There are several institutions that offer boat financing. You can get one from a bank or credit union, or your dealer may provide financing directly. There are also marine-specific financing companies that are especially familiar with the ins and outs of boat loans. Before applying for a boat loan, you should find out any specific requirements of the institution. If you are buying from a dealer or if the boat is new from the manufacturer, it may not be necessary, but for used boats some lenders require a marine survey, and lenders usually require insurance. When applying for a loan, lenders will take into account the credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio and overall liquidity of the buyer. Also, keep in mind that since the boat itself is securing the loan, your experience with boats may come into play. Factors such as the size of the down payment and the length of the loan also impact the final terms of the loan.