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Boat Financing and Marine Loan Options in California

10 of the 420 boat dealers we track in California have on-site boat financing options. Full listings for every city are on the California page.

10dealers
7cities
420dealers statewide

This section directory features marine dealerships, brokers, and lenders offering financing programs for new and pre-owned watercraft. Marine loans differ from standard auto financing, often offering extended repayment terms up to 20 years for qualified buyers. Before applying, gather your recent tax documents, check your credit score, and ensure the vessel meets age restrictions set by marine lenders.

San Diego 3

  1. Ballast Point Yachts, Inc.

    1239 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106

    Used boatsService deptFinancing
  2. Carefree Boat Club

    4980 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92106-2370

    Service dept
  3. Cruising Yachts

    1880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101-1019

    New boatsUsed boatsFinancing

Marina del Rey 2

  1. Cruising Yachts Inc

    13442 Bali Way #200, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

    Used boatsFinancing
  2. Buzz Stoddard Yacht Sales

    13505 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292-6965

    Used boatsFinancing

Alameda 1

  1. Cruising Yachts

    1070 Marina Village Pkwy Ste 208, Alameda, CA 94501

    New boatsUsed boatsFinancing

Discovery Bay 1

  1. California Boat Co.

    5901 Marina Rd Ste 13, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

    Tue 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-5pm, Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm

    New boatsUsed boatsService deptPartsFinancingStorage

Hemet 1

  1. Last Chance Performance Marine

    601 S Sanderson Ave, Hemet, CA 92545-3657

    Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 10am-3pm

    New boatsUsed boatsService deptPartsFinancing

Newport Beach 1

  1. Cruising Yachts Inc.

    1600 W Coast Hwy Ste E, Newport Beach, CA 92663

    New boatsUsed boatsFinancing

Rancho Cordova 1

  1. Superior Boat Repair & Sales

    11337 Pyrites Way, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-4416

    Mon 8am-5pm, Tue 8am-5pm, Wed 8am-5pm, Thu 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm

    New boatsUsed boatsService deptPartsFinancing
Check loan size minimums: Repayment terms exceeding 10 years typically require a minimum loan amount of $25,000 to $50,000.

Also in California

Good to know

What credit score is needed for a boat loan?

Most marine lenders require a minimum credit score of 660 for standard approval, while prime rates are typically reserved for scores of 720 and above. Applicants with credit scores between 600 and 650 may qualify through specialized lenders but should anticipate higher interest rates and down payments up to 20%. Lenders also evaluate your debt-to-income ratio, which ideally should remain under 45%.

What are standard interest rates and loan terms for boats?

Average marine loan interest rates generally fall between 7% and 12%, depending on creditworthiness, loan amount, and vessel age. Loan terms typically range from 10 to 15 years for amounts between $15,000 and $50,000, while loans over $100,000 can stretch to 20 years. Older vessels (over 10 to 15 years old) usually cap repayment terms at 5 to 7 years.

How much down payment is required for boat financing?

Standard down payment requirements range from 10% to 20% of the total purchase price, including sales tax and registration fees. High-value vessels over $100,000 or older pre-owned models frequently require a strict 15% to 20% down payment. Zero-down options exist primarily for well-qualified buyers with credit scores above 750 purchasing new models through manufacturer promotion programs.

How to register a boat?

Boat registration is handled by state natural resources or motor vehicle departments upon submitting proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and required registration fees. After processing, you will receive official registration numbers and validation decals to display on your hull. Marine agencies across California are available via BoatDealerAtlas with 10 local resources to guide your purchase.

How to get a boating license?

Obtaining a boating license generally requires completing an approved safe boating course online or in person, followed by passing a knowledge exam. Upon passing, state authorities issue a boater safety education card valid for life. Explore 10 marine services in California on BoatDealerAtlas for local safety course recommendations.