Donating our sailboat. Ideas? (Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor: sale, credit, home)

[EllenPB]

My husband and I have come to the age where sailing is no longer possible for us. Sadly, we discovered this fact after first buying a beautiful day sailer (17 foot cat-ketch hand-built on plans by N. Herreshoff) and then moving to Maine with plans to sail as long as we could. Luckily we are otherwise happy to be here, but sailing is just not in the cards.

We have decided to donate the boat to a non-profit that would be able to use her in a program with kids - ideally including children who otherwise don't get the chance to enjoy sailing. She has been wintered indoors, has only been sailed a few times since she was built. There is a brand new set of sails (two total) various equipment included-- fenders, custom cushions, compass, solar bailer, extra rudder and tiller, anchor just-refurbished trailer, etc.

We've tried a couple of places to donate her without success, so I'm turning to this forum to see if any ideas are forthcoming.

Of course, if someone is interested in owning and sailing her we would be delighted to sell her. It is just heartbreaking every year to have her sit unused in the yard.

EPB

[maineborzoi]

You might want to check out " Kars- 4- Kids". They sell the cars, boats, Rv's etc and the money goes towards their charities for kids with cancer. We donated a 32' Winnebago motor home to them 2 and half years ago. You must have the title and they will send you out the form for the 'bill of sale of donation".

They give you the transaction paper for your receipt for your taxes and is tax deductable.

[metalmancpa]

More likely than not, donating a boat to a place like Kars-For-Kids etc may have the boat sold for cash to help, as opposed to the boat itself being utilized for your wishes.

Maybe you could call a local YMCA or childrens camp, ask if they are a 501(c)(3), and donate directly to an organization that will use the boat, and in turn will provide you documentation for a tax deduction.

[maineborzoi]

Originally Posted by metalmancpa

More likely than not, donating a boat to a place like Kars-For-Kids etc may have the boat sold for cash to help, as opposed to the boat itself being utilized for your wishes.

Maybe you could call a local YMCA or childrens camp, ask if they are a 501(c)(3), and donate directly to an organization that will use the boat, and in turn will provide you documentation for a tax deduction.

Of course.
I remember reading something like "Northwoods Law" has a camp for kids. Teaches them boating,fishing, and even hunting skills. Part of that article was also to point out that private donations of boats etc was part of the organization.
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/aboutus/new...html?id=642530

The other thought was other 4H groups.

[flyonpa]

Years ago the IRS change the rule on donations like cars, boats .... You don't get the letter from the charity until after the item is sold.

Most go to auction, so the price they (The 3rd Party get for running it) is lower then the value if the item can be used by the charity.

If the charity uses the asset, you need to have some sort of 3rd party assessment done of the value. (In writing) from say a boat dealer. That you can use for your taxes.

[seasallyttle]

You might call the foster care program in your county and social services. Often they have nonprofits they contract with that run summer camps for foster kids, lower income kids, and kids with disabilities or terminal illnesses that would probably love to have your boat and give lots of kids the chance to sail on it.

[AustinB]

Maine Maritime Academy

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Beat me to it, AustinB. That is my recommendation. It's a classic design and a classic boat. Sailing teaches planning.

[slyfox2]

Lots of Yacht Clubs available.

I'm not sure that mine in Bar Harbor would be interested since they already have more small 17 footers than they can use. But I'm betting the the Southwest Harbor Saling Club, or Yacht Club there would take it.

Most of them have websites, so just look on GOOGLE with the towns nearest to you and Yacht club, and your will lots of options.

Not sure if Maine Maritime has lots of little kids, AustinB.

[AustinB]

They give you a tax credit and then sell the boat. They don't necessarily keep them.