In either event, the lien would be released once the loan has been repaid
Typically, our lenders will require a boat to be documented with the United States Coast Guard if it meets the Coast Guard’s net tonnage standard. If the boat you wish to purchase is eligible to be documented, our finance department or lender will prepare a First Preferred Ship Mortgage as part of the loan closing paperwork and file it with the Coast Guard as the instrument that secures the bank’s lien on the vessel. If the boat is not large enough to be documented with the Coast Guard, a formal mortgage would not be prepared; however, the lender would still record its lien against a state title or equivalent document.
Our lenders do not issue pre-approvals that are similar to what you get when purchasing a house. You are able to apply without having a sales contract on a boat, and you aren’t locked into buying the boat that you apply with, but you do need to list a boat on the application.
The rates and terms are highly dependent on the boat, so we recommend applying with a boat that is similar in age, length, and type to
Credit requirements vary by lender, but our lenders generally require applicants to have a credit score above 680 with no major credit issues such as a bankruptcy, foreclosure, settlement or charge-off within the past 3 – 5 years.
We work with banks that can offer terms up to 20 years, subject to the age and type of boat, as well as the loan amount available from the lender
Generally, marine financing is subject to higher credit and other underwriting standards than that for vehicles or even home mortgages.
Our lender will
Once the lender collects all the required information from the buyer and seller, both parties will receive paperwork that they need to sign and notarize. Once the lender receives the paperwork back from both parties, they will disburse funds in 1-2 business days. The buyer and seller do not need to visit a bank or be in the same place to close the loan. If the boat is currently financed, our lender will disburse the funds directly to the lienholder to pay off the loan, otherwise, the funds will be paid to the seller by check or wire transfer.
BoatUS partners with leading marine lenders that consider various types of collateral, including larger, more expensive vessels. Some restrictions do apply — for example, we cannot accept applications for steel?hull boats at this time.
Our lenders look for applicants with better credit, but there are other companies that will consider individuals with past credit issues
Use our Online Loan Calculator to determine your monthly payment or enter the desired monthly payment to see the loan amount. to determine your monthly payment or enter the desired monthly payment to see the loan amount.
Most applicants can expect to have a decision on their application in 2-4 business days. Our lenders will often ask for financial information before making a decision.