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Best Boat Loans

March 2024

When it comes to boat loans, the right option for you will depend on your budget, the type of boat you are looking to purchase, and the age of the boat. Whether you are looking to finance a small ski boat or a large yacht, there are loan options available for a wide range of boats.
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Boat loans overview

Boats are expensive, so getting approved for a loan amount that is high enough to cover the cost is typically an important concern for borrowers. Beyond the loan amount, you will also want to find a borrowing solution that is affordable. The main cost you are going to be looking at is the interest (usually charged as an annual percentage rate). Additionally, there may be other fees such as those for originations, closing, appraisals, inspections, etc. Then, there’s the term a lender offers which determines how long you will have to repay the loan. Note, it will also influence your interest rate and monthly payment amount. All of these factors will come into play when shopping for the right boat loan. For example, if you get a loan for $40,000 over 20 years at a 5% interest rate, your monthly payment would be $263.98 and you would pay $23,355 in interest over the course of the loan. Say another lender offered you a 4% interest rate on the same loan amount and term but with a 1% origination fee, would it be a better deal? Well, the monthly payment would be $242.39 and the overall interest cost would be $18,173. The origination fee would add $400 for a total borrowing cost of $18,573; a savings of $4,783 over the first offer. While the fee might make you hesitate, be sure to run the numbers as it is the better deal by a long shot.

Secured vs. unsecured boat loans

One of the deciding factors will be whether you opt for a secured or unsecured loan. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each option:

Unsecured boat loans

Unsecured boat loans, such as personal loans and credit cards, are not secured by collateral.
WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS
Unsecured boat loans can be a great way to finance the watercraft of your dreams when you don’t have or don’t want to use collateral. However, they are not for everyone. Compare the pros and cons to make a better decision.
PROS
  • Lenders have no rights to your boat or other collateral.
  • Shop like a cash buyer with the loan proceeds.
  • Finance 100% of the boat’s cost.
  • Choose any boat you want.
  • Use the boat however you want.
  • There’s less documentation.
  • Choose from many lenders.
CONS
  • You must have good credit and verifiable income to qualify.
  • Can face legal action if you default on the loan.
  • May not be able to get a loan amount high enough to afford the boat.

Secured boat loans

Secured loans, such as HELOCs, home equity loans, and boat loans from dealers, do require collateral to secure the loan.
WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS
Secured boat loans can be a smart way to qualify for the best rates and terms, but they are not for everyone. Compare the pros and cons to make a better decision.
PROS
  • Lower interest rates.
  • Higher loan amounts.
  • More leniency with credit requirements.
CONS
  • Lenders can put restrictions on the use of your boat if it is used as collateral.
  • Insurance is often required.
  • The loan is not dischargeable if you file bankruptcy.
  • Lenders can restrict what kind of boat you purchase.
  • Down payment is usually required.
Unsecured loans grant you more freedom but getting approved for competitive rates and a large enough loan amount depends solely on your credit and income. It’s a good idea to check out both options to evaluate which will offer the best overall value. [dcb id=55764]

How do you get a boat loan?

Follow these four steps:
  1. Check your credit score and credit reports: Ensure everything on your report is accurate and that your score is in good shape. Most lenders require borrowers to have at least a 620 credit score and no recent delinquencies. However, a minimum of 700 is recommended to get competitive rates. Consider a credit counseling firm if you need help making improvements.
  2. Know your financing options: You’re already on the right track by reading this article. Research your options and identify those that will be best for you.
  3. Research and get quotes from lenders: Once you know the types of financing you are interested in, review lenders and get offers from at least three in each financing type (e.g., credit cards, HELOCs, personal loans, etc.).
  4. Compare offers and weigh the options: Next, compare all of the offers along with the pros and cons of the financing types and choose the one that offers the most value overall. Be sure to consider monthly costs, overall costs, convenience, and collateral requirements.
After following these steps, you’ll be ready to buy your boat with full confidence. Credit cards vs. personal loans. vs. home equity loans – which is best?

FAQs about boat loans

Why is it more difficult to get a boat loan than a car loan or mortgage?

It is more difficult because boat loans are seen as a luxury rather than a necessity from the lender's standpoint. If you get into financial trouble, chances are, you will default on a boat payment before a car or house payment. Therefore, lenders want to ensure you are financially stable before lending to you for a boat to protect their investment.

What credit score do I need to get a boat loan?

The credit score required to get a boat loan will vary depending on the loan type and lender you choose. However, generally, if your score is over 700, you are in good shape. If not, you still may be able to find a loan but will be more limited in your options.

Can a boat loan cover additional costs beyond the boat itself?

There are many costs associated with buying a boat including extra equipment, storage, maintenance, repairs, etc. You can get a loan that exceeds the amount of the boat. However, if you are getting a loan secured by the boat itself, the loan amount will typically be restricted to a percentage of the boat's value.

How can I save money on a boat?

