Access yacht-backed financing without selling your vessel. TLN structures private capital arrangements secured by motor yachts, sailing yachts, and superyachts, based on USCG documentation, marine surveys, and current market values.
Yachts and luxury vessels represent some of the largest single-asset investments made by high-net-worth individuals. A 70-foot motor yacht from a premier builder represents $2–$4 million in asset value; a 120-foot superyacht can represent $10–$30 million or more. Yet for owners who need capital, these assets are often some of the most difficult to monetize quickly, yacht sales can take months, and distressed sales rarely capture full market value.
TLN's yacht-backed financing program allows qualifying vessel owners to access private capital against the verified market value of their marine assets, without listing the boat for sale, without disrupting their charter revenue if applicable, and without the extended timeline of a traditional marine transaction. The vessel serves as collateral. Capital is structured around what the market says the vessel is worth today.
Our review process is grounded in the mechanics of the marine market: USCG documentation status, clean title, the results of a recent out-of-water survey from a certified marine surveyor, engine hour documentation and program status, hull condition, and current broker market comparables. Each vessel is assessed on its individual merits, no two yachts are identical, and our team understands the significant value differences between a well-maintained vessel and one that has been deferred in maintenance.
Yacht-backed capital is frequently used by vessel owners navigating business transitions, real estate investments, estate obligations, bridge financing needs, and situations where the owner wants to maintain possession of a vessel through a period of temporary capital need rather than execute a below-market liquidation sale.
None of the following is required to submit. TLN conducts its own research, valuation, and verification on every asset. When these items happen to be available, they strengthen the valuation basis and can support a faster review and stronger preliminary terms:
TLN reviews a wide range of luxury and commercial-grade marine assets. All vessels reviewed on individual merits.
Planing and semi-displacement motor yachts from recognized builders, Sunseeker, Ferretti, Azimut, Princess, Pershing, Absolute, Viking, and others, in the 40–100+ foot range. Engine hours relative to manufacturer overhaul intervals, hull condition at last haulout, and current charter or recreational use status are all reviewed. Builder reputation and regional market liquidity inform the loan-to-value ratio.
Bluewater sailing yachts, performance cruisers, and racing yachts from builders including Beneteau, Hallberg-Rassy, Swan, Oyster, Island Packet, and custom builders. Sail inventory condition, rigging age and inspection history, keel condition, and standing rigging replacement dates are reviewed alongside hull survey results. Offshore capable vessels with established cruising records are strongest for review.
Vessels exceeding 100 feet LOA from premier builders, Lurssen, Feadship, Heesen, Benetti, Oceanco, Trinity, and others, may be reviewed for larger capital structures. Superyacht valuations require crew cost analysis, maintenance expense review, flag state compliance documentation, and class certification status in addition to standard marine survey documentation. These transactions often involve coordination with specialist yacht finance advisors.
Custom and production sport fishing vessels, Viking Yachts, Hatteras, Post Marine, Buddy Davis, Spencer, with documented tournament history, well-maintained fishing systems, and mechanically sound twin engine installations. Tournament production records and named captain history can support valuations for well-known vessels in the sport fishing community. Engine program status is particularly important for high-hour sport fish platforms.
Yacht valuation for lending purposes requires specialized marine market expertise. TLN's review process is grounded in the same methodology used by professional yacht brokers and marine lenders, not generic depreciation schedules or retail guide values.
Marine Survey: A recent out-of-water condition and value survey from a SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) or NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors) certified surveyor is helpful but not required. TLN conducts its own research, valuation, and verification on every vessel, so a survey is optional and strengthens the valuation basis rather than serving as a prerequisite. When a recent survey is available, ideally completed within the past 12 months and including a haul-out inspection and assessment of hull condition such as osmotic blistering, gelcoat condition, keel attachment, and running gear, it can support a faster review and stronger preliminary terms.
