Resources

Boat show season is here! From Newport and Annapolis to Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Sterling Associates will be attending some of the top boat shows of the 2026–27 season. Whether you’re actively shopping for your next boat or simply exploring what’s new, a boat show is a great opportunity to compare models, meet industry experts, […]

Doug was fantastic to work with. He walked us through every step of the way and answered all of our questions in a timely fashion. Purchasing this boat and getting all the required info seemed like a daunting task, but he helped us chip away at it and we got it done in about a […]

Tom—thank you so much. You did a great job guiding me through the process—so simple and smooth. Hope to meet you in person someday!! Have a great weekend,

Financing a new boat is not reviewed exactly the same way as financing a used one. The purchase price matters, but lenders may also look at how the boat’s value is supported, how old the vessel is, what condition it is in, and what paperwork is needed before closing. With a new boat, the value […]

Buying a boat is exciting. Paying for it can feel a little less exciting, especially if this is your first time looking into boat financing. The good news is that financing a boat does not have to be complicated. Once you understand the basic steps, what lenders may review, and what types of boat loans […]

Cindy, Thank you so much for making this purchase run along so smoothly.  Knot 10 emailed us a Bill of Sale yesterday.  We will be having the boat trailered to our home port on Friday the 12th. The former owner has invited us to come to the marina this weekend where he will give us […]

Doug was responsive and efficient, with very good communication and an easy workflow. I’ve never had a financing go so smoothly. He made it simple.

Dougie Fresh is my go to guy for all things boat financing. He gets the job done and has always gone above and beyond. The only person I trust to get my boat financing needs done. Thanks Doug Howell!

Boat loan went super smooth. Doug answered all of our questions quickly and efficiently.

Due to economic conditions and multiple entity ownership, getting us qualified for financing was going to be complicated. Doug with Sterling got it done! Great job Doug! Thanks!

Thank you Cindy. You were very helpful through the process and we appreciate your patience staying with us through the process. We do think we got a good boat…..and if we didn’t, we know a good Broker (and Lender)! Thanks for everything.

Thank you so much for walking me through every step of this process!!! I appreciate you so much! I am super excited to get on the water and start my adventure. I will be at the Spring Rendezvous in Norfolk and hope to see you there!

Thanks for reaching out and sending Clarke my way.  As a sales leader for over 25 years, I have come to appreciate feedback about my sales teams from customers.   Clarke was a pleasure to work with.  You always look for a salesperson to listen to the customer first before pitching, and Clarke did exactly […]

Sterling, and Kieran Conaty in particular, was spectacular throughout the process. We met Kieran at a seminar he help teach at Trawlerfest Baltimore & circled back some time later when purchasing our boat. Throughout the loan origination & execution, he continued to exceed expectations and we closed on-time and exactly where he forecast us to […]

Thank you so much Cindy. It’s been a joy, you are a wealth of knowledge! Looking forward to buying you a drink or dinner if we head down to FL for Trawlerfest to show our thanks!

I had a great experience working with Charles Hamlin at Sterling Associates! He helped me secure an excellent rate on my boat loan, and the entire process was fast, smooth, and stress-free. Charles communicated with me every step of the way, answered all my questions, and made sure I always knew exactly what was happening […]

“Cindy, I want to give you a special thanks as I know this was not the run of the mill loan. I do really appreciate the extra time and effort it took to get this loan done. I don’t know how many people would have pushed through what it took to make it happen.  You […]

“Sterling was absolutely awesome to work with!! Doug did a great job taking care of everything and making the purchase of my new boat nice and smooth…. Highly recommend Sterling Associates” — Donnie J.

“Doug was fantastic to work with. I feel he went above and beyond to get a boat to me when I wanted it.” — Mark B., Lebanon, OH

Sterling made the entire Process of obtaining financing processing paperwork and documenting the boat extremely easy. Doug Howell is AMAZING to deal with. Process was fast and easy. I highly recommend Sterling Yacht services. – Ed K.

From the historic docks of Newport to the sunny marinas of Miami, the coming months are packed with opportunities to explore the latest in boating. Sterling Associates will be on-site at each show, ready to answer your financing questions and help make your dream boat a reality. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading to […]

I just wanted to reach out and share what a great experience we had working with Doug Howell on the financing for our new boat earlier this month. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t come to Sterling Associates through a referral, but I had read a few positive reviews on […]

By Kieran Conaty, Marine Finance Representative, Sterling Associates TrawlerFest Anacortes 2025 was a fantastic experience—both professionally and personally. Held from May 15–17 as part of the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show, this year’s event brought together passionate boaters, seasoned professionals, and aspiring trawler owners from all over the country. I was excited to represent Sterling […]

Charlie, Thank you so very much for all your help and prompt, professional mannerisms!!! I can’t remember who recommended you to me, but I am ever so grateful. You really made the whole process seamless. I will certainly pass your name on to anyone needing the services in the future. I hope you have a […]

Charlie- Just wanted to take a minute to say Thank You for your assistance in getting the boat financed. If I can ever be any assistance or a reference, please do not hesitate to shoot me a note or give me a shout. -Jeff