I have purchased a 40' boat that I am using as a second home. There is a mortgage on it. Can I deduct slip fees and upkeep in addition to the interest on the mortgage?

[tonyiiiafl]

Or do I need to take clients out on it to deduct the slip fees?

[RichardG · Accepted solution]

If the boat meets the requirements for a second home, you can deduct the interest on the loan.  The slip fees and other expenses connected with the boat are nondeductible personal expenses.

[fanfare]

I don't think upkeep on your home is business expense either.

[re2boys]

For interest and property taxes to be deductible, a second home must have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities permanently installed.

[tonyiiiafl]

I have met the requirements. As for the slip fee, I thought that if one owned a manufactured home that was on leased or rented land in a trailer park the land portion was deductible, hence the question about the slip fee??

[re2boys]

The slip fee would not be deductible.  Nor is leased or rented land in a trailer park.  
Some states apply a personal property tax to a mobile home or boat.  That is deductible as an itemized deduction.  The tax must be based solely on the value of the property to be allowed.

[Edseal2]

Ok, how bout this !? The boat is located 100 miles from my primary home and I travel to that location for work. Can I deduct slip fees, maintenance, etc as a business expense ? 

[xmasbaby0]

Commuting expenses to go to work are NEVER deductible.

[Edseal2]

It’s business travel ! I’m a 1099 independent contractor 

[xmasbaby0]

Doesn't matter.---Commuting to and from work is still not deductible even if you are an independent contractor.  Mileage you travel WHEN you are working is a different story.  Just driving to work  or from work is not deductible.

And....the slip fees and boat maintenance are still personal expenses, same as if you had a house and had to fix the roof or pay a homeowners association fee.