Interested in buying? When you buy a boat through CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program, you directly support our mission of preserving the history, environment, and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region and making this resource available to all.
A high point of CBMM’s year is the much-anticipated, rain-or-shine Charity Boat Auction, held on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Email boatdonation@cbmm.org or call 410-745-4992 to arrange to see any available boat or with questions about a boat for sale.
YOUR CHARITY BOAT DONATION PROGRAM PURCHASE:
- Gives you a great deal on the boat of your dreams
CBMM’s inventory ranges in size and performance from sailing dinghies to cabin cruisers to everything in between. The online inventory is updated frequently, so you stand a good chance of finding what you’re looking for. - Supports unmatched opportunities to engage with the Chesapeake Bay
CBMM offers hands-on education and boatbuilding programs, interactive exhibitions, and an unparalleled collection of objects related to the Bay. We work to engage students, build partnerships, and keep classes, lectures, and programs growing, affordable, and available to all. 100% of the revenue generated by Charity Boat Donation Program sales directly benefits CBMM’s education programs and the restoration and preservation of its historic structures and boats. - Is safe, secure, and professional
All Charity Boat Donation Program transactions are handled proficiently by experienced staff members.
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CBMM updates its available inventory on this website often. All transactions done with CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program are handled proficiently by experienced staff members. The high point of CBMM’s year is the much anticipated, rain or shine, annual Charity Boat Auction, held at CBMM on the Saturday of each Labor Day weekend. Proceeds from all sales benefit the children and adults served by CBMM’s many enjoyable and educational programs. Call to 410-745-4992 or email boatdonation@cbmm.org to arrange to see any available boat.
Buying a Boat FAQs
No, we sell and accept donations year round. Call 410-745-4992 today to set up an appointment!
We take cash, check, or debit/credit card. We cannot accept electronic payments such as Venmo or PayPal.
If the boat is on a trailer, it needs to be picked up within 24 hours of purchasing. If the boat is on the water, it can be stored in a slip at our marina for two weeks for free. The next two weeks after that, there is a cost of $200. You will be required to pay our regular daily slip rental fee of $2/foot per day if storing longer than four weeks.
Generally, no. The boats are donated and sold as is. We have a mechanic on campus that can take a look at the boat and tell you what needs to be done, but we do not have the funds or resources to fix serious problems. Boats with more serious problems are sold on the cheaper end to compensate for the repair costs.
While we will assist with a survey, it is the buyer’s responsibility to pay for and schedule a survey and haul out. We have a list of surveyors we use frequently and can recommend. A 10% deposit is also required for scheduling a survey that must be completed within 30 days of the deposit. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. A survey is for the benefit of the buyer, and the museum is not obligated to adjust the price of the boat after completion of the survey.
No, a purchase from the Charity Boat Donation Program is not considered a charitable donation because you receive something in exchange for your money.
No, we do not accept trade deals for purchases due to IRS regulations and our status as a 501 (c) non-profit organization.