BOATERS BLOG
At NBOA, we know that buying a boat is not a small task. From deciding which type of boat supports your lifestyle and what size boat fits your friends, family, and even four-legged fur babies, to finding excellent boat insurance and financing your boat purchase, there is a lot to consider and put on your to-do list. Luckily, NBOA has partnered to make financing a boat less daunting. We know you have a lot of questions, so to help answer a few of these and get you on the right track, our experts have compiled a guide to walk you through the process of securing an ideal loan to finance your boat.
Personal Loans VS. Boat Loans
Some people assume that a personal loan is a cheaper and easier way to go about financing a boat. Personal loans can be used to purchase just about anything, including a large boat purchase. So, why not take out a personal loan? Personal loans come in handy when making smaller, more inexpensive purchases that take seven years or less to pay off. These types of loans rely solely on your income and credit and discount any collateral you may have, making the interest rates of personal loans higher than most boat loans.
Boats are seen as a luxury and recreational purchase, unlike a home or car, and therefore, undergo more scrutiny. A secured boat loan ensures your needs are not only met but that you are in good hands with collateral and assets to back you up. Two other benefits of secured boat loans are that they generally come with a lower interest rate, and borrowers with a lower credit score or shaky financial history can still qualify. Offering boat loans with terms of up to 20 years, giving you the option for more affordable monthly payments and plenty of time to pay off your big purchase.
What is Pre-Approval, and Will it Affect My Credit?
Before seriously shopping and talking with boat dealers, it is wise to get pre-approved for a boat loan so you have an idea of how you will finance your boat purchase. This not only means that you can confidently shop around for the best boat that meets your lifestyle, desires, and needs at a price you know you can afford, but dealers will take you more seriously as a consumer. To make things even sweeter, getting pre-approved for a boat loan does not affect your credit score as it requires a soft credit check versus a hard credit check. You can https://www.nboat.com/programs/marine-financing.cfmget pre-approved for your boat loan quickly and easily with us at NBOA.
How to Get a Boat Loan
While your loan specialist will guide you through each step in detail, we decided to share a brief overview of what you can expect and how to prepare.
Step 1: Gather Documents
During your boat loan application and approval process, you may need to provide a few documents such as proof of income, tax returns, or other financial statements. Start gathering these items and have them ready to go before you sit down to apply. This way, preparing your application is sure to be quick and easy.
Step 2: Get Approved
When you apply for a boat loan with us, you can expect to receive same-day approval. This comes with customized rates, terms, and conditions that meet your personal needs, specific goals, and financial situation. Once you are notified of your approval, you have 30 days to secure your boat loan before the offer expires.
Step 3: Review Rates and Terms
The most crucial step in securing a boat loan is reviewing your rates, terms, and conditions before signing. Make sure you understand everything from the duration of your loan and monthly payments to the fine print. Leave no stone unturned and if something doesn’t look right, be sure to review your concerns with your loan specialist.
Step 4: Secure Your Boat Loan
Once everything is buttoned up and you are comfortable with the monthly payment schedule, it is time to secure your boat loan. You will need to provide your valid driver’s license, the boat seller’s contact information, boat title, lien pay-off, and insurance binder to receive your boat loan. Then, sign your paperwork, breathe a sigh of relief, and celebrate!
Step 5: Set Up Your Account
Setting up your online account is the final step of this process. Having an online account can make accessing your information, reviewing your loan terms, and making payments convenient and straightforward. Like any account with financial or sensitive personal information, it is vital to create a username and password that you can remember and is secure. Include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols that create a phrase only you will know.
No matter their type or size, boats are an important and substantial purchase and should be handled with care and deep consideration. Here at NBOA, we want to ensure your boat purchase has superior financing that not only fits your needs but makes buying a boat stress-free and exciting, as it should be! Click here to start the process of securing your boat loan.
FAQs on Boat Loans
What credit score is needed for a boat loan?
NBOA is proud to partner for our marine financing options. There is a wide selection of loans available for all credit profiles. While higher credit scores have more options, there is a boat loan for everyone.
How much is the average boat payment?
Boat payments depend on the type of boat you are looking for. In some cases, you can buy a brand new boat for around $250 a month, while a new personal watercraft can be as low as $125 a month.
Is it hard to get approved for a boat?
Prequalification makes the boat buying process much smoother. Getting approved for a boat loan is entirely dependent on your financial situation. Higher credit scores and more savings will make the process easier.
What do you need to get pre-approval for a boat loan?
Pre-approval is fairly simple, proof of identity, details about debts, proof of income, proof of employment, and other financial assets like savings accounts, stocks, etc are typically required.
How long does it take to get pre-approved for a boat loan?
Pre-approval can take anywhere from 2-4 business days.