Donating a yacht should be simpler than selling one. We make it so by handling every piece of paperwork, coordination, and logistics on the owner's behalf.
Paul Madden walks through each step from first call to tax receipt.
Yacht Donation Process — The Yacht Channel · YachtDonations.net
A no-obligation assessment of your yacht — donation suitability, indicative fair-market value, and projected tax benefit. We accept vessels of all types and sizes: sail, power, motor yacht, sportfish, sailing yacht, commercial. Vessels with active liens or in need of repair are evaluated case by case.
As a 501(c)(3) partner, SeaKeepers enables donors to claim the full fair-market value supported by a qualified independent appraisal. We coordinate with qualified value appraisers (not marine surveyors — the IRS distinguishes between these) and your tax advisor to ensure you receive the maximum legitimate benefit.
IRS Form 1098-C, Form 8283, title transfer, Coast Guard documentation, state deregistration. Every required document handled in-house and filed correctly. You sign; we handle the rest.
After title transfer to SeaKeepers, we coordinate the disposition pathway — direct placement into the DISCOVERY research program, refit-and-lease, or charitable sale via Boathouse Auctions on the 30-day campaign model. The pathway is selected on the merits of the specific vessel.
Most donations close within 4–8 weeks. Vessels with complications (liens, joint ownership, foreign flag, etc.) take longer.
You contact us. Confidential conversation about the vessel and your goals. Indicative value and tax-benefit range provided.
You gather title, registration, and survey records. We open the file with SeaKeepers and identify the qualified appraiser.
The qualified appraisal is conducted (donor-engaged, per IRS rule). Donation agreement signed; title transfers to SeaKeepers.
SeaKeepers issues Form 1098-C documenting the contribution. Form 8283 prepared. Your CPA files with your federal return.
Vessel placed in the DISCOVERY research program, refit and leased, or sold via Boathouse Auctions. Proceeds fund ocean research, education, and conservation through SeaKeepers.
Evaluation, paperwork, coordination, vessel hand-over — at no cost to the donor. The one expense that falls to the owner is the qualified independent appraisal, which by IRS rule we cannot pay for.
Request a Vessel Evaluation