Living near Lake Erie means Lake County is full of boats, pontoons, jet skis, and other watercraft. But what happens when that boat sitting in your driveway, yard, or garage has become more of an eyesore than an asset? Whether your boat is too old to repair, damaged beyond use, or you've simply lost interest in boating, getting rid of an unwanted watercraft can be surprisingly difficult. This guide covers everything Lake County residents need to know about boat removal and disposal.

Why Boat Removal Is Different
Unlike regular junk, boats present unique disposal challenges:- Size: Even small boats are bulky and heavy
- Materials: Fiberglass, aluminum, and wood require different disposal methods
- Location: Boats are often stuck in backyards, on trailers, or in tight spaces
- Environmental concerns: Fuel, oil, and other fluids must be properly handled
- Trailer disposal: The trailer often needs to go too
Boat Removal Options in Lake County
Option 1: Sell or Donate
If your boat is in reasonable condition, consider: Selling:- List on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or boat-specific sites
- Be realistic about value—old boats often sell for less than you'd expect
- Some buyers want "project boats" at very low prices
- Organizations like Boat Angel accept boat donations
- You may get a tax deduction
- They handle pickup in some cases
- Boat must typically be in decent condition
Option 2: Haul It Yourself
If you have a truck and trailer:- Take fiberglass boats to facilities that accept them
- Some landfills accept boats for a fee
- You'll need to handle all the labor and transport
Option 3: Professional Boat Removal
This is where we come in. Professional boat removal services:- Come to your property
- Handle all disconnection and loading
- Transport the boat to proper disposal
- Deal with the trailer if needed
- Handle environmental concerns properly
What Types of Watercraft Can Be Removed?
We remove all types of recreational watercraft from Lake County properties:Boats
- Bass boats
- Fishing boats
- Sailboats (small to medium)
- Rowboats and dinghies
- Canoes and kayaks
- Cabin cruisers (size limitations apply)
Personal Watercraft
- Jet skis
- Wave runners
- Sea-Doos
- Stand-up watercraft
Pontoons
- Pontoon boats
- Party barges
- Smaller pontoon platforms
Other Watercraft
- Paddleboats
- Inflatable boats
- Boat parts and accessories
- Old boat motors
- Damaged docks and dock equipment

Common Boat Removal Situations
The Backyard Boat
By far the most common scenario: a boat that's been sitting in the backyard for years. Maybe it was "going to be fixed up someday" or the previous owner left it behind. Challenges:- Boat may be overgrown with vegetation
- Access to backyard may be limited
- Trailer tires are often flat or rotted
The Garage Boat
Some boats end up in garages, taking up valuable parking space. Challenges:- Limited maneuvering room
- May need partial disassembly
- Other junk often surrounds it
The Inherited Boat
When clearing an estate or buying a property, an unwanted boat often comes with the deal. Challenges:- Unknown condition
- Missing documentation
- Emotional attachment from family members
The Storm-Damaged Boat
Lake Erie weather can destroy watercraft. After a severe storm, you may have a damaged boat that's no longer usable. Challenges:- Structural damage
- Scattered debris
- Insurance claims and timing
Boat Removal Process
Here's how professional boat removal works in Lake County:Step 1: Assessment
Contact us with basic information:- Type and size of boat
- Location (backyard, garage, driveway)
- Condition (intact, damaged, etc.)
- Is there a trailer?
- Any access issues?
Step 2: Quote
We provide a clear quote based on:- Boat size and weight
- Accessibility
- Disposal requirements
- Trailer removal if needed
Step 3: Scheduling
We schedule removal at a time that works for you. Boat removal typically requires our larger trucks and more time, so we plan accordingly.Step 4: Removal
On removal day: 1. We assess access and plan the extraction 2. Drain any remaining fluids properly 3. Disconnect from any moorings or tie-downs 4. Load onto our truck or trailer 5. Remove the boat trailer if included 6. Clean up the areaStep 5: Disposal
We transport the boat to appropriate disposal facilities. Fiberglass, aluminum, and other materials are handled according to regulations.
