How Many Boats Sit

Unused in the U.S.?

• The U.S. has over 12 million registered recreational boats.

• Industry studies show that 30 percent to 50 percent of these boats are rarely used or sit idle for most of the year.

• That equals 3.5 to 6 million boats nationwide that are aging with little or no use.

• Many marinas report that 20 percent to 40 percent of the vessels in their slips are derelict or near-derelict, meaning the owner has stopped maintaining them.

California mirrors the national trend:

• California has over 645,000 registered boats, one of the highest totals in the country.

• Coastal counties like San Diego, Orange County, Ventura, Marina del Rey, and the Bay Area report increasing numbers of stored, neglected, or abandoned vessels.

• State agencies estimate 4,000 to 5,000 derelict boats across California waters at any given time.

Why So Many Boats Become Abandoned or Derelict

• The average boat owner uses their boat more than 20 days per year only if it is kept in perfect condition.

• As boats age past 20–30 years, maintenance costs rise sharply.

• Older fiberglass hulls are expensive to repair, so many owners stop maintaining them and walk away.

• Marina fees continue to increase, and many owners cannot keep up.

• Boat resale values drop so low that many vessels have zero market value, making them impossible to sell.

Cost of Storing an Unused Boat

Boat storage is a major yearly expense, especially for boats in marinas.

Marina Slip Fees (U.S. Average)

• Small boat slip: $250 to $450 per month

• Mid-size boat (30–40 ft): $450 to $900 per month

• Large boats (40+ ft): $900 to $2,000+ per month

• Premium marinas in California can exceed $2,500 per month for 40–50 ft vessels.

Dry-land Storage Costs

• Trailered boats: $80 to $200 per month

• Yard storage for larger boats: $150 to $600 per month

Annual Cost to Store an Unused Boat

Even a small boat in storage costs:

• $1,000 to $3,000 per year on the low end

• $5,000 to $20,000+ per year in marinas for large boats

This means many owners spend thousands of dollars every year for a boat that never leaves the slip or storage yard.

Insurance Costs for Idle Boats

Most unused boats are still insured, and premiums continue even when the boat does not move.

Typical recreational boat insurance:

• Small boats: $200 to $500 per year

• Mid-size boats: $500 to $1,500 per year

• Large yachts: $1,500 to $5,000+ per year

Even “bare minimum” coverage often costs several hundred dollars per year simply to protect against sinking, theft, or fires.

Total Annual Cost of Keeping an Unused Boat

When you combine slip fees, storage, insurance, and maintenance, an unused boat can cost:

• $2,000 to $7,000 per year for small vessels

• $7,000 to $15,000 per year for mid-size

• $15,000 to $40,000+ per year for larger boats in California marinas

For many owners, removing the boat becomes more affordable than keeping it.

The Derelict Boat Problem in the U.S.

Every coastal and lake state is dealing with abandoned vessels:

• Florida estimates nearly 3,000 abandoned or derelict boats statewide.

• Washington State reports 2,300+ derelict boats.

• California reports 4,000 to 5,000 abandoned or sunken vessels each year.

• Nationwide estimates put the number of derelict or near-derelict boats between 15,000 and 25,000.

These boats create:

• Environmental pollution

• Navigational hazards

• Marina congestion

• Safety risks when they break loose or sink

This is one reason removal companies like Boat Removers are in high demand.

Why Boat Removal Services Matter

When boat owners face:

• Rising slip fees

• Costly repairs

• Insurance premiums

• Pressure from marinas

• County citations

• Environmental compliance issues

…removing the boat becomes the smartest long-term decision.

A boat that is worth little to nothing can still cost the owner thousands per year if it remains in a marina or storage yard.

How Much Money Do Owners Waste Before Finally Removing a Boat?

The average owner of an unused boat wastes:

• $10,000 to $25,000 over the final 3–5 years before removing it

• Sometimes more than the boat was ever worth

This is why the demand for fast, professional boat removal has risen sharply in California and across the country.