Google Reviews

5.0 from 11 Reviews

Boat Loans

Marine Finance for Every Kind of Boater

Get on the Water with the Right Boat Finance

Whether you've been dreaming about your first boat for years or you're ready to upgrade to something bigger, getting the right boat finance in place makes all the difference. At Stride Lending Group, we work with clients nationwide to find boat loan options that suit their situation, their vessel, and their budget.

What Counts as a Boat Loan?

A boat loan is a type of secured loan used to purchase a recreational or commercial vessel. Like a car loan, a secured boat loan uses the vessel itself as security against the amount borrowed. This typically means lower interest rates compared to unsecured personal loans, which is good news whether you're buying a modest fishing boat or a luxury yacht. Stride Lending Group can help you understand how a secured boat loan works and what it means for your repayments.

Boat finance covers a wide range of vessels. Whether you're after a bowrider for weekend water sports, a cabin cruiser for overnight trips, a catamaran, a sailing yacht, a ski boat, wake boats, a dinghy, an electric boat, or even a hybrid boat, there are lending options available. Commercial fishing vessels and work boats also fall under marine lending, and Stride Lending Group has experience across all of these categories.

New, Used, and Green Boat Loans

Not every buyer is in the market for a brand-new vessel. A used boat loan works much the same way as a new boat loan, though lenders may apply different criteria around the age and condition of the vessel. If you're purchasing an electric boat or hybrid boat, a green boat loan may be available with favourable terms, reflecting the growing interest in sustainable marine options. Stride Lending Group can walk you through what applies to your specific purchase.

If you've spotted something at a boat show or through a boat dealer, it's worth knowing that dealer finance isn't always the most suitable option. Dealerships typically offer finance through a limited panel of lenders, which means you may not be seeing the full picture. As a marine broker, Stride Lending Group works across a broader range of lenders, so you get a more complete view of what's available.

Understanding Boat Loan Interest Rates and LVR

The boat finance interest rate you're offered will depend on a number of factors, including the type of vessel, whether the loan is secured, the loan term, and your financial profile. The boat loan LVR, or loan-to-value ratio, refers to how much you're borrowing relative to the value of the boat. A lower LVR generally means a lower interest rate, because the lender is taking on less risk. If you're able to put together a reasonable boat loan deposit, this can work in your favour when it comes to the rate you're offered.

Stride Lending Group can help you understand how to maximise your borrowing capacity while keeping your repayments manageable. This means looking at your income, existing commitments, and the overall loan structure to find something that works for you long-term.

Thinking Beyond the Purchase Price

Owning a boat comes with ongoing costs that are worth factoring in from the start. Mooring costs and marina fees can add up significantly depending on where you keep your vessel, and these are real expenses that affect your overall budget. While Stride Lending Group focuses on the finance side of things, we always encourage clients to think about the full cost of ownership so there are no surprises down the track.

Boat Refinancing and Existing Loans

If you already own a boat and you're paying more than you'd like on your current loan, boat refinancing could be worth exploring. Refinancing involves replacing your existing loan with a new one, ideally with a more suitable interest rate or loan structure. Stride Lending Group can review your current arrangement and help you understand whether refinancing makes sense for your situation.

For those with more complex financial circumstances, low doc loan options may also be available, depending on the lender and the nature of the purchase. This can be particularly relevant for self-employed clients or those with non-standard income.

Yacht financing and luxury boat purchases often involve larger loan amounts and may require additional documentation or a more detailed assessment. Stride Lending Group has experience supporting clients through these kinds of transactions and can help ensure the process is handled properly.

Whether you're buying a recreational boat for the family, funding a commercial fishing operation, or exploring marine finance for a luxury yacht, Stride Lending Group is here to help you find a loan that fits. We work with lenders across the country and take the time to understand your situation before recommending anything. You can also explore our maritime loans page for more information on commercial and specialised vessel finance, or take a look at our asset finance options if your needs extend beyond marine lending.

Our Simple Process

Step 1: Initial Conversation
We start with a no-obligation chat to understand what you are looking for. Whether you are buying your first home, investing in property, or refinancing an existing loan, this is your chance to ask questions and tell us about your goals. We listen first so we can help better.

Step 2: Understanding Your Financial Position
Next, we take a closer look at your financial situation. This includes your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Do not worry if things feel complicated - we guide you through every part of this step and explain what we need and why.

Step 3: Exploring Your Options
With a clear picture of your finances, we search across a wide panel of lenders to find products that suit your needs. We compare interest rates, fees, features, and flexibility so you do not have to.

Step 4: Our Recommendation
We present you with our recommended options in plain language. No jargon, no pressure. We walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Step 5: Preparing Your Application
Once you are happy with a product, we handle the paperwork. We prepare your application carefully and make sure everything is in order before it goes to the lender. This helps avoid delays and improves your chances of approval.

Step 6: Lodgement and Approval
We lodge your application and manage communication with the lender on your behalf. We keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things stand. If the lender needs anything extra, we sort it out quickly.

Step 7: Settlement and Beyond
Once your loan is approved and settled, our job is not done. We stay in touch to make sure your loan continues to work for you. As your circumstances change, we are here to review your situation and explore new opportunities when the time is right.

Hear From Our Clients

Rated 5.0 from 11 Reviews

Review from Google

Highly recommend! The whole process was smooth, professional and stress free from start to finish. Great communication and Ricky worked hard to get the deal across the line when it mattered most. Couldn’t be happier.

