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Floatplan

by Tim Boyle & Matt Maynard

Business Leisure

Older Yacht Financing: Beyond the Typical Age Cutoff

What happens when you find the right boat—but it’s too old for most lenders to finance? For buyers shopping the older yacht market, financing can become a roadblock surprisingly quickly. Many lenders have fairly firm age limits, even when the boat in question has been exceptionally well cared for, extensively updated, or undergone a major refit. In this episode of Floatplan, Matt and Tim chat with Aisling Soler of Shoreham Bank, a lender offering something relatively unusual in the industry: a willingness to consider financing boats beyond the typical lender age cutoff. Aisling explains why the year on the hull doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story. Instead, Shoreham can look at the individual vessel—its condition, survey, market value, maintenance and improvements—alongside the financial strength of the buyer. In fact, their program has no specific vessel age restriction, opening up financing possibilities for well-maintained, restored and refit boats that may otherwise be difficult to finance. The conversation covers what makes an older boat financeable, what lenders want to see in a survey, how significant refits and upgrades factor into the process, and how survey findings or needed repairs can affect a deal. They also get into the practical numbers: credit requirements, debt-to-income ratios, down payments, loan terms, rates, insurance requirements and how quickly a loan can close. If you’ve ever assumed that buying an older yacht means paying cash, this episode is worth a listen. There may be more financing options than you think. Thank you to our guest, Aisling Soler LinkedIn asoler@shoreham.bank 401-773-9725

Fishing Boats for Every Mission

What does the right Pacific Northwest fishing boat look like? It depends on what you want to do with it. In this episode of Floatplan, Matt and Tim take a tour of four very different fishing boats at South Lake Union: an Ocean Sport Roamer, a Pursuit 265 Dual Console, a Grady-White 360 Express, and a Blackfin 222 Center Console. From a nearly brand-new, fully equipped Ocean Sport with twin Yanmar diesels to a 36-foot Grady-White that blends serious fishing capability with yacht-like accommodations, they look at what each style does best. They also dig into the practical differences between express boats, dual consoles, and center consoles—including fishing space, accommodations, trailerability, storage, electronics, downriggers, comfort, and versatility. Along the way, there’s plenty of Pacific Northwest boating talk, including trolling with inboards, Burnewin vs. Scotty gear, fishing offshore in a center console, and why the cheapest boat you can buy can sometimes become the most expensive boat you own. Whether your mission is a day of salmon fishing, offshore tuna, a weekend cruise, water sports with the family, or longer-range adventures, there’s a fishing boat for you. The trick is figuring out what your mission actually is.

The Changing Landscape of PNW Boating

In this episode of Floatplan, we look at the forces reshaping PNW boating, from changing demographics and how people spend their time on the water to the shifting market for older and newer boats. We dig into what boats are actually selling for, what today’s buyers are looking for, and what sellers need to understand about pricing and choosing the right broker. Amy Thornton of BananaBelt Boats joins the conversation to share her perspective from the brokerage side, leading to a deeper discussion about what makes a good boat broker—from market knowledge and negotiation skills to communication, relationships, and the willingness to work cooperatively with other brokers. Amy brings her trademark irreverent, no-filter perspective to the conversation, making for a lively and candid discussion. We also talk about what sellers should look for when choosing a listing broker and why getting the right boat in front of the right buyer matters more than protecting a commission. And, naturally, we end up talking about AI, ChatGPT, and whether artificial intelligence can really replace the experience and judgment that come from years of buying, selling, and actually operating boats. Thank you to our guest, Amy Thornton BananaBelt Boats & Yachts 2919 V Avenue Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 588-9208 https://www.bananabeltboats.com

How to Prep Your Boat for the Yard

In this mini episode of Floatplan, Matt and Tim record from aboard an 80-foot Vic Franck currently hauled out at Pacific Coast Yachting Services to share practical advice for preparing your boat for a yard period. From protecting carpets, tables, and interior finishes to managing shore power and battery systems, they walk through the simple steps that can save owners time, money, and frustration. The conversation covers common "boatyard blues"—dust, unexpected messes, expanding work lists, and even appliance failures—along with strategies for minimizing surprises. Matt and Tim also discuss the importance of documenting your projects ahead of time, coordinating with detailers and yard staff, monitoring power remotely, and removing perishables before haul-out. Whether you're planning routine bottom work or a major refit, this episode offers a practical checklist to help ensure your boat leaves the yard in as good—or better—condition than when it arrived.

Moving Up: What It's Like to Go from a 28' Boat to a 72' Yacht

What is it really like to jump from a 28-foot cruiser to a 72-foot motor yacht? In this episode of Floatplan, Matt Maynard and Tim Boyle sit down aboard M/Y Marie with owners John and Nancy Tremper to discuss their journey from a Cutwater 28 to a 72' Ocean Alexander. They share how they chose the right boat, what surprised them most during the buying process, and why bigger doesn't have to mean more intimidating. The conversation covers the realities of finding moorage, navigating today's yacht insurance market, the value of professional captain training, and how modern technology—including thrusters, yacht controllers, and lithium battery systems—makes handling a larger yacht more approachable than many people expect. John and Nancy also discuss what it's like to live aboard for four months each year, entertain family and friends, build relationships with trusted service providers, and develop communication systems that make operating a large yacht as a two-person crew both safe and enjoyable. Whether you're considering moving into a larger yacht or simply curious about what ownership is really like, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest experiences, and lessons learned that can help make your own transition smoother.