Boat Removal Costs in Lake County
Boat removal pricing depends on several factors:Size-Based Pricing
- Small boats (under 14 feet): $300 - $500
- Medium boats (14-20 feet): $500 - $800
- Large boats (20+ feet): $800 - $1,500+
- Jet skis/PWC: $200 - $400
Additional Cost Factors
Increases price:- Difficult access (narrow gates, steep hills)
- Boat filled with junk or debris
- Heavy boats (concrete, large engines)
- Trailer removal included
- Aluminum boats (recyclable value)
- Easy access (driveway, open yard)
- Good condition trailers with value
What's Included
Our boat removal quotes include:- All labor and loading
- Transportation
- Disposal fees
- Cleanup of the area
- Trailer removal (if requested)
Lake County Areas We Serve for Boat Removal
We remove boats throughout Lake County and surrounding areas:Lakefront Communities
- Mentor-on-the-Lake: Heavy boating community, frequent removal needs
- Mentor Headlands: Near Headlands Beach, seasonal watercraft storage
- Fairport Harbor: Maritime history, older boats and equipment
- Madison-on-the-Lake: Lakefront properties with watercraft
Inland Areas
- Mentor: Lake County's largest city, many boats in storage
- Painesville: Boat storage common in residential areas
- Willoughby: Established neighborhoods with older boats
- Kirtland: Rural properties with ample boat storage
- Perry: Proximity to Lake Erie means lots of boats
- Eastlake: Residential areas with watercraft storage
Nearby Areas
- Cleveland East Side: Collinwood, Euclid shoreline
- Geauga County: Seasonal lake properties
Environmental Considerations
Responsible boat disposal matters. Here's how we handle environmental concerns:Fluids and Hazardous Materials
Before disposal, we properly handle:- Fuel: Drained and disposed of properly
- Oil: Recycled at appropriate facilities
- Batteries: Taken to battery recyclers
- Refrigerants: If applicable, handled by certified technicians
Fiberglass Disposal
Fiberglass boats can't be recycled in most cases. They go to approved landfills that accept fiberglass materials. We work with facilities that handle these materials properly.Aluminum and Metal
Aluminum boats and metal components are recyclable. We separate recyclable materials when possible, which sometimes reduces disposal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does boat removal take? Small boats in easy-to-access locations take 30-60 minutes. Larger boats or difficult access situations may take 2-3 hours. Do you remove the trailer too? Yes, we can remove the boat trailer as part of the job. Most quotes include trailer removal. What if my boat is full of junk? No problem. We'll remove everything—the boat plus whatever's in it. Can you remove a boat from a tight backyard? Usually yes. We've removed boats through narrow gates, from behind sheds, and other challenging spots. If we can physically get to it, we can usually remove it. What if I don't have a title? For abandoned or inherited boats without documentation, we can still remove them. We may need you to sign a statement about ownership. Do you buy boats? We're not boat buyers—we're a removal service. If your boat has significant value, try selling it first. If it doesn't sell, we're here to remove it. What happens to my boat after removal? Most removed boats go to disposal facilities. Aluminum boats may go to metal recyclers. Any reusable parts or accessories may be salvaged.Why Choose Evergreen Removal for Boat Disposal
Local Experience
We're based in Lake County and understand the unique needs of lakefront property owners. Boat removal is a service we provide regularly.Proper Equipment
We have the trucks, trailers, and equipment to handle watercraft of various sizes. No boat is too awkward for us to remove.All-Inclusive Pricing
Our quotes include everything—labor, transport, disposal, and cleanup. No hidden fees or surprise charges.Responsible Disposal
We handle fluids, materials, and disposal properly. Your boat won't end up illegally dumped somewhere.Fast Service
Need that boat gone quickly? We offer prompt scheduling and can often accommodate urgent requests.Ready to Remove That Boat?
Stop looking at that old boat in your yard. Stop feeling guilty about the space it's wasting. Stop worrying about what to do with it. Evergreen Removal makes boat disposal easy for Lake County residents. Call (440) 664-3604 for a free boat removal quote. Tell us what you have, where it is, and we'll give you a clear price. No pressure, no obligations. Your driveway, yard, or garage will thank you.Need Help With This?
Evergreen Removal handles all junk removal and cleanouts in Lake County. Let us do the heavy lifting while you relax.
