Editorial
Each guide names its author, the last review date, the sources, and a referral disclosure. Use the linked worksheet when you want the dollars.
Finance math
Side-by-side math on a $350,000 boat loan showing how precomputed finance charges front-load interest and what that means at payoff or early sale.
11 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Buyer due diligence
Walk through valuation, moisture, engine hours, and deficiency language on a heavy fiberglass survey so you know what is negotiable before wire transfer.
12 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Insurance coverage
Florida wind policies often switch deductibles when a storm is named. See dollar examples on a $400,000 hull value and how that hits your cash before a claim.
10 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · FL
Storm operations
Insurers tie named-storm coverage to written haul-out or evacuation steps. Compare marina contract language, lead times, and out-of-pocket haul costs.
11 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · FL, TX, NC, SC
Finance math
From tax returns to marine surveys and proof of hurricane plan, here is the document stack marine lenders typically request on $250k+ deals.
9 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Buyer due diligence
Spot vague survey standards, missing engine-hour reps, and one-sided default clauses before you bind a $300,000+ fiberglass purchase.
12 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Buyer due diligence
Interpret moisture meter readings on cored bottoms and decks, translate repair estimates, and decide when a reading is a price chip versus a walk-away.
10 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Regional rules
Coastal Texas policies layer windstorm pools, named-storm deductibles, and marina haul requirements—modeled with premium and deductible math.
11 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · TX
Regional rules
Compare staying in a lift, moving to a hurricane hole, or trailering inland with realistic cost and timing for North and South Carolina owners.
11 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · NC, SC
Regional rules
Lay-up endorsements, freeze damage exclusions, and indoor storage receipts insurers expect on Great Lakes boats valued above $200,000.
10 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · MI
Finance math
Break-even math on refinancing a $420,000 balance: closing costs, remaining term, and when a 1-point rate drop actually puts cash back in your pocket.
10 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Buyer due diligence
Factory coverage on twin outboards often ends before you finish paying the boat loan. Map extended-service pricing against expected repair reserves.
9 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Insurance coverage
On a $380,000 cruiser, see how agreed hull value differs from depreciation-settled total loss checks—and why lenders care which box you select.
11 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · FL, TX
Buyer due diligence
Budget $1,200 to $3,500 for combined surveys on heavy fiberglass twins and learn which findings belong in price negotiation versus insurance underwriting.
10 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Finance math
Model 15% versus 20% down on a $650,000 sportfish and see how 15-year versus 20-year terms change monthly payment and total interest paid.
12 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Finance math
Documented vessels over five net tons need Preferred Ship Mortgages for many marine lenders—compare recording fees and closing timelines.
10 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Buyer due diligence
Line-item dealer buyer's orders on a $290,000 cruiser should separate hull, engines, freight, prep, and finance optional products—here is the math check.
11 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · FL, TX
Storm operations
Build a marina-specific named-storm timeline with haul-out slots, fuel contracts, and insurance binder dates for Lee and Collier County slips.
12 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · FL
Buyer due diligence
Run engines to WOT, log trim-tab response, and capture fuel burn on a $350,000+ sea trial so survey findings match real operating data.
11 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · All
Finance math
Annual ownership model on a $300,000 express cruiser: slip rent, insurance, fuel, yard labor, and reserve fund totals you can drop into a spreadsheet.
13 min read · Reviewed November 4, 2026 · FL, TX, NC, MI