25 Best Boat Salvage Yards In the US (Recommendations From An Expert!)

If you’ve found yourself with an old and steadily degrading boat, it can be hard to find the best way to dispose of it. However, doing so responsibly doesn’t have to be complicated. When you have the right salvage yard, getting rid of that old boat is easy and even profitable sometimes.

Salvage yards are a great way to dispose of old boats, knowing that they will likely be given a new life. Reusable or salvageable materials will be stripped to be sold and used in other vessels. If you’re looking for a specific part for your current boat, you can shop and use a salvage yard the other way too.

Thankfully the US is filled with great salvage yards all throughout. Below we have a list of several excellent choices in various states, so hopefully you’ll find one near you to take your dilapidated boat to.

Alaska

Alaska, one of the coldest cities in the US, is mainly surrounded by water, making it common to go boating. However, the cold and ice of the state can wear on boats quickly. Luckily you do have options to responsibly dispose of your old weathered vessel.

Resolve Alaska

Address: 991 Ballyhoo Rd, Unalaska, AK 99692 | Phone: (907) 581-1400 | Website | Hours: 24/7

This boatyard is multifaceted and can take care of all your boating needs. Whether you’re looking for services for your personal boat or a large commercial vessel, Resolve Alaska can handle it all. 

Resolve has a fleet of barges, tug boats, cranes, and heavy-duty equipment to tackle even the toughest of jobs. They have a group of trained personnel to provide a vast assortment of services with excellent quality.

They offer off-shore emergency towing, salvage, painting, and welding and have an extensive machine shop. They can help repair ships in their state-of-the-art facility. They have a large drydock for welding, painting, and more.

Their salvage services are extensive, and their salvors are well-trained to provide excellent service. They have everything from hazardous chemical specialists to engineers, and beyond to handle whatever work you need to be done.

California

Home to beautiful weather and with a long stretch of coastal land, California is a hot spot for boating. However, with so many boats, it’s inevitable that some start to break down over time. 

With so many boats, though, there have been many salvage yards formed that you can use. Here are just a few of the best.

The Boat Yard - Marina Del Rey

Address: 13555 Fiji Way E, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 | Phone: (310) 823-8964 | Website | Hours: Mon - Fri: 7 am to 4 pm

This boatyard, located on the stunning Marina Del Rey, is highly trusted and well-equipped to provide excellent service. They staff experts and seasoned professionals to provide incredible customer service and answer any and all questions.

The staff at the Boat Yard work hard to make it a one-stop shop for all your boating needs. Their services include everything from haul-outs to woodworking, electrical repair and troubleshooting, and much more.

They offer plumbing services, engine maintenance, storage units, and any other needs you may have. The Boat Yard goes even further, though, by providing plenty of services for specialty or ornamental accessories and toys for your vessel.

Minney’s Yacht Surplus

Address: 1500 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 | Phone: (949) 548-4192 | Website| Hours: Thur - Sat: 9am to 5pm 

Minney’s has been in business for decades, and during this time, has always maintained a love for boats and has provided excellent service. Those looking for exceptionally rare and antique boating parts will find precisely what they’re looking for a Minney’s Yacht Surplus.

Minney’s prides itself on keeping boating affordable and offers a vast selection of boating goods. Here you can find the necessities, like rope and pulleys, and the rare and antique-like old helms and more.

The shop offers everything from used propellers to sails and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a specific part for your boat, are a collector, or need props for a movie, you are sure to find it at Minney’s.

Antiques of the Sea

Address: 16811 CA-1, Sunset Beach, CA 90742 | Phone: (562) 592-1752 | Website | Hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm to 4pm 

This shop is another great stop for those looking for specialty and rare antique nautical equipment and parts. While not a traditional salvage shop, they do still offer plenty of items that would be great conversation starters on your boat and collectibles.

The store offers a wide range of products, from antique buoy lights to gyroscopes to old diving helmets and beyond. If you’re looking for that perfect antique centerpiece to spruce up your boat, you’re sure to find it here.

Even non-boaters are sure to love looking around at all the old nautical gear. It’s not just for show either; plenty of their stock can still be used; just make sure to ask before purchasing.

Connecticut

This historical state has over 300 miles of coastline heading out to the Atlantic Ocean and is home to loads of seafood. This makes it a very popular boating location, and many salvagers are set up here for that very reason. Here are some of the best salvage yards in Connecticut.