Matt Canny

Review from Google

Ricky was fantastic during the whole process, not a stress & made the process so easy. Completed all my requests in a timely manner & would highly recommened there service. 10/10

troy scouller

Review from Google

Ricky was very helpful and efficient. Kept me up to date on everything and the whole process was completed very quickly. Would highly recommend

Jade Thomas

Review from Google

Ricky was super helpful with organising a Ute loan for my business! Highly recommend his services.

Lucas Jones

Got Questions?

What happens if my application is declined?

A declined application is not the end of the road. Different lenders have different criteria, and what one lender says no to, another might view differently. At Stride Lending Group, if an application does not get approved, we will have an honest conversation with you about why that might have happened and what your options could look like going forward. Sometimes it is about timing, sometimes it is about how the application was structured, and sometimes there are steps you can take to strengthen your position before trying again. We are not here to give you false hope, but we are also not going to leave you without a clear picture of where things stand and what might be possible.

Are there any upfront costs involved in using Stride Lending Group?

At Stride Lending Group, we are transparent about how we work and how we are paid. In most cases, brokers receive a commission from the lender when a loan is settled, which means there is often no direct fee charged to you as the client. However, every situation is different, and in some cases fees may apply. We will always be upfront with you about this before you commit to anything. We believe you should know exactly what you are getting into before you sign anything, and that includes understanding any costs involved in the process. If you have questions about fees, just ask us and we will give you a straight answer.

Does applying for asset finance affect my credit score?

Yes, applying for credit can have an impact on your credit file. When a lender does a full credit check, it leaves a record called a credit enquiry. If you have too many enquiries in a short period of time, it can affect how lenders view your application. This is one of the reasons working with a broker like Stride Lending Group can be helpful. Rather than applying to multiple lenders yourself and racking up enquiries, we assess your situation first and approach the most suitable lenders for your circumstances. We aim to reduce the number of unnecessary credit hits on your file by being strategic about where we submit your application.

What information will I need to provide when applying for asset finance?

The information required can vary depending on the lender and the size of the loan, but generally speaking, you can expect to provide things like proof of identity, details about the asset you want to finance, and information about your financial position. For businesses, this might include tax returns, business activity statements, or financial statements. For smaller loans, some lenders offer low-doc options that require less paperwork. At Stride Lending Group, we will walk you through exactly what is needed for your specific situation so you are not scrambling around trying to figure out what to gather. We make the process as clear as we can from the start.

How long does the asset finance process take?

The timeline can vary depending on the lender, the type of asset, and how straightforward your application is. Some applications can be assessed within a day or two, while others that involve more complex financials or higher-value assets may take longer. At Stride Lending Group, we work to keep things moving as efficiently as possible. We will let you know upfront what information is needed, help you pull it together, and stay on top of the lender throughout the process. We will also keep you updated along the way so you are never left wondering what is happening with your application.

What are the different types of asset finance products available?

There are a few different ways to structure asset finance, and the right one depends on your situation. Common options include chattel mortgage, finance lease, operating lease, hire purchase, and novated lease. Each one works a little differently in terms of who owns the asset, how repayments are structured, and what the tax implications might be. For example, a chattel mortgage means you own the asset from day one, while a finance lease means the lender technically owns it during the loan term. Because these products can have different outcomes for your business, it is worth speaking with your accountant about which structure suits you before you commit to anything.

Who can apply for asset finance?

Asset finance is available to a broad range of people and businesses. This includes sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts. Whether you have been in business for decades or you are just getting started, there may be options available to you. Lenders will generally look at things like your credit history, your business financials, and the type of asset you are looking to finance. At Stride Lending Group, we work with clients across all kinds of industries and business stages. We will have an honest conversation with you about your situation and help you understand what options might be available, without any pressure or confusing finance-speak.

How is Stride Lending Group different from going directly to a bank?

When you go directly to a bank, you are only seeing what that one lender has to offer. If it does not suit you, you are back to square one. Stride Lending Group has relationships with a panel of lenders, which means we can look across multiple options and find one that lines up with your circumstances. We also understand how different lenders assess applications, so we can help you put your best foot forward when it comes to presenting your situation. On top of that, we are here to explain things in plain English, answer your questions without the jargon, and make sure you feel confident about what you are signing up for.

What kinds of assets can be financed through Stride Lending Group?

Asset finance covers a wide range of equipment and purchases. At Stride Lending Group, we work with clients looking to finance things like vehicles, trucks, trailers, earthmoving equipment, manufacturing equipment, medical equipment, and general business equipment. Whether you are a sole trader buying your first work ute or a business looking to expand your fleet or upgrade your machinery, asset finance could be a way to get what you need without tying up your cash. If you are not sure whether what you need falls into this category, just give us a call and we can have a straightforward chat about your situation.

What is an asset finance broker and what do they actually do?

An asset finance broker acts as the go-between for you and a range of lenders. Instead of you spending hours ringing banks and filling out the same forms over and over, a broker does the legwork on your behalf. At Stride Lending Group, we talk to multiple lenders, compare what they are offering, and present you with options that suit your situation. Think of it like having someone in your corner who knows how the lending world works and can speak the language for you. We handle the paperwork, the back-and-forth with lenders, and keep you in the loop the whole way through so you always know where things stand.

Ready to Talk Boat Finance?

Stride Lending Group works with clients nationwide to find boat loan options that suit real people and real budgets. Book an appointment with our team and let's talk through what's possible for you.

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