January 8, 2024
5 Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Boat
Photo by Maël BALLAND under Pexels License
When the time comes to let go of your old boat, you have more options than you might think. This guide walks you through five practical choices — from selling or recycling to reusing or donating — so you can decide what works best. Along the way, you’ll see how each path benefits you and others, with donating often standing out as the most meaningful and stress-free choice. You’ll also learn how a boat donation can directly support veterans in need while giving you perks like free towing and a possible tax deduction.
What Are the Easiest Ways to Get Rid of Your Boat?
- Sell or trade
Are you ready to walk away from being a boat owner? Or looking to upgrade to a newer model? Selling or trading in your unwanted boat is always a viable option. You may not make what you’d hoped for, but it’s a quick and relatively easy way to dispose of it. If you’re looking to buy a new boat, many dealerships accept trade-ins, and you might get an attractive deal.
There are some downsides though. For instance, finding a buyer or negotiating a trade-in can be time-consuming. Plus, you might need to spend a lot of money to get your vessel in sellable condition by making upgrades and repairs. What’s more, it may have depreciated significantly in value already.
- Recycle
Just like you recycle cans and cardboard, you can also recycle your boat! It’s a great eco-friendly option since materials like metal, wood, and certain plastics can often be reused. Many regions even have boat recycling programs or facilities, making the process surprisingly simple.
Remember, not all parts of a boat are recyclable, which could lead to additional disposal requirements.
- Salvage the parts
Does your boat still have some parts in good condition? Consider stripping it down and selling those valuable pieces. You’ll probably need to put in some muscle, but you might earn more money by selling the parts individually.
Finding buyers for boat parts, however, can take a lot of time. Also, the task can be labor-intensive and may require that your technical knowledge is up to speed.
- Repurpose
Feeling creative? Repurpose your old boat into something cool and unique. It can become a quirky garden feature, a funky piece of playground equipment, or even a bookcase! It’s a fantastic conversation starter, and it keeps the sentimental value of your boat intact.
- Donate
Last but definitely not least, you can choose to donate your boat to charity. You might get the most meaning out of this way to bid farewell to your vessel. A lot of nonprofit organizations and charities would be happy to accept your old boat, regardless of its condition. Many offer a boat removal service that won’t cost you any towing fees.
Besides giving your boat a second life, this option will provide you with a handsome tax write-off if you donate it to an IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You’d also be giving back to your community or supporting a cause you believe in.
Can Your Donated Boat Uplift the Lives of Our Veterans?
If donating your boat feels like the right choice, keep in mind that many nonprofits won’t accept vessels that aren’t in the best shape. Luckily, that’s not an issue with Veteran Car Donations. As long as your boat still holds some value, we’ll gladly welcome it with open arms.
Once we receive your donation, we’ll have your boat auctioned off, and the proceeds will go directly to our trusted charity partners. These are IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits that share our mission of helping struggling veterans. Many of these brave men and women are dealing with homelessness brought on by poverty, unemployment, service-connected disabilities, or serious physical and mental health challenges.
The funds generated from your donation will allow our partners to provide veterans and their families with life-changing support. This includes housing and financial aid, job and livelihood opportunities, family assistance, free quality health care and medical treatment, mental health services, and more — all designed to help them overcome the hardships they face.
You’ll also enjoy meaningful benefits from your gift. Your donation qualifies you for the maximum tax deduction possible. After your boat is sold, we’ll send you a 100% tax-deductible sales receipt that you can use when filing your taxes.
We’ll also take care of the logistics for you. Simply tell us when and where to pick up your vessel, and we’ll tow it away at no cost to you. Our free pickup service is available to donors anywhere in the United States. You don’t even need to worry about paperwork — our experienced donation specialists will handle it all on your behalf.
Best of all, you’ll experience the pride and fulfillment that come with doing something truly extraordinary — making a direct impact on the lives of our nation’s heroes.
We accept many other types of vehicles aside from boats, including cars, RVs, motorbikes, trucks, snowmobiles, and so much more.
If you’re interested to learn more about our work, feel free to visit our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, leave them here or call us anytime at 877-594-5822.
Are You Ready to Give Back to Our Heroic Veterans?
Now that you’ve explored your options, parting with your boat can be simple and worthwhile. You’ve discovered five smart ways to move forward — selling, trading, recycling, repurposing, or donating — each with its own benefits depending on your goals. Whether you want extra cash, a greener solution, a creative project, or a chance to help others, there’s an option that fits your needs while giving your boat a fresh purpose.
If donating feels right, you now know how rewarding it can be. Veteran Car Donations manages everything for you, from paperwork to free pickup, and provides a tax-deductible receipt. Most importantly, your donation supports veterans who may be facing challenges such as unemployment, disabilities, or lack of housing. You’re not simply letting go of an abandoned boat — you’re transforming it into meaningful aid for those who served. Ready to move forward? Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 today or fill out our secure online donation form.
Last Updated: September 22nd, 2025