboats
  • Patrol Boats
  • Pilothouse Boats
  • Pleasure Boats
  • Pontoon Boats
  • Rescue Boats
  • Runabouts
  • Sailboats
  • Saltwater Fishing Boats
  • Sedan Bridge Boats
  • Ski Boats/ Wake Boats
  • Skiff Boats
  • Sportfishing Boats
  • Trawlers
  • Trimarans
  • Tug Boats
  • Utility Boats
  • Walkaround Boats

Do I Need to Be Present When My Boat Is Picked Up?

No, you don’t have to be there for the pickup. When you schedule the towing, simply let us know where to find the keys and any required documents, such as the title. We’ll take care of everything else and leave you a receipt confirming the pickup.

What if My Boat Is Registered Under a Deceased Owner’s Name?

If your boat is registered to a deceased loved one, you may still be able to donate it. In most cases, we’ll ask for a copy of the death certificate and legal documents proving your authority to act on behalf of the estate. If you’re unsure what documents are needed, our donation specialists are here to walk you through the process and help make it as easy as possible.

We also accept other vehicles like golf carts, motorcycles, trucks, vans and cars. Have questions about what we accept or how to donate? Call 877-594-5822 or fill out the contact form at the top of the page. Ready to make a difference? Donate today!

To the right, view additional types of vehicles that we commonly accept.

NOTE: We accept most vehicles in most conditions. See disclaimer below.*