When you’re looking to finance a new boat, it’s easy to only focus on the upfront cost. But often, buyers overlook another key element: how well that boat will hold its value. Understanding depreciation is an important item in your toolbelt, whether you think you’ll upgrade down the track or just want to protect your investment.
In this post, we’ll look at which types of boats tend to hold their value, why lenders care and how a boat finance broker like Loans Unlimited can help with your application.
When you apply for a boat loan in Perth and WA, lenders don’t just look at your income and credit history. They also assess the asset itself – meaning they want to know details about the boat you’re buying.
Lenders view vessels known to hold their value as less risky, which can open the door for:
Better loan terms
Lower interest rates
Easier approvals
Higher borrowing limits
Obviously, that means that boats which depreciate quickly come with stricter financing conditions. If the value is hard to verify, an application could even be rejected.
Every boat’s resale value depends on its condition, maintenance history and use. But there are still a few vessel categories that consistently perform better over time:
Known for their versatility, these popular all-rounders appeal to a wide range of buyers. Brands like Quintrex, Stacer and Haines Hunter keep strong resale demand, especially if serviced regularly.
Fishing is one of WA’s favourite pastimes, so there’s always a market for purpose-built fishing boats. If you can find one with reliable outboards and minimal wear, you’ll be able to fetch a solid resale price even after a few years on the water.
RIBs are lightweight, fuel-efficient and popular for both private and commercial use. Premium models will retain their value, particularly in coastal areas where ease of launch is a plus.
Tinnies, plate boats and other aluminium vessels age well if properly looked after. Known for durability and low maintenance, they’re especially popular in regional WA and demand often outpaces supply.
Boats from trusted names like Boston Whaler, Jeanneau and Sea Ray typically see slower depreciation. Lenders know this and they’ll often look more favourably on applications involving boats from these brands.
Just as some boats hold their value well, others don’t. Here are a few things that could lead to faster depreciation:
Neglected maintenance or repairs
Unusual modifications that affect performance or safety
Outdated electronics or hard-to-source parts
Low-demand vessel types
Lack of service records or unclear ownership history
If the boat you’re looking at fits one of these categories, lenders may ask some extra questions to confirm its resale potential. They could request photos, service logs or third-party valuations.
So what does this all mean for you and your boat finance broker?
Here’s the simple version: boats with strong resale value are easier to finance. That’s because lenders know they can recover more of the loan amount in the unlikely event of default.
That means:
You may need less of a deposit
You could be eligible for lower interest rates
The loan may be processed faster, with fewer hoops to jump through
On the flip side, if the boat you’re buying is hard to resell or is nearing the end of its lifecycle, lenders might:
Require a larger deposit
Limit the loan term
Reduce the maximum loan amount
Ask for additional security
At Loans Unlimited, we look at the whole picture, not just the numbers. That means we understand the value of the boat you’re buying, helping you get matched with a lender who sees the same potential.
So whether you’re buying a weekend cruiser, a fishing favourite, or your first family-friendly tinnie, we’ll help you finance it with the confidence that you’ve chosen a boat that’ll go the distance, both on the water and on paper. To start your pre-approval today, click ‘Apply Now’.
