How to donate a boat to Kidney Kars in Utah

Many Utah residents know that Kidney Kars accepts donated cars, trucks and SUVs. But one of the most common questions we receive is:

“Does Kidney Kars accept boat donations?”

The answer is yes—the National Kidney Foundation of Utah & Idaho does accept boat donations. However, the process is a little different than donating a car.

Does Kidney Kars Take Boats?

Yes. Kidney Kars can accept boats and boat trailers when they have resale value and can help generate funds for local kidney patients and kidney disease programs.

Because the purpose of every donation is to raise money for Utah and Idaho kidney patients, we are unable to accept boats or trailers that cannot be resold or reused.

Before a boat donation can be approved, we ask donors to email:

• Photos of the boat exterior
• Photos of the boat interior
• Photos of the motor
• Photos of the trailer
• Photos of the front and back of the boat title
• Photos of the front and back of the trailer title

These photos are reviewed by the auction and sales professionals who help us determine whether the boat is suitable for donation.

Do Boats and Trailers Need Titles?

In most cases, yes.

Only boats manufactured before 1986 are exempt from Utah title requirements.  But boat trailers (regardless of the year of manufacture) must now have a title.

Even boat trailers that were previously untitled generally must obtain a title before they can be sold, donated, transferred, or disposed of.

If you do not currently have a trailer title, don’t panic. Kidney Kars can help guide you through the process. In many cases, obtaining a title simply requires:

• A VIN or serial number inspection
• An application for title through the Utah DMV

Having proper ownership documentation helps ensure that your donation can be sold and that the proceeds can support local kidney patients.

Does Kidney Kars Provide Free Boat Towing?

Unfortunately, no.

Kidney Kars has access to towing services for road vehicles, but we do not have the equipment or staff necessary to transport boats and trailers.

If your boat donation is accepted, the boat and trailer must be delivered to our North Salt Lake City location at the donor’s convenience.

Once accepted, our staff will provide delivery instructions and help coordinate the next steps.

Is Donating a Boat the Same as Donating a Car?

The overall goal is the same—turning an unwanted vehicle into support for kidney patients—but the approval process is slightly different.

For car donations, many vehicles can be accepted immediately.

For boat donations, we first need to review photographs and ownership documents because factors such as condition, trailer condition, titles, and marketability all affect whether the donation can be accepted.

The first step is simple:

Call Kidney Kars at (801) 226-5111 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) or email photos of your boat and trailer.

Once the photos are reviewed, we will let you know whether the donation can be accepted and provide instructions for delivery.

Is the Tax Deduction the Same as a Car Donation?

Yes.

Boat donations are subject to the same IRS charitable contribution rules that apply to vehicle donations.

After your donation is completed, you will receive a tax receipt from the National Kidney Foundation of Utah & Idaho.

Generally:

• Donors may claim up to $499 as allowed by IRS rules.
• If the donated boat sells for more than $500, the Foundation will provide additional documentation showing the actual selling price.
• Donors may then use that documentation when determining their charitable deduction, subject to IRS regulations and their individual tax situation.

As always, donors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding specific tax questions.

Turn Your Boat Into Hope for Kidney Patients

Whether it’s a fishing boat, ski boat, pontoon boat, or another recreational watercraft, your donation may help provide emergency financial assistance, patient education, kidney disease screenings, and other vital programs throughout Utah and Idaho.

If you’re considering donating a boat, call Kidney Kars at (801) 226-5111 or email photos of your boat, trailer, and titles to begin the review process.

Your unwanted boat could make a meaningful difference in the lives of local kidney patients and their families.