Close Brothers Business Finance - Charter Vessel Business Finance Overview
Close Brothers Business Finance is a key lender on the Doulton Bridging Finance panel for charter vessel business and fleet finance. Their hp/fleet lease structures are designed for commercial charter operators - yacht charter fleets, RIB charter businesses, speedboat hire, fishing charter, dive charter, motor launch charter, and sailing charter operations across the UK.
For October 2026, Close Brothers is offering rates from 7–11% on charter vessel business finance, with facilities from £50k–£3m, maximum LTV of 80%, and terms up to 10yr. These are indicative rates - final terms are subject to underwriting and your specific circumstances.
Charter vessel business finance differs fundamentally from leisure marine finance. Lenders assess applications on the revenue-generating capacity of the charter business, charter contracts, booking data, and DSCR - not on personal income. Doulton Bridging Finance specialises in presenting charter business cases to lenders in a way that maximises approval rates and negotiates the best possible terms.
Close Brothers Business Finance Charter Vessel Business Finance Rates - October 2026
| Product | Rate | Facility Amount | Max LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP/Fleet Lease | 7–11% | £50k–£3m | 80% | 10yr |
Rates correct October 2026. Indicative only - final rate subject to credit and underwriting assessment. Representative examples available on request.
Strengths of Close Brothers for Charter Vessel Finance
- Market-leading maximum of £3m makes Close Brothers the go-to for large charter fleet transactions
- Up to 80% LTV - highest in our charter panel, minimising deposit required for fleet acquisitions
- Both HP and fleet operating lease structures available; fleet lease suits operators wanting off-balance-sheet treatment
- 10-year maximum term significantly reduces monthly payments on large fleet facilities
Limitations to Consider
- Minimum £50k per facility - not suitable for a single small charter RIB acquisition below this
- Requires 2 years of filed accounts demonstrating commercial charter trading history
- Decision timeline for large fleet transactions can extend to 3–4 weeks due to complexity of security structure
Is Close Brothers Right for My Charter Vessel Finance?
The strongest option for established charter operators making significant fleet investments - multi-vessel yacht charter fleets, RIB charter businesses scaling up, and motor launch fleets. Also the best option for operators seeking the maximum LTV of 80% to preserve working capital.
If you are unsure whether Close Brothers is the right fit for your charter vessel finance, our team at Doulton Bridging Finance will assess your case and identify the most appropriate lender or combination of lenders. We work across the full charter vessel panel simultaneously to ensure you get the best available terms.
Compare All Charter Vessel Business Lenders
We work with nine specialist lenders for charter vessel business and fleet finance. View the full comparison:
- Close Brothers - 7–11%, £50k–£3m, 80% LTV
- Lombard - 6–10.5%, £500k+, 80% LTV
- Shawbrook - 7.5–13%, £75k–£1m, 75% LTV
- Nucleus - 8–15%, £25k–£500k, 70% LTV
- Hampshire Trust - 7.5–12.5%, £150k–£2m, 80% LTV
- Paragon - 7–12%, £75k–£1.5m, 75% LTV
- Ultimate Finance - 8–14%, £25k–£500k, 70% LTV
- NatWest - 5.5–9.5%, £500k+, 80% LTV
- Arkle Finance - 7–12%, £30k–£750k, 75% LTV
Or see our best charter vessel business finance rates comparison page.