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Best boat loans for December 2025

Updated Dec. 04, 2025

What to know first: The best unsecured boat loans offer rates as low as 6.49% for well-qualified borrowers. To find the best of the best, Bankrate experts made sure each lender offers competitive rates overall, generous repayment terms and a range of loan amounts.

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Best for buying boat accessories
PERSONAL LOAN
Upgrade
4.6
7.74- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Min credit score
600
$313
Loan amount
$1k-$50k
Not disclosed
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for low or no credit
PERSONAL LOAN
Upstart
4.7
6.50- 35.99%
Min credit score
300
$307
Loan amount
$1k-$75k
Not disclosed
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for cosigners
PERSONAL LOAN
Achieve
4.5
8.99- 29.99%
Min credit score
640
$318
Loan amount
$5k-$50k
Not disclosed
Read our reviewArrow Right
on Bankrate
See details
Best for peer-to-peer loans
PERSONAL LOAN
Prosper
4.5
Not disclosed
Min credit score
Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Loan amount
$2k-$50k
Not disclosed
Read our reviewArrow Right
See details
|
Best for buying a luxury boat
PERSONAL LOAN
SoFi
4.7
8.74- 35.49%
with all discounts
Min credit score
300
$317
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
4.2
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best overall boat loan
PERSONAL LOAN
LightStream
4.5
6.49- 13.89%
Min credit score
660
$307
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
Not disclosed
See offersArrow Right
See details

How Bankrate works

Woman looking for rates
01

Compare rates

Our team researched the best boat loan options available so you can compare lenders in one place.

02

Tell us the basics

Fill out a quick form to be matched with boat loan lenders that meet your needs. The details you provide are for prequalification purposes only and will not impact your credit score.

03

Get matched and receive funding

Choose a boat loan from a Bankrate partner and receive your funds if you qualify.

A closer look at our top boat loan lenders

Upgrade: Best for buying boat accessories

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
7.74%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
1.85%-9.99%
Pros
  • Secured and joint loans offered
  • Rate discounts
  • Low loan amount minimum
Cons
  • No payment date flexibility
  • Origination fee
  • Creditworthiness requirements not disclosed
WHO'S IT FOR:

Upgrade’s small loan amount minimum makes it a good choice for buying accessories, from waterproof first-aid kits to fish finders and boat grills. It caters to borrowers with fair credit and offers rate discounts for borrowers who qualify — plus, there are joint and secured loan options.

Upstart: Best for low or no credit 

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
6.50%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$75k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 12%
Pros
  • May qualify with no credit history
  • Low minimum loan amount
  • Quick funding
Cons
  • Potentially large origination fee
  • Limited repayment term options
  • No rate discount for autopay
WHO'S IT FOR:

Individuals with low credit who need a small or midsize boat loan. Good credit borrowers may also find it a good option to snag among the lowest minimum APRs offered by Bankrate-reviewed boat lenders.

Achieve: Best for cosigners

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
640
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
1.99%-8.99%
Pros
  • Allows co-signers
  • Fast funding
  • Personal loan consultant
Cons
  • Not available in every state
  • Minimum credit score of 640 required
  • Origination fee
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want to boost a fair credit score and consolidate a minimum of $5,000 of debt will most likely benefit from an improved credit score if they pay off credit card balances. Individuals with a qualifying co-signer could also benefit from the lender's co-signer rate discount.

Prosper: Best for peer-to-peer loans

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
Not disclosed
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
-
Origination fee
1%-9.99%
Pros
  • Joint applications allowed
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Open to fair credit borrowers
Cons
  • Multiple fees including origination
  • High maximum interest rate
  • No rate discount for autopay
WHO'S IT FOR:

You may have a better shot at approval since Prosper puts your application in front of several different lenders. You can also apply jointly to qualify for a newer or larger boat if your income isn’t enough flying solo. The peer-to-peer model is often more inclusive of borrowers across the credit range.

SoFi: Best for buying a luxury boat

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
8.74%–35.49%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Optional fee up to 7%
Pros
  • Mobile app and seven-day-a-week customer service
  • Unique borrower perks
  • Joint applications allowed
Cons
  • High minimum loan amount
  • High maximum APR
  • Optional fees up to 7 percent
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who have sufficient monthly income or a recent job offer who want to finance a larger boat. The lender doesn’t currently set a minimum credit score requirement, making it a good choice if you’ve gotten shot down by a boat dealership lender.

LightStream: Best overall boat loan

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
6.49%–13.89%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
660
Loan term
2-12 yrs
Origination fee
None
Pros
  • Longer terms
  • High maximum amount
  • Low minimum and maximum APRs
Cons
  • Requires very good to excellent credit
  • No ability to prequalify
  • Fixed due date
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with good to excellent credit and a high income will be more likely to qualify for the largest amounts available.

Current boat loan rates

Unsecured boat loan rates vary depending on the lender, with most ranging from 7% to 36%. Rates for secured boat loans will be similar — although it may be easier to qualify for lower rates with a secured boat loan if you have less-than-perfect credit.

