Sold my previous skiff.
Looking to go through the design build process with Sabine (Brian Little) out of Seabrook.

I'd like to speak with 2 or 3 marine lenders to shop a loan.

Who do yall use?
Who would you avoid?

Thanks in advance.

Most of the dealers will have their own financial source for boat loans. They do this to make money on the back side and negotiate interest rates. A dealers relationship with a bank will oftentimes benefit the boat buyer and allow much better rates.

I'm not familiar with your guy but assume he is the manufacturer and sells direct without a dealer involved. He should have a relationship with a lender and be able to negotiate a good rate for you if he has been building and selling boats for awhile.

He said he's had several customers, and a couple multiple-purchase customers use LightStream.

Bank of the west used to have some good rates. No clue now though.

Geno said:

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He said he's had several customers, and a couple multiple-purchase customers use LightStream.

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I used LightStream when I bought my Sabine and it was great. Actually got a lower rate from them than any bank or credit union I checked out. Plus, LightStream is unsecured so you hold title to you boat rather than the bank.

Southeast Financial handles alot of boat and RV loans.

I went through United Heritage Credit Union. I got a 4.99% interest rate and that was about the best I could find about 6 months ago on a used boat. The process was fairly pain free and they were easy to deal with. I didn't take out a very large loan amount.

Which boat did you go with?

Brian has me pretty well lined up for a Versatile Guide.

Have pics? Going down to his shop Thursday to get hands on

I feel like Navy Federal is the obvious choice

I'll second Southeast Financial. The process was straight forward and quick, with very competitive interest rates. My actual loan was issued thru Medallion Bank out in UT I believe. A couple DocuSign docs back and forth and one zoom call and it was done. Zero problems and would definitely use them again if in the market for another boat.

Geno said:

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Which boat did you go with?

Brian has me pretty well lined up for a Versatile Guide.

Have pics? Going down to his shop Thursday to get hands on

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Versatile with a tunnel.

That's what he has me chalked up for

Versatile. Tunnel. Guide trim.

How long have you had the boat? Any complaints?

Geno said:

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That's what he has me chalked up for

Versatile. Tunnel. Guide trim.

How long have you had the boat? Any complaints?

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Only real complaint is that I don't have time to use it as often as I want. Had it since last September.

First tunnel so I'm learning how to operate it. Frankly, it's most tricky launching & recovering it and maneuvering around the ramp.