Boat Buyer’s Guide launched by Promarine Finance

So, you want to buy a boat. Ever wondered if there is a complete guide to boat ownership that will assist you from the very early stages of researching boats to buy through to actually purchasing the boat and enjoying life as a boat owner? Look no further. In our boat buyer’s guide, you’ll find everything you need to start your boat buying journey.

In the six chapters detailed in the guide, we take you through the various stages of becoming a boat owner, ensuring you have all of the information you need.

Depending on where you are in your boat buying process, you can select the chapter that you require.

Chapter One: the basic things you need to know before buying a boat

In this chapter, you’ll find the basics of boat buying. From identifying the right boat for your budget; to the different avenues to boat ownership; to surveys, insurance, and storage information, you’ll find it here.

As a team of boat lovers and seasoned members of the boating community, we want to help as many people as possible buy the boat of their dreams with boat finance or a marine mortgage. Here’s what you need to know.

Chapter Two: the documentation you will need when you buy a boat

In this section, you’ll find all of the information you need regarding the documentation you must have when buying a boat and becoming a boat owner.

We give the lowdown on the paperwork you need, as well as going through the various surveys available and certificates you require.

Chapter Three: things to look for when buying a boat and tips on price negotiation

Here you’ll find all of the information and some top tips when setting up a viewing and taking your potential new boat purchase for a test drive. From arranging a viewing and what items to test, to sea trials and price negotiation, we take you through each item step by step.

Chapter Four: what you need to know about the boat buying process

In this section, you’ll find the information you need when purchasing the boat you have selected to buy. This includes the surveys you’ll need to conduct, insurance, mooring, and storage considerations as well as finance options.

Chapter Five: other things to consider when buying your boat

In this section, you’ll find all of the other considerations you may need to think about when buying a boat. These include the process of buying a boat abroad, buying second-hand, the types of equipment you may need to purchase and the ongoing maintenance costs of running a boat.

Chapter Six: tips on how to get the most out of being a boat owner

Congratulations, you’re a boat owner! Whether you’re a first-time boat-owner or you’ve had experience with owning a vessel before – it’s an exciting time!

Now you’ll be looking for ways to enjoy boat ownership, to get the most out of your boat, and getting out on the water in and around the UK. This chapter covers improving your boating skills, the best events to attend in the UK, useful resources to visit for boat owners, and a directory of UK businesses, groups, and governing bodies that may be useful.

You can view the boat buyer’s guide here.

Promarine Finance to give an introduction to boat finance at BoatLife

The Promarine Finance team is excited to be making waves at the first high-profile boating event of the year in February 2022 with a talk on boat finance.

BoatLife, hosted at Birmingham’s NEC, is a new show set to bring together the biggest brands in marine.

As well as exhibiting at the show from 17-19 February 2022, Stuart Austin, founder and MD at Promarine Finance, will be joining interviewer Mark Covell on the sofa at the show to talk all things boat finance.

Join Stuart at the BoatLife Live Stage for ‘An Introduction to Boat Finance’ at 2pm on Friday 17 February.

Stuart will chat to Mark about changes to the marine sector since the 2008 financial crash; provide an overview of the boat finance process, and outline the involvement of the lender.

Stuart, who founded Promarine Finance more than a decade ago, said: “During the pandemic, while people were unable to travel abroad, exploring the UK’s waters became a popular alternative.

“A lot has changed over the past few years, with several lenders exiting the market, liveaboard vessels growing in popularity, and boats appreciating in value for the first time.

“In our experience, boat ownership has been rapidly growing in popularity, and we want to help more people realise their dreams of buying a boat of their own.”

After the talk, there will be a chance to ask any questions you have about the boat finance industry or securing a marine mortgage of your own.

Stuart added: “Marine finance is an affordable way to get out on the water, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned boater. And more importantly, it helps buyers do so in a cost-effective and easily manageable way. We want to educate boat lovers on the options they have.”

You can find Promarine Finance at stand G60 from 17-19 February at The NEC, Birmingham.

Promarine Finance reports 65 percent increase in liveaboards since start of pandemic

Homebuyers are swapping traditional homes for liveaboards as the housing market hits record highs, the cost of living soars and purchasers look for alternative ways of living without compromising a step on the housing ladder.

Leading marine finance lender, Promarine Finance has seen a 65 percent increase in the number of liveaboards in the two years since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. 

With the average UK property cost was £270,708 in the most recent House Price Index data from November 2021 and for London this was £519,934, it’s no surprise that the costs of canal and narrowboat living are attractive. The average cost of a narrowboat sits at £57,000 with more modern boats up to £150,000 and although there are further fees of residential mooring, your Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate and insurance, if you maintain your boat, it will hold its value.

Inflation is at a 30 year high with the rise in food costs and energy bills with gas and electricity costs set to rise further in the spring with the end of the government’s price cap. Choosing a liveaboard vessel despite having limited space and storage, it promotes a minimalist way of living teamed with a relaxing pace of life while cutting on bills.

Promarine Finance offers fixed and variable rate marine mortgages for all types of leisure vessels including new and used RIBs, motorboats, sailing yachts and canal boats over periods of two to 10 years where the finance is secured against the vessel. It can offer finance from £5,000-£500,000 with flexible repayment terms allowing customers to make extra payments or to settle at any time without penalty.

Stuart Austin, director of Promarine Finance, said: “It’s great to see such consistent growth when reflecting on the last two years since the pandemic started. It’s clear there is a real trend of people choosing to live on vessels over traditional homes whether that’s due to the rising cost of living, a way to get on the housing ladder or simply as an alternative lifestyle. 