Boat Dump

Phone: (631) 544-8000 | Website| Hours:  Mon - Fri: 7am to 6pm, Sat - Sun: 8am to 3pm

The Boat Dump is one of the best places in Connecticut to get rid of old and unwanted vessels and to find used parts. Plus, the Boat Dump is willing to haul off and properly dispose of most dilapidated boats free of charge. Just call to make sure your boat meets the requirements.

The Boat Dump goes even further than that to make your experience great. Have a boat from 1995 or newer? You could get paid cash to let them haul it off. Additionally, they don’t just operate in Connecticut. They offer services in New York and New Jersey as well.

If you’re not looking to dispose of an old boat but instead are looking for salvage yards for parts, the Boat Dump has you covered too. They offer a wide selection of used boat parts in excellent condition that is salvaged and refurbished from the boats they haul off.

Florida

Florida has consistently, for several years now, been leading the country in the number of registered personal watercraft, meaning it also has a ton of salvage. Below are just a few of the long-trusted names in the Florida boating community.

Don’s Marine Surplus and Salvage

Address: 5601 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33760 | Phone: (727) 576-8577 | Website | Hours: Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm 

This massive marketplace of marine salvage is filled with everything you could need or want for your boat. They have an extraordinary selection of new and used parts and knowledgeable staff to explain what will work best for you.

The shop doesn’t offer services to salvage your old boat, but you’re sure to find pieces to repair your vessel. Don’s has everything from engines and transmissions to sailboat hardware, trailer parts, and so much more. 

Here you can wander through their massive inventory and find rare collectibles, small trinkets, decor pieces, rope, and more. If you’re looking to keep your repair options affordable and give old parts a new life, Don’s is the place for you.

Sailors Exchange

Address: 222 W King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084 | Phone: (904) 808-0667 | Website | Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm, Sat: 9am to 2pm 

Staffed by seasoned sailors from all the varied types of sailing, the Sailor’s Exchange will meet your every need and answer all your questions. They have a stock of thousands of old and new parts for every kind of vessel and staff to help you know what will work for you.

The Sailor’s Exchange strives to keep boating affordable by offering great prices on all their merchandise. You’ll find gauges, lights, propellers, rope, and so much more, all at highly discounted prices. They want to give this old equipment a new chance at life.

Whether you’re looking for a necessary piece for your everyday driver or a hard-to-find for that hobby project, you’re sure to find it here. If for some reason you can’t find something in their ever-changing stock, their knowledgeable staff can help order it in.

Georgia

With its subtropical climate and multitude of estuaries, ocean access, and other waterways, Georgia is inundated with boats. Here is just one of the many salvage yard options available to you.

Lanier Marine Liquidators

Address: 106 Henry Grady Hwy, Dawsonville, GA 30534 | Phone: (770) 888-2628 | Website | Hours: Mon - Sat: 8am to 5:30pm

Lanier Marine Liquidators is the go-to place in Georgia for high-quality, affordable used boats. Here you can expect to find all the big brands in excellent condition for whatever kind of boating you’re looking to do. Fishers, cruisers, jet skiers, and more are sure to find something here.

This liquidator also offers a large selection of new and used outboard motors, parts, trailers, and more. They also offer several financing options, layaway, and additional boating services. 

Their staff is made up of boating enthusiasts and sailors. They know how great it is to be out on the water and work hard to get you back out there. Their repair team is knowledgeable and eager to help.

Illinois

With direct access to Lake Michigan, Illinois is another common boating spot. However, with the extreme cold the state gets, boats can take a beating. These salvage yards have everything you’re looking for in Illinois.

Josh’s Watercraft

Address: 5201 Leach Rd, Rochester, IL 62563 | Phone: (217) 553-5157 | Website | Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm

While Josh’s Watercraft may not have the space and backing of some of the others on this list, this family-owned business still has plenty to offer. Here you can expect excellent personal service as you shop around their impressive selection of new and used marine parts.

They provide a wide selection of goods and services at a reasonable price with friendly service you can only find at a family-owned business. 

Besides selling a multitude of parts, the family also offers repairs on most sterndrives, inboards, and outboards. They just have to be 30 years old or newer.

