Funding Circle Marine Equipment Finance - Indicative Rates October 2026
| Scenario | APR Range | Max Term | Max LTV | Min Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine / electronics - strong credit | 8.9%–10.9% | 5 years | 70% | £5,000 |
| Sails / rigging / deck hardware | 10.9%–12.9% | 5 years | 65% | £5,000 |
| Mixed refit / complex credit | 12.9%–16.5% | 4 years | 60% | £5,000 |
Rates indicative for October 2026. Subject to lender criteria and individual circumstances.
Funding Circle Marine Equipment Finance - What You Need to Know
Funding Circle is the UK's largest peer-to-peer business lender and takes a different approach to marine equipment finance compared to traditional asset lenders. Rather than hiring purchase or finance lease structures, Funding Circle provides unsecured or lightly secured business loans - you own the equipment outright from the moment you purchase it, without the lender taking a charge over the asset.
This structure is particularly useful for businesses financing a mix of equipment and labour (refit projects often include both), since traditional HP lenders will only finance identifiable, tangible assets. Funding Circle can cover the full refit package including installation costs.
Rates from 8.9% APR are higher than mainstream asset lenders, and Funding Circle's maximum rate of 16.5% APR reflects their broader credit appetite. However, for the right business - trading 2+ years, reasonable credit, clear purpose - Funding Circle can be faster and simpler than traditional asset finance.
The 5-year maximum term and £5,000 minimum loan make Funding Circle accessible for a wide range of equipment and refit finance needs. Their digital application process is efficient and decisions are often available within 24 hours, which is particularly useful where an equipment purchase opportunity has a time-sensitive element.
Doulton Bridging Finance includes Funding Circle in its panel for marine equipment and refit finance, particularly where the project includes labour and installation costs that asset lenders cannot fund.
Strengths
- Funds full refit projects including labour and installation
- Fast decisions - often 24 hours
- Unsecured structure - immediate equipment ownership
- Min £5,000 - accessible for smaller purchases
Limitations
- Higher rates than traditional asset lenders
- Business borrowers only (2yr+ trading)
- 70% effective LTV
- Not traditional HP/lease structure