Among the things you should do when looking to get a boat loan is to consider the pros and cons of this kind of financial commitment.
Here are some pros of getting a boat loan:
Flexibility. Boat loans offer flexibility in terms of loan terms, interest rates, and payment schedules, so you can choose the loan that best fits your budget and needs. You also have a choice of different lending institutions.
Access to funds. Rather than saving up a large sum of money to pay for a boat in full, you can instead use a boat loan to spread payments out over a specified term. This makes boat ownership more accessible and affordable.
Low-interest rates for those with good financial history and credit. If you have good credit and a solid financial history, you may be able to secure a boat loan with a low-interest rate, making it more affordable to finance your boat purchase.
Possible tax benefits. For some borrowers, the interest paid on a boat loan may be tax-deductible, providing a financial benefit.
Here are the cons of getting a boat loan:
Another debt to repay. If you take out a boat loan, you now have another financial obligation. Be sure you have considered your budget before signing the paperwork.
Interest rates. Boat loans, like many other loans, have interest. Unless you pay off the loan rapidly, those interest rates are going to add more to the overall cost of the boat.
You may be required to provide a sizeable down payment. Some boat loans may require a down payment, which can be a significant upfront cost that you’ll need to budget for. The down payment may be larger for those with less than stellar credit.
Risk of repossession. If you’re unable to make payments on your boat loan, the lender may repossess the boat to recoup their losses, leaving you without the boat and still owing money on the loan.
Depreciation. Boats lose their value over the years, meaning that your boat may eventually be worth less than what you owe on it.
Are There Any Alternatives to Boat Loans?
Having gone through the dos and don’ts of boat loans, you may be wondering if there are other ways to purchase a boat that doesn’t require a loan. There are some alternatives to consider:
Personal loans. If your credit is decent, you may be able to apply for a personal loan to finance your yacht purchase. On the downside, personal loans have a higher interest rate than secured loans, but you do not risk repossession, since no collateral is required. Plus, personal loans offer flexibility when it comes to repayment schedules.
Boat leases. Some boat dealers may offer lease options for boats, allowing you to use the yacht for a set period of time and then return it to the dealer at the end of the lease term. Lease options may be a good choice for those who want to use a boat for a short period of time or who are unsure if they want to commit to owning a boat long-term.
Cash payment. For those who have enough money to pay for a boat outright, a full cash payment may be the most suitable option. Again, you must consider the financial burden this could cause.
Home equity loans. If you own a home, you may be able to borrow against that equity. Home equity loans typically have lower interest rates than personal loans, but they require you to use your home as collateral.
Looking for a Flexible Boat Loan?
Now that you understand the dos and don’ts of boat loans, remember that most of the process is in the preparation. Make sure you have everything in order, including your credit score and history, employment, budget, and debt-to-income ratio. Avoid anything that may change your ability to handle any financial changes, and never sign a loan document before reviewing the fine print. Atlantic Horizon Capital has plenty of boat loan options for aspiring boat owners. Our experienced team can help you acquire a boat loan and have you sailing the high seas on your new vessel in no time. Contact us today or start filling out your boat loan application.
