Unlock the Power of Yacht Donation
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about yacht donation. Whether you are a yacht owner or a yacht broker – at Civil Seas Management we can help. We’re here to answer your questions about donation options, the process, and the necessary paperwork.
Are you a YACHT OWNER considering a donation but want to learn more about the process and whether it’s the right choice for you?
We handle everything—from completing the paperwork to arranging boat pickup—ensuring a smooth and efficient donation experience. Plus, donors can feel confident that their contribution will support programs dedicated to keeping boating a safe and enjoyable pastime for future generations while also helping sustain jobs and opportunities in the boating industry.
Are you a YACHT BROKER struggling to sell a yacht for various reasons? Do you have questions about how a donation could benefit both you and the vessel’s owner?
Yacht donations are a true win-win for both boat owners and industry professionals involved in the process. At Civil Seas, we can help you determine whether your hard-to-sell listing might be a good fit for donation, providing a potential tax write-off for the owner. Plus, as a broker, you may even earn a higher commission by facilitating a donation compared to a traditional sale.
Why Yacht Donation vs. Sale?
Tax Benefits: Donating your yacht can often be a quicker and simpler option than enduring a long sales process, especially in a down market. A tax-deductible contribution may offer greater value for high-net-worth individuals compared to holding onto a yacht long-term.
Reduce Frustration: As a yacht owner, it can be difficult to determine the true value of your vessel. Emotional attachment, recent repairs, or customizations may lead to inflated expectations for the sale price. When the offers aren’t meeting your expectations, donating your yacht provides an alternative that allows you to move on quickly, avoiding the frustration of multiple “low” offers.
Donor Satisfaction: Many yacht owners find a sense of fulfillment in becoming a donor. Knowing that you’re giving back to the maritime community and supporting CMAF can often feel more rewarding than accepting a lower-than-expected offer for your beloved yacht.
If some of your questions include the following, reach out and we can answer your questions or point you in the direction of someone else who can.
- Is my yacht right for a charitable donation?
- How does the donation process work?
- What is included when I donate my yacht?
- Why not just sell my yacht myself?
- Where do I find a “qualified” third party surveyor and who pays for the valuation?
- How is the value of my donation determined?
- How long does the process take and when do I turn over responsibility for the yacht?
- How do I get a charitable tax deduction?
A Win Win for Brokers Make more money and save market time.
- Brokers facilitating donations retain listings.
- Commissions are paid on both the donation and lease of the vessels.
- Sales Professionals earn a minimum 10% commission for facilitating donations and 10% as the lease agent.
- Commissions are also available for donation leads to industry professionals.
- Processing a donation, including paperwork and vessel takeover, can take just a week.
- All parties can be confident their donation goes to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, providing all necessary documentation for success.
- Facilitating Brokers are given first opportunity to list the donated yacht.
How It Works Higher Commissions
$500,000 Perceived Value Sales Boat
$50,000 @10% split with agent
$25,000 Net Total Commission if Sold at full asking price.
OR $300,000 Donation Boat
$30,000 Donation Commission
$30,000 Lease commission
$15,000 @ 10% split with agent
$45,000 Total Commission
Identify a Candidate The Donation Process
- Multiple boat owners who are ready to pare down their fleet.
- Financially stable, high-net-worth individuals who have the income and ability to utilize the tax benefits from donating a yacht.*
- Distressed yacht owners of quality yachts that have hit the wall on further repairs or ongoing maintenance expense.
- Difficult-to-place vessels due to unique design or perceived high value by the owner.
Would this be a good fit for the vessel you’re representing?
Speak to a Civil Seas Representative about the opportunity. We can assist with your questions and assess the yacht’s suitability before you approach your client.
Proudly representing the California Maritime Academy Foundation’s (CMAF) Yacht Donation Program since 2020.