BOSTON, Massachusetts (AFP) - An online fundraising campaign has been launched for the "heartbroken" owner of a yacht damaged when police captured Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

The 19-year-old hid in a motor cruiser owned by Dave Henneberry, a resident of Watertown, where much of the manhunt for Tsarnaev and his brother focused Friday following the April 15 twin blasts that killed three and wounded 200.

One appeal on the www.crowdtilt website had raised more than US$5,000 (S$6,200) for Henneberry by midday Monday. Other campaigns have been started on Facebook and the www.indiegogo site.

"Let's Fix David Henneberry's Boat" was the title of the crowdtilt effort launched by Craig Dunlap who said he had offered US$500.

Some 145 people had contributed by Monday.

Mr Dunlap called Mr Henneberry a "modern American hero" for spotting Tsarnaev and telling police. His boat became riddled with bullets in the ensuing shootout between the suspect and his hunters.

Media reports have said the boat - Henneberry's pride and joy - was worth about US$50,000.

"That boat's his baby. He takes care of it like you wouldn't believe. And they told him it's all shot up," neighbour George Pizzuto told ABC news. "He's going to be heartbroken."