Financing A Boat Once you decide to buy a boat, you'll find yourself wondering how you are going to pay for it. This type of purchase will involve some type of financing, whether it's a credit line through the home, an unsecured loan, or a boat line. Choosing the right financing source can be just as important as choosing the right boat. When choosing a source of financing, there are several things to consider. The first factor is how long you plan to keep the boat. If you are buying a first boat, it'll make more sense to find a loan that will be flexible enough for an early payoff via private party or even a trade in. If you are purchasing the boat of your dreams, you should expect to have it financed for a long time which makes it important to get a fixed rate loan with terms that allow for a low monthly payment. Another factor you'll need to consider is the down payment. Most lenders or dealers would like to see at least ten percent down. Zero down payments do exist for those with good enough credit. Normally, the down payment doesn't significantly change the monthly payment for your boat loan. Choosing the right type of boat loan is a very important part of the entire buying process. You can start with a boat finance brokerage, which will show you how each one of the available options fit into your profile. Doing this will give you the knowledge and ability you need to find the loan that best fits you and your budget. The, you can concentrate on the important things - taking your new boat out on the water. (word count 281) PPPPP