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Keep in mind that boat loans can be personal loans by another name. Bankrate’s top-rated borrowing options are all from online lenders that compete with banks, credit unions and boat financing companies.

Personal loan interest rates have trended downward for three consecutive quarters but have remained elevated since 2023, according to Federal Reserve data. Rates are influenced by the Fed’s policymaking, but lenders specializing in boat loans could also adjust APRs — or offer promotional discounts — depending on consumer demand and inventory (in the case of dealer financing). 

Personal loans are more commonly unsecured, meaning that you qualify and are quoted an APR based on your creditworthiness (or that of your cosigner or co-borrower). Loans exclusively buying a boat, on the other hand, are more often secured. That means the boat would serve as the collateral for the debt — and could be seized if you struggle in repayment. In both cases, the better your credit, the lower your interest rate.

Calculate your monthly boat loan payment

How to compare boat loans

What makes a lender best for a boat loan depends on your plans for boat ownership. When choosing the best boat loan lender, consider factors like the lender's minimum requirements, maximum loan amount and total cost.

  • Learn the lending requirements: Know the lender's credit score minimum, fees, loan amount range and term lengths before you apply. This can help you choose lenders that are more likely to offer you terms you can afford.
  • Check for lender perks: Banks and credit unions may streamline the boat loan process or offer rate discounts if you’re a regular customer. Some lenders may also give you special rate discounts if you sign up for autopay. 
  • Compare rates and terms: The annual percentage rate (APR) and terms may vary significantly between secured and unsecured lenders. That said, a high credit score and stable income typically get you the best rates and terms, regardless of if you choose a secured or unsecured loan.
  • Add fees to the loan amount, if applicable: Some unsecured personal loan lenders charge double-digit fees which are deducted from your loan proceeds. Adjust your loan amount so you don’t come up short when you need to deliver funds to the boat seller. 

Bankrate tip for used boat loans

If you prefer a used boat, be sure to check the lender's age and model requirements beforehand. Some secured lenders may not finance a pre-owned boat, making unsecured loans a better choice.

How to get a boat loan

  1. Create a budget. 

    Research how much a boat costs to purchase and maintain and calculate how much you can afford. Besides the monthly payment, consider how much cash you’ll need for a down payment if you plan to buy a new one from a dealership. If you can’t afford to own a boat or only want to use it once or twice a year for a few days, consider renting a boat instead.

  2. Check your credit score and employment stability. 

    Like any loan, the best credit scores will get you the lowest rates, largest loan amounts and longer terms. You’ll also need to document a steady income to qualify.

  3. Decide on the type of boat you want. 

    A new boat will typically come with a high price tag, a down payment requirement and a secured loan. If you’re buying used, it may be easier to budget for an unsecured loan since the loan isn’t based on the boat’s features. 

  4. Shop around. 

    Look at multiple lenders before completing full applications. Make sure you meet the basic credit score requirements and that the lender offers a loan for the amount you need. From there, create a list of the top three to four lenders. 

  5. Prequalify for financing

    Find lenders that allow you to prequalify for a loan first. Prequalification is a process that allows you to check your predicted interest rates and approval odds without any negative impact on your credit score.

  6. Compare offers and apply. 

    Banks, credit unions and marine dealer finance companies usually require that you be present for certain portions of the process. After applying, most lenders let you know within minutes if you’re qualified. Funding timelines will vary by lender and loan security.

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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Is a boat loan a good idea?


Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student Loans

If a boat is a luxury, as opposed to a necessity, buying a boat with a boat loan may not be a good idea. You may have trouble making the loan payments. The value of the boat will depreciate over time. There will also be ongoing costs involved in keeping the boat even if you don’t use it, such as insurance, maintenance and storage. You may be better off renting a boat if you don’t use the boat very frequently.

Writer and Consumer Lending Analyst

A boat loan may only be a good idea if you have the credit to land a low APR, the budget to sail through repayment and the financial footing to handle any unforeseen mishap. If that describes you, account for the ongoing costs of boat ownership, from maintenance to storage, and choose the shortest repayment term you can afford. Otherwise, borrowing — whether it’s a boat loan or any type of financing — may best be avoided. Falling behind in repayment can wreck your credit and, in the case of secured loans, mean losing your watercraft. Even if owning a boat is your life’s passion, consider the merits of budgeting, saving up and paying for it in cash.

Frequently asked questions about boat loans

How we made our picks for the best boat loans

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

To select the best boat loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 30 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories:

Denny Ceizyk
Written by
Former Senior Writer, Loans
Read more from Denny

Denny Ceizyk is a former senior writer for Bankrate, who drew on his 30 years of experience in loan sales and as a personal finance writer to help consumers navigate the lending landscape on their financial journeys.
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Credentials
  • Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO)
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Expertise
  • Personal loans
  • Debt management

Kellye Guinan
Edited by
Kellye Guinan
Editor, Personal Loans and Auto Loans
Mark Kantrowitz
Reviewed by
Mark Kantrowitz
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student Loans