CMAF Yacht Donation Program
California State University Maritime Academy’s mission of education, research, and training is focused on the maritime industry. Yacht donations are vitally important to supporting our students and programs.
Why Give Your Yacht to the California Maritime Academy Foundation (CMAF)?
Your donation will be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to:

Professional Maritime Training

Scholarships & Endowments

Intercollegiate Sailing Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Yacht Donation
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- Donated boats must be seaworthy and operational. If you have any concerns, please fill out the form or contact us to discuss in detail.
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- Contact California Maritime Academy Foundation (CMAF) by either using the form here or email us at [email protected] and set up a time to discuss your donation.
- Schedule an appraisal of your boat with a qualified third party surveyor. The survey must be within 60 days of the donation date to be valid for tax purposes. Discuss the valuation and available deduction with your tax advisor.
- Our team will walk you through the paperwork, fill out the forms and answer all questions throughout the process.
- CMAF will take ownership of the boat and all assume all costs and logistics immediately.
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- Whatever is included in the appraisal value should convey with the boat. This would include electronics, safety gear, dinghys, sails and extra gear if listed on the valuation survey.
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- Boats lose value the longer they are listed for sale.
- You are immediately relieved of all upkeep costs and free to move on to your next boat or interest.
- Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Please consult your adviser to understand how this affects your circumstance.
- You are supporting CMAF in providing the best experiential learning for all cadets.
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- The donor is responsible for the valuation of the boat.
- Valuation survey costs should run between $20 and $30 per foot of boat length.
- Links to organizations that provide these services can be found here:
- Local surveyors can also be found on the internet. Try searching: “marine valuation survey YOUR CITY”
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- An appraisal by a qualified third party surveyor is critical to determine the value of your boat for donation. This appraisal takes into account the condition of the vessel, comparative values of similar vessels and improvements made by the owner. For vessels over $5,000 the appraisal must made within 60 days of the transfer of the vessel to the charity.
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- A donation can be implemented in a few days or few weeks depending on the availability of appraisers and any inspectors necessary to complete the process. Once complete, all costs associated with the vessel are assumed by California Maritime Academy Foundation (CMAF).
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- When a boat is appraised and donated, the owner may receive the full appraised value as a charitable tax deduction. If the entire appraised amount cannot be used in the first year, under IRS rules, the balance may be carried forward for 5 years. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Please consult your adviser to understand how this affects your circumstance.
Yacht Ownership
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- YES! All boats are available for lease with an option to purchase.
- Amounts are suggested values for the listed vessel. As with any vessel acquisition, final agreed price is subject to change based on inspections and terms.
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- The lease is typically set up over 36 months (sometimes shorter) and is set up with three components:
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- Deposit and Inception fee
- Equal monthly payments
- Lessee may return the vessel at the end of the lease or exercise the Purchase Option to take ownership from CMAF.
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- YES! CMAF offers vessels at a tremendous value. Further, after the initial deposit and fee is paid, lease payments are interest free and made directly to the Foundation. No banks or hassle. Lastly, in most cases, sales tax is paid on only the purchase option amount should you decide to take ownership at the close of the lease.
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- Use the boat as you would any leased item. You are responsible for insurance and maintenance and can make improvements as you see fit.*
* Modifications over $10,000 need to be approved by CMAF. The lease agreement has everything you need to know and will be reviewed prior to initiating any transaction. -
- Send us an email and we’ll reach out to you for what you are looking for.
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- Email [email protected] with any questions you may have!
Your question is not here?
Testimonials
"A Great Experience"
Our charter to own the Andrews 77 from Cal Maritime was a great experience from start to finish. I would acquire our next boat from them without question.

J. Clement