Yacht finance lets you fund a purchase or borrow against a yacht you own. Specialist marine lenders typically advance around 50% of an independent survey valuation. The loan is secured against the yacht, which stays in your use. We arrange loans from over £25,000 to £50m+. Most cases take 2 to 4 weeks, and straightforward ones can be arranged in as little as 2 days. We work with private owners and high-net-worth individuals, owning companies and trusts, family offices and charter operators.
Loan-to-value
Typically around 50%
Loan size
Over £25k to £50m+
Arranged in
2 days to 4 weeks
Valuation
Independent marine survey
Confidentiality
NDA on request
Our role
Broker, not a lender
How does yacht finance work?
The lender takes a registered marine mortgage over the yacht, advances a percentage of its surveyed value and releases the mortgage when you repay. Before lending, it checks ownership, registration, flag state, condition and insurance, and for larger yachts the crew and management arrangements too.
Tell us about the yacht. Builder, model, year, flag and home port. Confidentially, under NDA if you prefer.
Terms from specialist marine lenders. Indicative terms first, so you can choose the lender that suits you.
Survey and due diligence. An independent marine surveyor inspects the yacht, and the lender confirms title, registration and insurance. Funds follow once the mortgage is registered.
What types of yacht can I borrow against?
Borrowing against other assets? We also arrange lending against fine art, aircraft, watches and other luxury assets. See luxury asset lending.
Can I keep using the yacht?
Yes. The yacht stays in your use, whether cruising privately or in charter management. You'll need to keep up the insurance, maintenance and any survey requirements, and some lenders limit cruising areas or ask to be told before the yacht leaves agreed waters.
Who uses yacht finance?
Owners, owning companies, family offices and charter operators. Common uses include funding a purchase without tying up capital, refinancing, releasing equity from a yacht owned outright and funding a refit.
Yacht finance FAQs
Can you fund a yacht purchase as well as refinance?
Yes. Lenders fund purchases of new and pre-owned yachts, and release equity from yachts already owned outright. New builds are financed on delivery, once the yacht is complete and surveyed.
What is the minimum loan?
We arrange loans over £25,000. Lenders advance only a percentage of the surveyed value, so the yacht needs to be worth comfortably more than the loan.
Can a company own and borrow against the yacht?
Yes. Many yachts are owned through a company or trust, and lenders are used to lending to these structures. Tell us who owns it when you enquire, as this affects which lenders can help.
Does the flag or where the yacht is kept matter?
Yes. The lender registers its mortgage in the yacht's flag state. The registry and cruising area affect which lenders can help, so tell us the flag and home port when you enquire.
How much can I borrow against a yacht?
We arrange yacht finance from over £25,000 to £50 million+. Lenders typically advance around 50% of the surveyed value, and sometimes more, depending on the yacht, its age and your circumstances.
How long does yacht finance take?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks, but straightforward cases can be arranged in as little as 2 days. The survey, ownership checks and insurance set the pace, and larger or more complex yachts take longer.
What does yacht finance cost?
Rates typically start from around 7% a year. They depend on the yacht, the loan size, the loan-to-value and your circumstances. There are also survey, legal and registration costs. Rates and fees vary by lender and case.
Can you finance a yacht in charter management?
Yes. Lenders look at the charter manager, the charter income and the insurance in place, and may set conditions on use and cruising areas.
How do I refinance a yacht loan?
A new lender repays your current one, and the old mortgage is discharged and a new one registered in the flag state. Expect a fresh survey and a redemption statement. Check for early repayment charges first. Refinancing can lower the rate, extend the term or release extra cash.
Tell us about the yacht. A specialist will call you, and we can sign an NDA before you share details. Loans over £25,000.
No obligation. We are a broker and may receive commission from lenders.