What other costs should I budget for when buying a boat?

Beyond the purchase price, you should allow for marine insurance, registration, mooring or trailer storage, servicing, fuel, safety equipment and any licensing requirements in your state. A common guide is to budget around 10 percent of the boat's value per year for ongoing running costs. Understanding these costs upfront helps you choose a loan amount and repayment structure that works with your overall budget.

Can I get a boat loan with bad credit?

In many cases, yes. Some lenders on our panel look at your current income and financial stability rather than focusing only on your credit history. You may pay a higher rate or need a larger deposit, but having past defaults or missed payments does not automatically disqualify you. It is worth applying so we can match you with a lender suited to your situation.

Will applying for boat finance affect my credit score?

Our initial matching process uses a soft check that does not impact your credit score. If you proceed with a lender, they may do a formal credit enquiry which will be recorded on your credit file. Repaying your boat loan on time can help build a positive credit history over the life of the loan.

Can I include the trailer and motor in my boat loan?

In most cases, yes. If you are purchasing a boat, motor and trailer package, many lenders can bundle the full cost into a single loan. Some lenders will also allow you to include electronics, safety gear and on-road or on-water essentials. This gives you one loan with one set of repayments rather than managing separate finance for each item.

Can I finance a used boat or a private sale?

Yes. Our lender panel finances both new and used boats, including private sales, dealer purchases and boats listed through marina brokers. For used boats, lenders may consider the age, condition and value of the vessel when setting the rate and term. Running a PPSR check before any used purchase is always recommended to confirm the boat is not encumbered by existing finance.

How much can I borrow for a boat loan?

Most lenders on our panel offer boat finance from $5,000 up to $100,000. Some specialist marine lenders can go higher for larger vessels. The amount you are approved for depends on your income, expenses, credit history, the value of the boat and whether the loan is secured or unsecured.

How does boat finance work?

Boat finance is a type of personal loan used to purchase a vessel. You borrow an agreed amount and repay it over a set term, usually one to seven years, with fixed or variable interest. Secured boat loans use the vessel as security for a lower rate, while unsecured loans do not require the boat as collateral but typically come with a higher rate. You choose whether to repay weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Boat Finance Australia - Stop Dreaming and Start Boating

Boat finance arranged through our panel for tinnies, fishing boats, ski boats and cruisers

Life genuinely is better on the water. Whether it’s a tinnie for weekend fishing, a runabout for the family, a ski boat for summer, or a serious cruiser you’ve been eyeing off, a boat loan gets you on the water without waiting years to save the full amount. Our brokers compare boat finance across

our panel and arrange a deal that suits the boat, the way you’ll use it, and your budget. Borrow from $5,000 for a solid used tinnie up to $100,000 for a brand new package with motor and trailer included. Terms run one to seven years.

Most boat loans are written secured against the vessel, which means lenders can offer sharper rates because they have identifiable asset security. Over a five or seven year term, a small rate difference adds up to real money saved. Secured loans also let you borrow more, useful if you’re looking at a larger cruiser or a package deal. Unsecured options are available but typically come with a higher rate. Our service is free for you. If the budget is tighter, jet ski loans offer similar on the-water access at a smaller commitment.

Borrow from $5,000 to $100,000

From a budget tinnie to a fully-fitted cruiser with motor, trailer and electronics included. Loan size scales with the vessel and your borrowing position.

New boats, used boats, dealer or private

Fund a new boat from a dealer, a used vessel through a marina broker, or a private sale you've found on Marketplace or Boatsales. All considered.

Fishing, family, skiing or cruising

Tinnies, half-cabs, bowriders, ski boats, runabouts, larger cruisers. Whatever style of boating you're into, lenders on our panel will fund it.

Boat package deals welcome

Many boat purchases are packages: boat plus motor plus trailer in one deal. Lenders fund the full package so you don't need to separate the components.

Secured for sharper rates

Using the boat as security keeps the rate competitive. Over a seven year term, even a small rate difference is thousands of dollars in saved interest.

No fees from us

Free for you to apply through our broker panel. We're paid by the lender when your loan settles.

Boat Finance $5,000-$100,000 - Get On the Water Sooner

Boat finance arranged through our panel for tinnies, fishing boats, ski boats and cruisers

Borrow from $5,000 to $100,000

New boats, used boats, dealer or private

Fishing, family, skiing or cruising

Boat package deals welcome

Secured for sharper rates

No fees from us

Ready to get on the water?

Get Approved in 3 Simple Steps

1. Apply online

2. We source a lender

3. You get approved!

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