Bureau of Water Supply

Source Water Protection Program



ONLINE BOAT AUCTION

August 11th - August 21st



Dear Boaters,



The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is excited to announce an online boat auction running from August 11 to August 21, 2025. Boats are located at DEP offices in Ashokan, Grahamsville, and Mahopac.



All bidding will be conducted online, and each boat has multiple pictures available on the auction site. There will be no in-person viewings. The auction will be accessible starting August 11, 2025, via http://www.publicsurplus.com. Please note, boats won't be viewable online until this date.



For more information about the auction and how to bid, please download the flyer or read the frequently asked questions below.



Download Auction

Flyer Here


August 2025 Boat Auction: Frequently Asked Questions



Will DEP also be holding a traditional mail-in-bid auction for boats?

This auction is taking the place of the mail-in-bid auction. DEP has used this online system to auction boats since 2017, and we have found that the system is easier for bidders and sellers alike. You can track your bid progress and increase your bid throughout the time that the auction is live. For individuals familiar with eBay, this format will seem very familiar to you.



When does the auction start and end?

The auction will start on August 11, 2025, and end on August 21, 2025.



Can I view the boats in the auction?

Each boat will have multiple photos you can view online during the auction. Photos of boats are provided to allow for bidding without needing to view the boat in person. DEP will not be offering in-person boat viewings.



How do I register to bid on a boat?

You must visit the auction website http://www.PublicSurplus.com and click the register button. When registering, you will need to verify your email and phone number. The online registration system will guide you through all of these steps. Once registered, you can bid on the selected boat(s). You can register at any time and bid once the auction is live.



How do I see the boats available in the auction?

To view boats available in the auction, visit http://www.PublicSurplus.com once the auction goes live. You can find the boats by typing "DEP Boat" into the search box. Each individual boat lot will have a unique lot number: G# for boats located in Grahamsville, NY; A# for boats in Ashokan, NY; and M# for boats in Mahopac, NY. These numbers can be used to search for a specific lot or boat. Please note: A bulk auction may also be running concurrently. Individual boat lots are listed per boat, while the bulk auction will list multiple boats as a single lot.



What if I don’t have a computer?

You can also access the auction via a tablet or smartphone if you don't have a computer. If you don't have either, you can ask a friend or relative to help you register and bid. Computers with internet access are often available to use for free at your local public library.



Can I still mail in a bid?

Unfortunately, we cannot accept mail-in or in-person bids for this auction. You will need to register and bid online.



Are there any additional fees I must pay if I am the winning bidder?

Yes, there are additional fees. You will need to pay a State of New York State sales tax. A buyer's premium of 9.5% will also be added to the final sale price, with a $1 minimum charge per auction for payment collections. This buyer's premium will be visible during the bidding process and added to the total bid. The buyer's premium is a service fee charged by the auction company.



How do I pay for the boat if I’m the winning bidder?

Successful bidders will follow the payment processes as outlined on the http://www.PublicSurplus.com website. The website accepts wire transfers or credit cards. No cash, checks, or money orders are accepted.



How do I pick up my boat if I’m the winning bidder?

Once payment is received and processed, winning bidders should make an appointment with the associated boat office, depending on what boat they won (see below). You will need to bring proof of payment to pick up the boat. All boats must be picked up by the date specified on the auction listing. Successful bidders will be notified by email at the completion of the auction. We ask that successful bidders bring their signed auction receipt and a photocopy of their driver's license to the appointment. The contact information for the boat offices is as follows: Ashokan Boat Office (845) 657- 5073, Grahamsville Boat Office (845) 334-7152, Mahopac Boat Office (914) 232-1309. The boat offices are open by appointment on weekdays between 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.



Who do I contact if I need help registering or bidding?

If you need assistance registering or bidding, you can get help through the http://www.PublicSuplus.com website. In the top left corner, there is a help link that provides answers to many common questions. During regular business hours, you can also click the "Chat" link and receive direct assistance from the customer service team. If you still need help, you can email support@publicsurplus.com.


DEP Website | Watershed Protection | Watershed Recreation | Email Us

For recreation questions call 1-800-575-LAND (5263)

Email: recreation@dep.nyc.gov

RecMapper

For dangerous or suspicious activity call 1-888-H2O-SHED (426-7433)