Property financing guide

Marina property financing

Finance a waterfront property with a clear view of its slips, services, and seasonal cash flow.

Coastal marina with boat slips, docks, and waterfront service buildings — Illustrative property image.

Understanding the property

A marina provides boat slips or moorings and may also include dry-stack storage, fuel sales, repairs, a boat launch, and waterfront retail. Its value depends on both the real estate and the operating business. Lenders examine those income sources separately rather than treating every dollar of revenue as rent.

Financing paths to consider

Acquisition or refinance

Bank or specialty commercial financing may suit an established marina with documented operating income and secure water-access rights.

Repairs and repositioning

Bridge or improvement financing may help fund dock repairs, occupancy improvements, or a transition to more stable cash flow, with a credible repayment or refinance plan.

Owner-operated business

An eligible operating marina may be considered for SBA financing. Business eligibility, occupancy, collateral, and use of proceeds require lender review.

What lenders review

Slip occupancy, seasonal versus annual agreements, and revenue from storage, fuel, and services.
Ownership or leasehold rights, submerged-land leases, permitted uses, and remaining concession terms.
Dock condition, dredging needs, flood and wind exposure, insurance, and environmental risks from fuel storage.

Documents to prepare

Slip rent roll and storage agreements
Historical financial statements and current operating results
Site survey, water rights or submerged-land lease, and permits
Insurance information, environmental reports, and repair budget

Your lender may request additional documents based on the transaction.

Plan your next step

Start with the operating history and the legal rights that make the waterfront usable. Those details help identify lenders equipped to evaluate a marina.

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Financing is subject to lender availability, underwriting, eligibility, and approval. This guide is educational, not a loan offer or a commitment to lend.