Here are a few tips to save on the costs of your boat:
  • Save up and put a large down payment on your boat.
  • Buy a used boat between two and 10 years old to reduce the amount it will depreciate.
  • Don't buy a bigger boat than you need.
  • Store the boat at home on the trailer instead of paying for storage.
  • Buy gas wisely. Sometimes it is more expensive at the marina than in town.
  • Shop around for the best deal on a loan, comparing all the pros and cons.
By following these tips, you can reduce your costs.

Where can I get a boat loan?

Well, you can get a "boat loan" from boat dealers, specialized lenders, and some banks, credit unions, and direct lenders. However, you don't need a boat loan per se. You can get other loan types and use them to buy a boat. For example, you can get a home equity loan or line of credit from banks, credit unions, and direct lenders. You can also get personal loans through all of the above as well as marketplace lenders. Here's a look at each type of lender:
Credit unions
Credit unions are unique in that they are owned and operated by the members for the members. Being so, they are not a 'for-profit' business like other banks and lenders. This means they often help members to get approved for loans at competitive rates with minimal fees. If you belong to a credit union, it's worth checking to see what you can get.
Banks
Banks will likely offer loan types that can help you get a boat. However, in most cases, they have stricter approval requirements than other institutions. Further, the loan process can be more tedious and costs tend to be higher.
Online direct lenders
Online direct lenders cut the overhead costs banks face and add a level of convenience. This provides borrowers with easy access to the money they want to borrow. You can apply online to find out what various online lenders will offer you and get answers within minutes. If you like an offer, you can get the money directly deposited into your bank account. The rates are competitive but you need a strong credit and financial profile to get the best rates.
Online lender marketplaces
Online lender marketplaces connect borrowers with lenders. You can apply to be matched with a lender or investor who will lend you the money you need for a boat. Like online direct lenders, the overhead costs are much lower than a brick-and-mortar lender enabling competitive costs. Plus, there is the convenience that you can get the loan online without physically going into a location.
Boat dealer financing
You can also visit a boat dealer to see what deal they will give you on a loan. As we mentioned above, there are drawbacks to this option but you may also come up on a great promotion. Weigh the pros and cons and shop around to find the best lender for your situation.

Are the costs for boat storage included in a boat loan?

Typically, a boat's storage costs are an ongoing expense that should come out of a yearly boat maintenance and care budget. The common storage options include:
  • Marinas: A pricier solution that offers great accessibility and convenience because the boat stays in the water.
  • Self-storage facilities: An on-land solution that protects the boat from the elements. This solution can be pricey but also convenient as facilities often have amenities such as washing stations.
  • Dry dock storage: The boat can be stored out of the water on a rack at a marina or storage facility. While not easily accessible, this option is often cost-effective.
  • Home storage: If you have space at your home to store your boat on the trailer and protect it from the elements, you can eliminate the storage cost altogether.
Be sure to consider these costs before committing to boat ownership.

How do you find a lender that will approve you for a boat loan?

It's best to find the boat you want and then shop around. Many lenders allow you to get preapproved. You can find out what terms and conditions you can get before agreeing to the loan. We recommend you get offers from multiple lenders to find out which provides the best overall value.

Can I get a boat loan with low credit score?

You can get approved for a boat loan even with bad credit. Although it is sometimes possible to qualify for a boat loan with FICO credit scores in the 500s, generally you will need 600+ along with a low debt to income ratio to qualify.

How do boat loans work?

Boat loans are installment loans with fixed monthly payments typically over two to 15 years. Interest rates and loan terms vary based on the lender, the size of the loan, your credit score and income, and whether the loan is secured by the boat or unsecured.

How long are boat loans usually?

You can generally get up to a 20-year loan term for a secured boat loan, depending on the loan amount and lender. Unsecured boat loans — which are personal loans — tend to come with shorter terms (typically no more than five to seven years).

Can you get a loan for a used boat?

Although banks usually offer competitive interest rates on used boat loans, you'll need to have strong credit to qualify for them. You can take out a used boat loan from banks like U.S. Bank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Can I get a boat loan with no money down?

You can get into a boat for 10 to 20 percent down depending on the cost of the boat. Some new-boat manufacturers can offer financing for zero down payment on brand-new models. Depending on the amount you borrow, loans can go for as long as 20-year terms.

Find the best solution for buying your boat

Now you know the basics about boat loans including what they are, where to find them, and how to choose the best one. At SuperMoney, our goal is to make it easy to shop around and compare lenders so that getting a good deal isn’t a hassle. Head over to our product comparison pages to read in-depth company reviews from industry experts and candid reviews from past customers. Further, compare dozens of companies side-by-side and even find out which lenders will pre-approve you without hurting your credit score. A great place to start is with personal loans. Different personal loans come with different rates, fees and requirements, so check out what the best personal loans are to ensure that you choose the best option for you. Click here to get started!

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