Buying a Boat or Jet Ski Privately? What to Check Before You Finance It

Private Sales Are Genuinely Common in Boating

Unlike cars, which are frequently bought new from a dealer, a large share of boats and jet skis change hands privately — particularly around the Redlands and Brisbane Bayside, where recreational boating is such a big part of local life. Compare The Loan can absolutely compare finance for a private-sale vessel, but there are a few things worth having ready.

What to Check Before You Commit

• A PPSR check — confirms the vessel isn’t currently used as security for someone else’s loan, which could affect ownership if that loan isn’t paid out.
• A bill of sale — a simple written record of the sale, including the seller’s and buyer’s details, the vessel’s identifying information, and the agreed price.
• Registration details — make sure the vessel’s registration is current and matches what the seller has told you.
• Trailer details, if included — if the trailer is part of the sale, get its details too, since it may form part of what’s financed.
• An independent valuation, if needed — not always required, but can be useful for an older or higher-value vessel.

How This Fits Into Comparing Finance

None of this changes the comparison process itself — you’ll still tell us about the vessel and your circumstances, and we’ll compare your profile against our panel of 70+ lenders. What it does is help things move smoothly once you’ve found the right boat or jet ski and you’re ready to move forward with your licensed finance broker.

Compare boat & jet ski finance options — whether you’re buying from a dealer or privately.