MARINE FINANCE THAT UNDERSTANDS THE VESSEL
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Reviewed by Christian Tucker, Credit Representative 549381, and the AGFB specialist team · October 2026 · How we check our information
Financing a vessel is not the same as financing a car. Type, age, survey and intended use all shape the lender’s view. Christian’s experience includes multimillion-dollar yachts, arranged with lenders who understand marine assets.
We arrange the lending side of the purchase. We look at the vessel, the seller, your income and commitments, then compare suitable marine lender options and explain the structure before anything is lodged.
WHAT WE ARRANGE FOR BOAT OWNERS
Trailer Boats
Runabouts, centre consoles, fishing and ski boats bought with a trailer and motor. We consider the package as a whole, including new and used purchases.
Cruisers and Larger Vessels
Larger powered vessels may require specialist lender consideration, an independent valuation or a marine survey. We review the vessel details and establish the lender’s requirements.
Sailing Yachts
A yacht’s age, construction, condition and intended use can affect finance eligibility. We review those details alongside the purchase price and any lender requirements for supporting reports.
Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft
Finance options depend on the craft, purchase amount and your circumstances. We compare available structures and explain whether the craft would be taken as security.
Private and Brokered Sales
Buying privately or through a boat broker is common. The lender will want the vessel, seller and any existing finance verified, and we manage that process.
Refinancing Marine Lending
An existing boat loan can be reviewed for rate, term and structure, subject to the vessel’s age and any exit conditions on the current facility.
WHAT SHAPES A MARINE FINANCE ASSESSMENT
Marine lending policy varies widely between lenders. These are the factors most likely to determine which options are available and how the loan is structured.
Vessel Type and Age
Eligibility varies by lender, vessel type and age. Some lenders consider age at the end of the proposed loan term, which can affect the repayment period available.
Survey and Valuation
For larger or older vessels a lender may require a marine survey or independent valuation before approval. We tell you early if that is likely.
Purchase Route
Dealer, boat-broker and private purchases can involve different verification requirements. If the vessel has existing finance, we coordinate the payout and release requirements with the lender.
Deposit and Contribution
A deposit reduces the amount financed relative to the vessel’s value, which can affect the assessment and the structures available.
Income and Commitments
Lenders assess your income, debts and living expenses against the proposed repayments. Your budget should also allow for costs such as insurance, maintenance, fuel, storage and mooring where relevant.
Insurance and Registration
We confirm the lender’s insurance and documentation requirements before settlement. Registration and transfer requirements depend on the vessel, its use and the relevant authority.
HOW WE APPROACH MARINE FINANCE
01
Understand the Vessel and the Buyer
We establish the boat, how and where it is being bought, your income and commitments, and what you intend to contribute.
02
Match the Structure to Suitable Lender Options
We identify lenders with an appetite for the vessel type and compare term, structure and conditions rather than the headline rate alone.
03
Lodge, Verify and Settle
We prepare the application, confirm any lender requirements for surveys, valuations and purchase verification, and coordinate the finance process through to settlement. Approval remains subject to lender assessment.
WE ARRANGE THE LENDING, NOT THE BOAT
Direct Broker Access
Christian leads your finance review, supported by the experienced AGFB team throughout the application process.
The Lending Side Only
You can speak with us before or after choosing a vessel. We explain the finance options; vessel condition, seaworthiness and purchase-price advice should come from an appropriate independent marine specialist.
Structure Explained First
We explain repayments, total cost, any final balloon payment and the security required. If the vessel secures the loan, it may be repossessed if repayments are not met.
RELATED ASSET LENDING
Looking at a tow vehicle as well? Explore our General Auto Loans page. For aircraft purchases, our Aviation Finance page covers the separate considerations involved in financing that type of asset. Boating on the Sunshine Coast or in Noosa? See our Sunshine Coast and Noosa finance guide. Explore finance for Gold Coast homes, boats and vehicles.
Before you buy a boat, work through our boat pre-purchase checklist: HIN and PPSR searches (including the trailer and outboards), a marine survey and the paperwork lenders and insurers ask for.
Using a balloon on a boat? Our Balloon and End-of-Term Planner compares it with the boat’s estimated value when the loan ends.
Mooring, insurance, servicing and depreciation all add up. Our True Cost of Ownership Calculator shows the full cost of owning a boat over the loan term.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT MARINE FINANCE
Can I finance a used boat bought privately?
Finance may be available for a used boat bought privately, subject to the vessel and lender assessment. The lender may require identification, ownership and purchase documents, checks for existing finance, and a valuation or survey. Settlement may include paying an existing financier before the balance goes to the seller. We coordinate the lender’s requirements; those checks do not replace an independent assessment of the vessel’s condition.
Is there an age limit on the vessel?
Age limits vary by lender and vessel type, and may apply at purchase or at the end of the loan term. An older vessel can affect eligibility, the available term or supporting reports required. Give us the vessel details early so we can check suitable options.
Can the boat, motor and trailer be included in one loan?
Depending on lender policy, a boat, motor and trailer purchased together may be financed as one package. Separate purchases or different sellers can require a different approach. We confirm which items can be included and what security the lender requires.
Will I need a marine survey?
A lender may require a marine survey, a valuation or both. These reports serve different purposes: a survey examines the vessel’s condition within its agreed scope, while a valuation estimates its value. We confirm the lender’s requirements so you can establish the scope, cost and timing with an appropriate provider before commissioning a report.
Can I include a balloon payment?
A balloon may be available depending on the lender and vessel. It defers part of the principal to a final lump sum, reducing regular repayments but generally increasing total interest compared with an otherwise equivalent loan without a balloon. Refinancing is subject to approval, and selling the vessel may not cover the amount owing. We compare the full repayment commitment before you decide.
What documents will I need?
Typically identification, evidence of income such as payslips or tax returns, recent bank statements and details of existing loans and cards. For the vessel, the lender will want the purchase details, registration and, for a private sale, the seller’s identification. We confirm any insurance, registration or transfer documents required for your transaction and explain when each is needed.
FOUND THE RIGHT VESSEL?
Tell us about the boat, how you are buying it and what you plan to contribute. We will review the marine lender options and come back to you with a structure you can consider.