Boats and vessels depreciation

10-year property · 200% declining balance, half-year

Recovery period10 yearsMACRS (GDS)
Method200% declining balancehalf-year
Section 179Yes2026 limit $2,560,000
Bonus depreciation100%acquired after Jan 19, 2025
ADS period18 yearsif you must or elect to

Includes: Work boats, barges and tugs used in the business.

Work out your own

Bought earlier, phase-out, income limit
Deduction in 2026$85,000.00
Section 179$0.00
Bonus$85,000.00
Regular MACRS, year 1$0.00

Form 4562

Line 12 · Section 179 expense$0.00
Line 14 · Special (bonus) depreciation, 100%$85,000.00
Line 19 · MACRS, 10-year property$0.00

Basis = cost × business use · bonus = (basis − §179) × bonus rate · each year = (basis − §179 − bonus) × table rate

IRS Pub 946 tables · §179 and bonus per the One Big Beautiful Bill Act · car limits per §280F and the IRS yearly revenue procedure.

$85,000 of boat, year by year

Placed in service March 2026, 100% business use, no section 179 or bonus.

Tax yearDepreciation
2026$8,500
2027$15,300
2028$12,240
2029$9,792
2030$7,837
2031$6,265
2032$5,568
2033$5,568
2034$5,576
2035$5,568
2036$2,788

Source: Pub 946 Table B-1, asset class 00.28 Vessels, Barges, Tugs, and Similar Water Transportation Equipment (class life 18, GDS 10, ADS 18). IRS Publication 946.

Frequently asked questions

What is the depreciation life of a boat?

Boats and vessels are 10-year property under MACRS (the General Depreciation System), depreciated with 200% declining balance, half-year. Under the Alternative Depreciation System the period is 18 years. Source: Pub 946 Table B-1, asset class 00.28 Vessels, Barges, Tugs, and Similar Water Transportation Equipment (class life 18, GDS 10, ADS 18).

Can I write off a boat in one year?

Section 179 lets you deduct up to $2,560,000 in 2026 (reduced above $4,090,000 of purchases), as long as the business has the income. Bonus depreciation is 100% for property acquired after January 19, 2025, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

How much depreciation is $85,000 of boat each year?

With no section 179 or bonus, placed in service in March 2026: $8,500 in 2026, $15,300 in 2027, $12,240 in 2028, $9,792 in 2029, and so on. The calculator above works it out for your own cost, date and business use.