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A boat paid for with a loan

Key Considerations in Taking Out a Boat Loan

The National Marine Bankers Association was established in 1979 to help individuals become knowledgeable about the way financing for boats operates. Members of this association consist of banks, credit unions, savings and loan companies, and other financial institutions. These institutions provide bank loans specifically for their customers. The term of a boat loan will depend on several factors, such as the size of the loan and more.

What Do I Need To Get Started?

When applying for a boat loan, you should have copies of their last two tax returns, a bank statement, and an approval to check their credit report. Many lenders require a 20% down payment before they will approve the loan. Applicants should know the type of boat, as well as the price, model, age, and power of the vessel. The application process could take up to 45 days to complete.

Lenders will consider a personal salary and debt to income ratio in addition to your credit score when determining whether or not to approve a loan. Bad credit at one time made it impossible for a person to get a boat loan. However, people today can apply for bass boat loans no matter what their credit is. Borrowers have the option to make a 50% down payment on bass boat loans; however, if this is not an option, individuals should obtain fixed bass boat loans that consist of the lowest available rate.

The main advantage of getting boat loans is that you will have the opportunity to own a boat. Boats can be expensive; therefore, most people cannot afford to pay it in full, so they need a loan. The disadvantage of boat loans are that it is a long-term loan, so borrowers will be paying off the loan for many years. Boat loan rates are not quite as low as that of a home because boats are considered to be a luxury, not a necessity. Boat loan rates are normally determined by how much money is borrowed and the life of the loan. When determining boat loan rates, lenders will allow a borrower to add in insurance, warranties, taxes and other important costs. Current rates on boat loans are anywhere from 5 to 7 percent. Some lenders will charge higher boat loan rates for used boats.

Use A Boat Loan Calculator

It  is helpful to use a boat loan calculator to determine the amount that you will pay for a boat loan. A boat loan calculator is easy to use, as it has a panel where individuals can simply enter the information, and the boat loan calculator determines the calculations. It is wise to individuals to use a boat loan calculator, so they can know exactly how much they can afford. When an individual decides to purchase a boat, they need to consider the cost of fuel, docking fees and other maintenance costs.

When considering an application, the bank will need to decide if the consumer can repay the loan. However, because of the state of the current economy, bank loans could be somewhat more difficult to obtain. Individuals will just need to prove to the bank that you have the ability to make payments on the loan. Whether applying for regular boat loans or bass boat loans, prospective boat owners can have the opportunity to own the boat of their dreams.

Last Updated: February 16, 2015