Marine Finance
Yacht loans, motor cruiser finance and commercial vessel funding. Sterling and multi-currency facilities across the small handful of UK lenders genuinely active in marine.
Marine finance is its own world. We know it.
Marine finance is one of the most specialist corners of UK asset lending. There are perhaps a dozen lenders genuinely active in the market, split between the marine divisions of two or three private banks, a handful of dedicated marine finance houses and the rare appearance of a generalist asset lender willing to consider vessels. The structures, security packages, valuation methodology and tax treatment are unlike any other asset class.
We arrange marine finance across new and used yachts, motor cruisers, sailing yachts, superyachts, sport boats, RIBs, commercial vessels, charter fleets and workboats. Loans typically run from £100k for a smaller motor cruiser up to £25m+ for superyacht acquisitions, against UK, Channel Islands, Cayman, Marshall Islands and BVI flagged vessels.
Pricing and structure depend heavily on the vessel type, age, builder, flag, intended use (private vs charter) and the borrower's wider financial profile. Private banks lend on a relationship basis with a holistic view of net worth. Marine specialists lend transactionally against the vessel as primary security and the borrower's serviceability as secondary.
We work with both sides of that market. For high-net-worth private clients we approach the marine teams at the established private banks. For commercial operators, charter fleets and clients who don't want a deep banking relationship, we go to the dedicated marine specialists. Sterling, euro and dollar facilities all in scope.
What makes this work in practice
Yacht and motor cruiser
Princess, Sunseeker, Fairline, Azimut, Pershing, Riva, Ferretti, San Lorenzo and the wider new and brokerage market. Sterling and multi-currency, fixed and variable rate.
Sailing yacht
Performance and cruising sailing yachts from Oyster, Hallberg-Rassy, Hanse, Beneteau, Jeanneau and the bluewater specialist builders. Race programme and ocean-cruising fitouts welcome.
Superyacht acquisition
Larger acquisitions structured by the private banks on a relationship basis, often alongside other lending against property, investment portfolios or operating businesses.
Commercial and charter
Charter fleet vessels, day-charter operators, workboats and small commercial vessels. Commercial classification, MCA coding and intended use all factored into the structure.
Refinance and equity release
Refinance an existing marine loan onto better terms or release equity from a vessel owned outright. Often used to fund a refit, upgrade or the deposit on the next vessel.
Offshore flags and structures
Cayman, Marshall Islands, BVI, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man flagged vessels held in personal name, trust or corporate structure. We work with marine lawyers and tax advisers on the right setup.
Buying, refinancing or releasing equity from a vessel?
Send the vessel brokerage detail and a one-line on your funding profile. We will come back with the marine lenders genuinely interested and indicative terms. All conversations confidential.
Frequently asked questions
What is specialist finance?
Specialist finance covers funding for assets and sectors that sit outside mainstream lending - agricultural machinery, construction plant, commercial vehicle fleets, equestrian property, farm diversification and similar. Lenders in this space understand the asset and the industry, not just a credit score.
What assets can be financed?
New and used agricultural machinery, tractors, diggers and excavators, HGVs and trucks, vans and fleet vehicles, farm equipment, livestock facilities, equestrian buildings and land - essentially any identifiable income-producing or business-critical asset.
How is specialist finance structured?
Most commonly as hire purchase (you own the asset at the end) or finance lease (lender retains title and leases to you). Refinance and sale-and-leaseback options are also available to release capital from assets you already own.
What deposit and term applies?
Typical deposits are 10-20% of asset value. Terms run from 2 to 7 years depending on the asset's useful life and your preferred cash flow. Balloon payments can be structured in where helpful.
Can startups or new ventures access specialist finance?
Yes - specialist lenders routinely fund new-entrant farmers, newly-incorporated transport operators and first-time business asset buyers. Strong industry experience, a viable business plan and a reasonable deposit typically carry more weight than company trading history.
Explore related pages
Other Doulton specialisms and lenders that commonly fit alongside this one. We always compare the full 130+ lender panel before recommending a deal.
Specialist Finance
Agricultural, construction and commercial vehicle finance.
Learn moreVehicle Fleet Finance
Learn how our vehicle fleet finance solution works and what we can arrange.
Learn moreConstruction Equipment Finance
Learn how our construction equipment finance solution works and what we can arrange.
Learn moreEquestrian Finance
Learn how our equestrian finance solution works and what we can arrange.
Learn moreFarm Equipment Finance
Learn how our farm equipment finance solution works and what we can arrange.
Learn moreTruck Finance
Learn how our truck finance solution works and what we can arrange.
Learn more