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That smartphone in your hand is useful for more than just surfing for cat videos and posting selfies on social media. For boaters, it’s also a gateway to an enormous amount of helpful boating information thanks to the many wonderful boating apps available to download. Here are a few of the best boating apps. Boat […]

Do you have a boater on your shopping list this holiday season? If so, consider yourself lucky. That’s because there are plenty of wonderful gift ideas out there you can choose from. Here are a few of the best. Boat Shoes – A good pair of comfortable boat shoes are a must-have for any respectable […]

Winter can be a depressing time for recreational boaters. But smart boaters know the cold, dark winter months are the best time to tackle boat work that they don’t want to do during the summer. Here are a few boating projects you might want to do this winter. Change your impeller. A boat’s impeller can quickly […]

It’s always a sad day when the boating season comes to an end, and the process of winterizing your boat is sure to bring a frown to every boater’s face. But while winterizing your boat might be a joyless task, it’s an important part of being a boat owner. If you take the time to […]

You love your dog. So why would you leave your pooch home on a gorgeous boating day? Let your dog in on the fun by being one of the many boaters who bring their dogs boating. Here are a few tips that will make your day of boating with your dog enjoyable for the both […]

Sean Rogers doesn’t really have to leave his office to visit clients in person to close loans. But in his mind, he needs to. “If you personalize the relationship by meeting the client face-to-face, it creates a bond,” Rogers says. Sterling Associates’ mission to exceed their customer’s expectations by providing professional, personalized service on a […]

Every boater has imagined finding an anchorage in some quiet, secluded cove where they can relax, swim or watch the sunset and the stars come out. But you can’t just drop a hook wherever you want. There are a lot of factors to consider. Here are a few tips on choosing a good anchorage. Do […]

Most boaters look upon the end of summer with a sense of sadness, thinking it means the end of the boating season. But a few boaters get excited at the arrival of autumn, because they know fall offers some of the best boating days of the year. With cool, crisp days, great fishing, no crowds […]

Check out our fall boat show schedule.We’ve got you covered from coast to coast!Come and talk to one of our boat loan professionals at any of these shows to discuss your questions and concerns about a new purchase or refinance.

Just as in virtually every area of our lives, advances in technology have had a tremendous impact on the boating industry. These advances have vastly improved the boating experience, whether you’re on the water or on the dock. Here are a few that just might make your head explode. Baby, You Can Drive My BoatOr […]

Center consoles are extremely popular in the small boat market, largely for their versatility and their maneuverability. They are adept in a variety of conditions, and they offer numerous storage capabilities. Here are five reasons boaters are drawn to center consoles. DesignWith the helm and the controls mounted on the console, you have plenty of […]

In many people’s minds, owning a boat feels like an unrealistic and expensive dream. But the fact is that you don’t need deep pockets to own a boat. Over the past decade, boat ownership has been surging, with boat sales increasing nationally by about five percent from 2016 to 2017.  The National Marine Manufacturers Association […]

The boating experience is constantly evolving as technology improves and personal tastes change. Just as it is in the fashion world, there are trends in the boating industry. Here is a look at what’s hot as we head into the 2018 boating season. Fishing According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 70 percent of boats […]

Walk the docks and find the boat of your dreams! Some of the most popular boat brands in the world will be making their West Coast debuts at the San Diego International Boat Show, which re-turns to Harbor Island for a weekend of family fun on the water, June 7-10. The show is perfect for […]

Let’s face it, buying a boat is a luxury purchase. No one absolutely needs a boat in the strict sense of the word, but for true boat lovers, owning a boat is an essential part of their life’s happiness. All you boat owners out there, you know what I mean. For those yet to dive into boat […]

In April , we took the time to help prospective buyers select the right boat for them. In a previous blog, we looked at bowriders, cruisers, freshwater fishing boats, runabouts and sailboats. For this blog, we’ll tell you a little about saltwater fishing boats, speed boats, pontoon boats, trawlers and watersports boats. Saltwater Fishing BoatsThere […]

Come check out this IN-WATER BOAT SHOWThursday, May 3 – Saturday, May 5Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. BREMERTON MARINA120 Washington Beach Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337360-373-1035 For seminar schedule, details and tickets, click here: https://www.passagemaker.com/trawlerfest/trawlerfest-bremerton-2018 Stop by and see Max for special boat show rates and terms during the show!

Whether you’re a beginner boater or a veteran on the water, choosing the right boat can be a complicated process. Although there are dozens of types of boats, one of 10 is likely to suit your needs. This month, we’ll look at five options, and then explore five more in April. BowridersThis versatile design can […]

Come by and see us during the boat show in booth G-6 for special rates and terms during the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show. Max Salvater will be in booth G-6 to help you get on the water with a great rate. April 19-22, 2018. Thursday, April 19th, 2018: 10am–6pmFriday, April 20th, 2018: 10am–6pmSaturday, […]

With more than three decades of experience, Max Salvater has been involved with every aspect of the marine industry. Currently a marine loan specialist with Sterling Associates, he has previously worked as a sales manager, a general manager and a finance manager. That broad range of experience allows Salvater to connect with clients on virtually […]

As with anything in life, it is important to prepare and plan before you head out to shop for a boat. Wandering aimlessly through a boat show, without having done some prior research, can be a fruitless and frustrating experience. With that in mind, here are some tips that will help you make the most […]

Determining the best time to buy a boat is a little like trying to time the stock market; if it was easy, everyone would be rich. Although bargains can be found throughout the year, the general consensus is that fall and winter are the optimum times to do your boat shopping. Dealerships want to clear […]

Come see one of our boat loan professionals at the Miami International Boat show, going on now at the Miami Marine Stadium. We can help you get on the water with a great rate! Rates as low as 3.50% APR!We’ll be at booth 14 & 15 so come on over. February 15-19, 2018Miami Marine Stadium […]

Jim Stiverson has plenty of experience in the financing industry. For the past six years, he has served Sterling Associates as Assistant Vice President and the Midwest and Central United States sales manager. But Stiverson is unique in that not only can he talk numbers with customers, he is also a true expert on boats. […]