Buying a boat direct from the owner saves you the broker's commission — but you still need to insure it, finance it, move it, and have it surveyed before you close. We've gathered the vetted partners for each step in one place, so the owner-direct deal stays simple from first inquiry to first voyage.
Most marinas and lenders require proof of insurance before you take delivery, and an agreed-value hull policy protects the money you just saved buying direct. Compare a few marine specialists — they understand boats far better than a generic auto carrier, and quotes are free.
Agreed-value hull cover, towing, and liability from a marine-first insurer.
Get a quote ↗Fast online quotes, lay-up discounts and total-loss replacement options.
Get a quote ↗For larger yachts, liveaboards, charter use and offshore cruising grounds.
Compare specialists ↗Marine lenders offer terms a personal loan can't — 15- to 20-year amortizations, rates tied to the vessel as collateral, and amounts from a runabout to a superyacht. Get pre-approved before you make an offer so you can move fast on an owner-direct deal.
Specialist marine financing for yachts and larger vessels, including documented boats.
Get pre-approved ↗Unsecured boat loans, quick online decisions, no boat-as-collateral required.
Check your rate ↗Compares multiple marine lenders for new and used boats, all credit tiers.
Compare offers ↗Need to know what to borrow against? Value any vessel free →
Bought a boat two states (or an ocean) away? Owner-direct deals span regions, so haul-out and transport are part of the plan. Get bids from boat-haulers for trailerable vessels, or yacht-transport specialists for larger tonnage and overseas moves.
Marketplace of vetted haulers bid on your move — great for trailerable boats and short hauls.
Get hauler bids ↗Hydraulic trailers and lift-on/lift-off shipping for larger yachts and superyachts.
Request a quote ↗Float-on/float-off and containerized shipping for international purchases.
Ship internationally ↗A qualified marine surveyor is the single best money you'll spend — they catch wet cores, soft transoms, osmosis, rigging fatigue and engine issues before they become your problem, and the report is leverage on price. Use an accredited, independent surveyor (not one the seller picks). Find one near the boat:
Transfer of title, a clean bill of sale, a lien/HIN check and — for larger vessels — USCG documentation are what turn a handshake into ownership. Services below handle the paperwork so nothing snags at closing.
Federal documentation for vessels 5+ net tons — required for many marine loans and foreign cruising.
Documentation center ↗Confirm the seller can convey clear title and there's no outstanding loan against the hull.
How to verify safely →Get the paperwork right with a proper bill of sale and state registration transfer.
Closing checklist →Lifejackets and safety gear, electronics and chartplotters, ground tackle, fenders and dock lines — the first-season shopping list. Shop the marine chandlers below.
The big-box chandlery — safety gear, electronics, maintenance and everything aboard.
Shop West Marine ↗Deep catalog and sharp prices on marine electronics, inflatables and hardware.
Shop Defender ↗Chartplotters, radar, AIS and autopilots from Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad.
Browse electronics ↗HulloShips earns a referral fee from some of the partners on this page when you get a quote or make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you, and it never changes the price you're offered. It's how we keep listings owner-direct and commission-free. We only list partners we'd point a friend to; always compare options and read the terms before you buy. HulloShips is a marketplace, not an insurer, lender, surveyor or shipping company.
Not at all — they're vetted options to save you the search, not a requirement. Bring your own insurer, lender or surveyor anytime. The owner-direct purchase works the same either way.
Before you make an offer. A pre-approval lets you move fast on an owner-direct deal, and a binder/quote in hand means you can take delivery the day you close. Both are free to obtain.
A boat hides its condition below the waterline and behind the headliner. An accredited, independent surveyor protects you from expensive surprises and gives you leverage to renegotiate. Always use your own surveyor — never the seller's. See our buy-safely guide.
Yes — we earn a referral fee from some partners at no cost to you. It's disclosed above and it's what keeps the marketplace commission-free for buyers and sellers.
Browse the owner-direct fleet, then come back here to insure, finance, ship and survey her.