Talking Fishing with Local Guide Mike Ainsworth

This one's just a couple of guys shooting the breeze — Tim headed across a windy Elliott Bay to Shilshole to sit on Mike Ainsworth's boat (First Light Guide Service, part of Best Seattle Fishing) ahead of the summer fishing season in Puget Sound. No agenda, just talking shop: what the season's looking like, old crab bait stories, a swapped-pot heist, WD-40'd herring, and a boat tour along the way. If you've ever wanted to eavesdrop on two people who love this stuff nerd out for an hour, this is that episode. Thank you to our guest, Mike Ainsworth of First Light Guide Service First Light Guide Service Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainsworthmike/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037338742555 Best Seattle Fishing Fish Washington® mobile app: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/app

Building a Better Float Plan with TidePilot

Seattle boater and entrepreneur Dave Siegfried joins Matt and Tim to discuss a challenge every cruiser faces: making good decisions about weather, tides, currents, fuel, and timing before leaving the dock. Drawing from years of boating throughout the Pacific Northwest, Dave shares how his experiences on the water led to the development of TidePilot.ai, a new AI planning tool designed to bring critical trip-planning information into one place. The conversation explores real-world cruising scenarios familiar to PNW boaters, including timing tides and currents, choosing inside versus outside routes, planning fuel stops, crossing the Straits, and balancing different comfort levels among crew members. Matt and Tim put TidePilot through a live demonstration while discussing the broader question of how AI technology can help boaters make safer, more informed decisions without replacing seamanship and good judgment. Along the way, the group shares stories about rough crossings, fuel mishaps, "carat crossings," and the importance of knowing when conditions are telling you to stay put and enjoy another day in port. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or just getting started, this episode offers a look at how experienced boaters are using new tools to simplify trip planning and improve safety on the water. Thank you to our guest, Dave Siegfried https://www.tidepilot.ai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tide_pilot/ Email Dave at dave@tidepilot.ai

Inside the Modern Sea Ray Sundancer

For longtime boaters, the Sea Ray Sundancer is one of the most recognizable express cruisers ever built. But today's Sundancer is very different from the boats many owners remember. In this episode of Floatplan, Matt and Tim step aboard a highly-optioned 2020 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer to explore how Sea Ray has reimagined the model for modern boating. From bowrider-style seating and a coupe hardtop to joystick docking, a hydraulic swim platform, retractable SureShade awning, and surprising overnight accommodations, this boat blends dayboat fun with genuine cruising capability. Join us as we tour the boat from bow to stern, check out the cabin and mid-berth, peek inside the engine room, and discuss what today's Sundancer says about where the boating market is headed. The Sea Ray featured in this episode is currently for available for sale with Irwin Yacht Sales. Additional video of this vessel available on YouTube here.

Getting Your Yacht Ready to Sell (Part 2): Detailing, Maintenance & Survey Prep

In Part 2 of our “Getting Your Yacht Ready to Sell” series, we go beyond the basics and dive into the details that can make—or break—a boat sale. We’re joined by Natalie Yuse of Deckhand Detailing and Max French of Pacific Coast Yachting Services to talk about what buyers really notice, the red flags that scare them away, and where owners should invest time and money before listing their boat. From detailing and deep interior cleaning to engine room presentation, deferred maintenance, service records, survey prep, gelcoat repair, paint touch-ups, ceramic coatings, and even owner-performed maintenance, we cover the practical steps that help a boat show better, survey cleaner, and ultimately sell faster. If you’re thinking about selling your yacht—or just want to understand what separates a “well-loved” boat from a “well-maintained” one—this episode is packed with real-world advice from the pros who see it every day. Combine this episode with Part 1 featuring Nigel Barron and Paul Zimmer, and you’ll have a pretty solid float plan for getting your yacht ready to sell with fewer surprises and a better understanding of what buyers, brokers, and service pros are really looking for. Deckhand Detailing https://www.deckhanddetailing.com 425-406-4084 info@deckhanddetailing.com Natalie’s Book The Insider's Guide to Boat Cleaning and Detailing (2nd edition): The best step-by-step guide to keeping your boat clean and glossy! Pacific Coast Yachting Services https://www.pacificcoastyachtingservices.com/ 1115 NORTH NORTHLAKE WAY, SEATTLE, WA, 98103 206-397-4788 office@pacificcoastyachingtservices.com

Getting Your Boat Ready to Sell (Part 1): Yard Pros Explain

Thinking about selling your boat? Before you list it—or go through survey—there are a few things that can make the difference between a smooth sale and a deal that falls apart. In this episode of Floatplan, Matt and Tim are joined by Paul Zimmer of S3 Maritime and Nigel Barron of Platypus Marine to talk through what boat owners should actually fix before selling, what buyers notice first, and which survey findings most often derail deals. From bottom paint, running gear, canvas, electronics, HVAC, cooling systems, through-hulls, corrosion, and maintenance records, the group shares real-world stories from the yard about what matters, what doesn’t, and where owners waste money trying to “upgrade” a boat before sale. Topics include: • The first impressions that shape a buyer’s opinion • Why deferred maintenance compounds into bigger objections • Common survey findings that hurt value or kill deals • What’s worth fixing before listing—and what isn’t • Why exercising systems matters (even the ones you don’t use) • How maintenance records and photos can help support value • The role of pre-sale inspections and haul-outs Whether you’re listing a 40-year-old classic or a newer cruising yacht, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you sell smarter—and avoid expensive surprises. S3 Maritime 2360 W Commodore Way, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98199 (206) 420-4932 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s3maritime Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S3Maritime/ Platypus Marine, Inc. 518 Marine Drive Port Angeles, WA 98363 (360) 417-0709 info@platypusmarine.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platypusmarine.inc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/platypusmarine.inc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/platypusmarine/

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