Southcentral Outboards

Address: 14 N 2nd St, Altamont, IL 62411 | Phone: (618) 844-8490 | Website | Hours: Mon - Fri: 7am to 4:30pm 

The operation at Southcentral Outboards may be small, but they still offer a wide selection of goods and services. At Southcentral Outboards, they have an extensive array of new, used, and obsolete marine parts available for you to browse.

They also offer various services, including vapor blasting and carburetor remanufacturing. The staff is highly knowledgeable, friendly, and hand-picked so that every customer has an excellent experience. 

The shop has everything from fuel systems to electrical appliances, to helms, and so much more. Their website lets you shop by category or by making to expedite the process of finding exactly what you need.

Louisiana

Louisiana is known for its waterways, swamps, and incredible seafood. This has created a lively boating community and in turn, spawned many salvage yards.Here is just one of the many great options available.

The Boat Yard Inc

Address: 6440 Westbank Expy, Marrero, LA 70072 | Phone: (504) 340-3175 | Website | Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 6pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm

Established in 1985, The Boat Yard has grown into a significant operation with a vast selection of boats and parts. Here you can buy, sell, and receive excellent service from seasoned professionals and boaters alike.

The Boat Yard offers a streamlined process for selling your old or unused boat. They even have a professional offer an in-depth analysis of the boat to tell you its value before you sell. Once you’re ready, you can drive it to the lot, or you can take advantage of their pick-up service.

If you’re shopping, they have a huge selection of old and new boats and parts. You’ll find all the big brands and the more obscure ones too.

Maine

Maine is another location filled with boats that also regularly gets cold weather. This has led to loads of wear and tear over the years. Here’s one of the best places to go for boat salvage in Maine.

Captain Jim’s Marine Salvage

Address: 607 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841 | Phone: (207) 838-9902 | Website | Hours: 10am to 5pm

Since its establishment, this shop has prided itself on providing boaters, fishers, and sailors with excellent, affordable, used marine products. They are eager to give their old equipment a new life and spruce up your vessel.

At Captain Jim’s, you may not find a piece for your brand-new motorboat, but you are sure to find something interesting. They are filled to the brim with unique antiques and nautical equipment from throughout the ages. 

Here you are sure to find a great centerpiece, conversation starter, and more, all while keeping this equipment out of a landfill.

Maryland

While Maryland may be small, its proximity to water has made it a hub for loads of boating activity. Whether you’re looking for parts or looking to dispose of your old boat, below is one of the best options in Maryland.

Chesapeake Marine Towing and Salvage

Address: 1901 Old Eastern Ave, Essex, MD 21221 | Phone: (410) 698-2047 | Website | Hours: 24/7

Chesapeake Marine Towing and Salvage is one of the most reliable salvage options available to those in and around Chesapeake Bay. Staffed with seasoned captains and sailors at all times of the day, this salvager offers excellent service no matter when you need it.

This salvager offers towing at some of the most affordable prices on the bay, diving, salvaging, and more. Their service is quick, professional, and hassle-free. Plus, if you’re not looking to salvage your boat, they also have an entire repair facility.

Massachusetts

This historic state is home to a lively boating community and in turn has several great boat salvage options. Below is just one of the options available to you.

Yacht Salvage

Address: 1 Bay Ave, Warwick, RI 02889 | Phone: (508) 478-0200 | Website | Hours: N/A

Yacht Salvage is different from the other salvage options in this list. Instead of a singular location filled with parts and boats, they host individual listings on several of their websites. Think of it as a way to market your used goods directly to someone that wants it.

They offer a way to easily reach a large market with little hassle. Through their insurance salvage system, they take care of the recovery, transportation, and everything else. Besides insurance salvage, they also have a variety of other services throughout the east coast.

New Hampshire

The coastline in New Hampshire may be small, but there is still a lively boating community. Here’s just one option for the best boat salvage in New Hampshire.

Fay’s Boat Yard

Address: 71 Varney Point Rd, Gilford, NH 03249 | Phone: (603) 293-8000 | Website | Hours: 8am to 5pm 

This boatyard is the work of three generations of families striving to provide excellent service and goods and affordable prices. They have a large stock of parts and boats and offer various services in repair. 

They are one of few boatyards with factory-certified and trained technicians with a variety of boat brands. Fay’s is also one of the few yards in New Hampshire that lets you work on your own boat in their yard.

Whether you need service done with fiberglass, canvas, engines, sailboats, motorboats, or anything else, Fay’s has you covered. Besides repairs, they also have a large stock of used and new parts and vessels.