“We are the only company financing liveaboards and I think a big part of our growth is our willingness to offer early settlements without penalty which offers true flexibility.”

Stuart continues: “Marine finance is a simple way to obtain something valuable and spread the cost across monthly payments that suit you, so that it becomes affordable. Younger buyers want to get on the property ladder and boat ownership is a practical and affordable alternative to renting. We want to help people get the right boat, without the cost being the most defining factor.”

Find out more.

Promarine Finance reports 45 percent growth in Q3 2021

Leading marine finance lender, Promarine Finance has seen a 45 percent growth in Q3 compared to the same period in 2020.

Promarine Finance offers fixed-rate marine mortgages for all types of leisure vessels including new and used RIBs, motorboats, sailing yachts, and canal boats over periods of two to 10 years where the finance is secured against the vessel. It can offer finance from £5,000-£500,000 with flexible repayment terms allowing customers to make extra payments or to settle at any time without penalty.

One of the strongest growth areas is in the canal boat sector with the number of deals for this period showing a 93 percent year-on-year increase demonstrating the popularity of those choosing a liveaboard vessel as their home, a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down.

Stuart Austin, director of Promarine Finance, said: “I’m delighted to see consistent growth in Q3 and over the last 12 months as a whole. We’re providing finance on all types of deals from Saxdor 320s through to Elan 45s and also seeing more and more younger people making purchases whether those entering the market and only just getting into boating and those looking for a way onto the ‘housing ladder’. This period of growth has coincided with a very successful Southampton International Boat Show where we met with both new and existing customers.

“In 2020 we saw in the demand for boat finance for liveaboard vessels which demonstrated how behaviours were changing during the pandemic. However, this has continued to increase and shows what could be seen as a permanent shift towards liveaboard living. July 2021 saw an incredible increase of 250 percent compared with July 2020 and September saw a 100 percent increase compared with September 2020. Although some people were purchasing boats in 2020 for leisure due to not being able to go on holiday abroad, it’s the

popularity of people wanting liveaboard vessels for residential use which is really accelerating. We’re now seeing buyers purchase liveaboard vessels across the country, and not just in city centres, as an alternative and more cost-effective way of living.

“We are also the only company financing liveaboards and I think a big part of our growth is our willingness to offer early settlements without penalty which offers true flexibility.”

Stuart continues: “Marine finance is a simple way to obtain something valuable and spread the cost across monthly payments that suit you, so that it becomes affordable. Younger buyers want to get on the property ladder and boat ownership is a practical and affordable alternative to renting. We want to help people get the right boat, without the cost being the most defining factor.” For more information on marine finance visit Promarine’s website www.marine-finance.org

Promarine Finance is a leading provider of marine finance. To find out if you’re eligible, get a quote today.

10 things we learned at Southampton International Boat Show 2021

Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) recently took place for the first time since 2019, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the Promarine Finance team, and many other exhibitors and attendees, this was one of the first in-person events they’d attended in almost 18 months.

This year, Stuart and the team were more involved than ever before, with two Foredeck stage appearances, including providing a seminar on marine finance and sitting on the ‘Buy a Boat’ panel.

So, what did the team take away from this year’s event?

1. It was a busy show for boaters

The show was inundated with boaters from all over, looking to shop around, upgrade their vessels, or even purchase a boat for the very first time. It’s safe to say that the boating community has sorely missed in-person events — and was excited to be back.

2. COVID-19 restrictions didn’t put off serious buyers

While restrictions have eased, there is still, understandably, some uncertainty around large-scale events. SIBS ensured attendees provided proof of a negative lateral flow test, taken 48 hours prior to the show, so guests could be comfortable and safe. Attendees were happy to comply with this rule, and the new safety measures did not put serious buyers off.

3. Deals can still be made at in-person events

The shift to online purchases over the past 18 months has been vital — and there is certainly still a place for it. However, we were pleased to learn that a good, old-fashioned deal can still be made in person. This is great news for the industry as a whole.

4. Pre-approved finance enables buyers to confirm and secure their purchase


If you’re looking to finance a boat, then getting the finance pre-approved (before you start shopping for your dream boat) will help you secure your purchase — and speed up the overall process.  

5. Demand is up, and so are prices

Delays in building, shipping, and transportation of goods have caused prices to skyrocket in a number of industries, and the marine industry is no exception. Plus, an increase in staycations has meant a rise in demand for boats — both new and second-hand. For the first time ever, the boat prices are appreciating.

6. It’s more important than ever to have a full, pre-purchase survey

With the growing popularity of used boats, a pre-purchase survey is a must. Buying a boat should be a well-considered decision, and inspecting the boat should be a key part of that.

7. Part-exchange (PX) deals can be made

Fantastic news for existing boat owners: if you’re looking to upgrade your boat, we now offer part-exchange directly and through our broker partners. Get in touch and we can help find the right solution for you.

8. We saw more existing customers than ever before

It was fantastic to see so many Promarine customers stop by our stand to say hi. Helping to make their boating dreams come true is what it’s all about — so we were pleased to see more than ever before, at this year’s event.

9. We need a bigger stand!

A quick wander around Southampton International Boat Show will open your eyes to a number of impressive, creative and attention-grabbing stands. With the entire Promarine team out in full force, and tons of interested visitors, we quickly realised that a bigger stand is a must. Watch this space!

10. Competition is changing

The marine finance industry has seen a lot of changes over the past few months, with some of our previous competitors exiting the market, others falling behind the curve, and some new competition on the horizon.

Promarine Finance is a leading provider of marine finance. To find out if you’re eligible, get a quote today.