Marine Finance

Boat Loans Australia from 6.49% p.a.

From tinnies and jet skis to luxury cruisers and sailing yachts, we compare marine finance from lenders who understand boats. Finance the complete package: hull, motor, trailer, and electronics in a single loan.

Comparison rate 7.25% p.a.* on a $40,000 secured boat loan over 5 years.

Boat Loan Calculator

Boats, jet skis, and marine vessels

Loan Amount
$40,000
$5,000$500,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.49%
6.00%12.00%
Loan Term
5 years
2 years 7 years
Monthly Payment
$801.33
Total Interest
$8,080
Total Repayment
$48,080
Principal (83.2%)Interest (16.8%)
Principal: $40,000
Interest: $8,080

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual rates and repayments may vary based on your circumstances and lender requirements.

Boat Finance at a Glance
  • Finance all vessel types: runabouts, cruisers, fishing boats, sailing yachts, jet skis, and houseboats
  • Boat, motor, and trailer packaged in a single loan — electronics and accessories also included
  • Secured marine finance from 6.49% p.a. for new vessels with good credit
  • Used boat finance for vessels up to 15-20 years old with specialist lenders
  • Loan amounts from $5,000 (jet ski) to $500,000+ (luxury cruiser)

Marine Finance by Vessel Type

Australia's love affair with boats is well-documented — we are a nation of coastlines, rivers, and waterways. Whether you are looking for a weekend fishing tinny or a luxury game fishing boat, the right finance can make it affordable:

Vessel TypeTypical Package PriceMax Age (Used)Rate From
Jet Ski / PWC$10,000 - $30,0007 years7.99%
Aluminium Tinny (3-5m)$8,000 - $30,00015 years7.49%
Fibreglass Runabout (4-6m)$25,000 - $80,00015 years6.99%
Centre Console (5-8m)$50,000 - $200,00015 years6.49%
Cabin Cruiser$80,000 - $500,000+20 years6.49%
Sailing Yacht$50,000 - $400,000+20 years6.49%
Pontoon Boat$30,000 - $150,00015 years6.99%

Boat Registration and Compliance

Boat registration requirements vary by state and territory. Understanding these requirements is important because lenders may require evidence of registration or registrability as part of the loan approval:

  • NSW — all boats with an engine must be registered with Transport for NSW. Boat licence required for drivers.
  • Victoria — all motorised recreational vessels must be registered with Maritime Safety Victoria. Marine licence or PWC endorsement required.
  • Queensland — all boats must be registered with Maritime Safety Queensland. Boat licence required for boats exceeding 6 knots.
  • Western Australia — registration required through Department of Transport. Recreational Skipper's Ticket required for motorised boats.
  • South Australia & Tasmania — registration and licensing requirements apply. Check your state's maritime authority.

What Lenders Look for in Marine Finance

Marine lenders assess several boat-specific factors in addition to standard credit criteria:

  • Hull material and condition — aluminium and fibreglass are preferred. Timber hulls are harder to finance due to maintenance concerns.
  • Motor type and hours — outboard motors are generally preferred as they are easier to replace. High engine hours (over 1,500 for outboards, 3,000 for inboards) may affect the valuation.
  • Vessel survey — for higher-value boats (typically over $100,000), a marine survey may be required. This is like a building inspection for boats.
  • Insurance — comprehensive marine insurance is usually required for secured boat loans. Costs vary from 1-3% of the insured value annually.
  • Storage — lenders may ask about storage arrangements (marina berth, dry storage, or on-trailer at home) as this affects the vessel's condition over time.
Don't Forget Running Costs

The purchase price is just the beginning. Budget for marina fees ($200-$1,500+/month for a berth), insurance (1-3% of value annually), fuel, servicing, antifoul, and registration. A good rule of thumb is that annual running costs equal 10-15% of the vessel's value. Our brokers can help you factor these into your overall affordability assessment.

Application Process

1
Tell Us About the Vessel
Type, make, year, and approximate value. Include motor and trailer if applicable.
2
Marine Specialist Review
We match you with lenders experienced in marine finance for the best rate.
3
Approval & Survey
Get approved. A marine survey may be arranged for higher-value vessels.
4
Settlement & Launch
Funds settled with the seller. Get on the water with your new vessel.

WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees, or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Comparison rates are based on a secured loan of $30,000 over 5 years for vehicle finance and $50,000 over 5 years for equipment finance, as required under the National Credit Code.

Boat Loan FAQs

What types of boats can be financed?
We finance all types of recreational and commercial vessels including aluminium runabouts, fibreglass fishing boats, centre consoles, bowriders, cabin cruisers, sailing yachts, catamarans, pontoon boats, houseboats, jet skis (PWCs), and commercial workboats. Both new and used vessels are eligible, with used boat finance available for vessels up to 15-20 years old.
Can I include the trailer and motor in my boat loan?
Yes, most lenders finance boat packages that include the vessel, outboard motor(s), and trailer as a single loan. This is the most common way to purchase a trailer boat. The total package value determines the loan amount and rate. Electronics, safety equipment, and other accessories can usually be included as well.
Do I need boat registration to get finance?
The boat does not need to be registered before applying for finance, but it will need to be registered before settlement in most cases. Registration requirements vary by state — in NSW, boats with motors must be registered with Roads and Maritime; in Victoria, registration is with Maritime Safety Victoria. Your boat dealer or our team can guide you through the process.
What loan terms are available for boat finance?
Boat loan terms typically range from 2 to 7 years, with some lenders offering up to 10 years for higher-value vessels (over $100,000). Longer terms reduce monthly repayments but increase total interest. For jet skis and smaller boats, terms of 3-5 years are most common.
Are boat loan rates different from car loan rates?
Boat loan rates are generally similar to or slightly above car loan rates. Secured boat finance starts from 6.49% p.a. for new vessels with good credit. Used boat rates are typically 0.50-1.00% higher. The rate depends on the vessel type, age, value, and your credit profile.

Get on the Water with the Right Finance

Marine finance from 6.49% p.a. Boats, jet skis, and sailing vessels.