New Jersey

New Jersey is home to several great boating destinations. However, with its small size, your options for boating salvage are slightly more limited. Here is one of the best the state has to offer.

Budget Boat Towing and Salvage

Address: 157 Mantoloking Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08723 | Phone: (732) 631-3596 | Website | Hours: 24/7

Since their establishment in 1986, Budget Boat Towing and Salvage have provided excellent service for recreational and commercial vessels. They are professional, seasoned, have the equipment, and know how to tackle any job on the water.

They offer a variety of services to salvage old boats safely and with the goal of keeping the environment clean. Whether you have a small personal craft or a large commercial vessel, they have the equipment for it. 

Besides salvage, they also offer diving, environmental clean-up, towing, and more. If you have a damaged, sunken, dilapidated, or otherwise unwanted boat, this is the business for you.

South Carolina

Home to almost 3000 miles of tidal coastline, South Carolina has some of the best beaches and boating destinations in the country. There are a multitude of great salvage options for boaters, but below is one of the best.

411Marine

Address: 11832 Speedway Blvd, Hardeeville, SC 29927 | Phone: (843) 784-5797 | Website | Hours: Mon - Thur: 9am to 3pm, Fri: 9am to 3pm

This salvager houses over 10,000 used parts from a variety of brands, both big and small. Here you can find something for your everyday driver or obscure conversation starters. They have boats, parts, trailers, and more ready for you to give new life to.

At 411Marine, you can buy, sell, and trade nautical equipment and vessels. You can donate or recycle your vessel with them and find high-quality parts for your current one. They also offer brokerage services for the long and short term.

Besides loose parts, they also sell old boats for the purpose of salvaging parts from them. It may be more work to salvage it yourself, but you've to find everything you need. Additionally, they offer trailers fit for many sizes of boats at affordable prices.

Texas

Texas is home to over 350 miles of coastline and a multitude of lakes and rivers for people to go out on with their boats. While there may be plenty of boating salvage options near you, this is one of the best in the state.

Bradwell Boats

Phone: (210) 601-6118 | Website | Hours: 24/7

While Bradwell Boats may be located in Texas, their services are available nationwide. Besides their large variety of services, Bradwell Boats also has a wide array of parts, boats, and trailers. Here you’ll find vessels from all the big names for salvage and for daily use.

Their services include everything from zebra mussel removal to trailer repairs, nationwide boat hauling, and much more.

Wisconsin

While Wisconsin may not be the first location people think of for boating, its proximity to the great lakes has led to a lively boating community. While there are several options for boat salvage, here is what we consider one of the best in the state.

American Marine and Motorsports

Address: 830 E Green Bay St, Shawano, WI 54166 | Phone: (866) 955-2628 | Website | Hours: Mon - Sat: 9am to 5pm

Founded almost thirty years ago, this marine and motorsports company has the experience to handle all your boating needs. They have a knowledgeable staff ready to help in their repair shop and are eager to rent out and sell you a variety of watercraft.

Here you’ll find old and new parts, boats, outboards, and much more. They even have specialty items like Amish furniture, wakeboards, and more.

How Much Does It Cost to Salvage a Boat?

The exact cost of salvaging a boat varies widely based on the condition of the boat, the location of it, and whether you do it yourself or professionally. Removing a broken down boat on a lake floor is a much different process then carting off an old boat on a trailer.

With those caveats, a rough estimate of hiring a salvage company is anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000. Going this route is far more expensive, but you’ll know that there is no risk involved and that it will get done right. 

Salvaging a boat yourself can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. This option is cheaper but the risk is higher. You could damage otherwise sellable or reusable parts, or even worse, hurt yourself.

Whichever route you take, it’s important to do your research, because you may just find a great deal or prevent an injury.

How Does Marine Salvage Work?

Marine salvage is the process by which old ships, cargo, and vessels are recovered, repurposed, or refurbished after damage. This could be a sunken boat after a storm, an old un-cared for boat, or any number of other things that could leave a boat damaged or unwanted.

Marine salvage is a great way to give these old, unwanted parts and vessels a new life. It keeps it from becoming junk in the water or decaying scrap in a yard and brings it to market. 

Here, usable parts of a broken down boat can be found by boaters for their own vessels. Plus, depending on how you salvage your boat, there may be profit in selling these old usable parts and vessels.