Engine Hours & Condition: Engine hours are the primary operational wear indicator for motor vessels. Hours are reviewed relative to manufacturer overhaul intervals (typically 3,000–5,000 hours for diesel yacht engines) and documented maintenance records. Vessels enrolled in JSSI Total Care, MTU Value Care, Volvo Penta ESP, or manufacturer-sponsored engine programs carry third-party documentation of engine condition that supports stronger valuations.
USCG Documentation & Title: USCG documentation in hand is not required to submit and does not automatically disqualify the vessel. TLN conducts its own research and verification independently, so registration documentation is helpful when available but not a prerequisite, and both US-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels can be reviewed. An existing lien, such as an outstanding preferred ship mortgage (PSM) against the vessel, does not automatically disqualify it. The outstanding balance is factored into the capital structure, subject to underwriting and to the requested capital and the vessel's verified value supporting it.
Hull Condition: Hull material (fiberglass, aluminum, steel, composite) significantly affects valuation, maintenance expectations, and secondary market liquidity. Fiberglass construction is most common and most liquid in the market. Steel and aluminum hulls are reviewed with attention to corrosion protection documentation and inspection history. Custom composite hulls from recognized builders may carry significant value premiums.
The specific custody arrangements for a vessel during the loan term depend on the vessel's size, location, and use profile. TLN's team works with borrowers to structure custody terms that protect the collateral while accommodating practical vessel management needs.
For many transactions, the vessel remains at its current marina or storage facility, with TLN holding a first preferred ship mortgage (PSM) as the security instrument. The borrower may continue to use the vessel for recreational purposes within the scope of the loan agreement. Vessels being actively chartered may have specific charter revenue and custody provisions addressed in the loan documentation.
Insurance requirements during the loan term are specified in the loan agreement and typically include agreed-value hull coverage from a recognized marine insurer, P&I coverage, and any special coverage required by the vessel's use profile or flag state.
Where TLN takes custody of a vessel, it is not simply tied up and left. A yacht that sits idle deteriorates faster than one kept in service, so vessels held as collateral are placed on a documented maintenance program managed by a licensed captain or marine specialist at the berth or yard.
A typical program includes weekly onboard inspections, with engines and generators started and brought to operating temperature on a set schedule. Air conditioning and dehumidification are run to control humidity and prevent mold, mildew, and corrosion below deck. Bilges, bilge pumps, float switches, batteries, and shore power are verified at every visit. Mooring lines, fenders, and ground tackle are checked and adjusted. Hull, running gear, anodes, and through-hulls are inspected on a scheduled cycle, with bottom cleaning as conditions require, and fuel is stabilized and tanks managed to limit condensation and microbial growth.
Every visit is logged, and the vessel's condition is documented with dated photographs at intake and throughout the term. Agreed-value hull coverage and P&I coverage remain in force for the duration. The specific program is set out in the loan agreement and scaled to the vessel's size, systems, and location. The objective is straightforward: the vessel is run and maintained rather than left to sit, and returned in the condition in which it was received.
TLN welcomes referrals from yacht brokers, marine attorneys, and financial advisors representing clients with yacht assets. Our broker partner program allows qualified professionals to introduce yacht-owning clients for confidential review. Contact our team directly to discuss partnership arrangements and the referral process.
Share your vessel details, builder, LOA, year, engine hours, USCG documentation number, and available survey. Our team responds within hours.
Our specialists review against marine market data and issue a preliminary capital offer. Initial reviews are typically completed within one business day, depending on the asset, available documentation, ownership verification, valuation complexity, and transaction details. Timing, eligibility, and terms are not guaranteed. Marine survey coordination may follow for vessels requiring current inspection.
Sign the loan agreement and preferred ship mortgage. Marine counsel confirms title and lien position. Funding timing depends on verification, documentation, and closing requirements.
Submit your vessel details for a confidential review. No credit check. No obligation. Initial review typically within one business day.