From understanding financing to conducting a thorough sea trial — Jon Plewniak has assembled the tools, guides, and calculators to help you make the smartest purchase of your life.
Marine financing operates differently from residential mortgages. Lenders evaluate the vessel as collateral alongside your personal financials — and terms can vary significantly between lenders. Understanding the landscape before you shop makes you a stronger buyer.
Marine lenders typically evaluate your credit score (720+ is ideal), debt-to-income ratio, liquid assets, and the vessel itself. Unlike a home, a boat depreciates — so lenders are more conservative.
Jon can connect you with marine lending specialists who work specifically in the luxury yacht segment and understand the nuances of Absolute, Sunseeker, Riviera, and other premium brands.
Marine loan rates fluctuate with the broader interest rate environment. As a general guide for qualified buyers in the current market:
Rates change frequently. Jon recommends getting pre-qualified before you begin seriously shopping — it strengthens your offers and gives you a clear budget ceiling.
Pre-qualification gives you a realistic price range and signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer. Jon can refer you directly to trusted marine lenders. You'll typically need:
Many luxury yacht buyers pay cash — and it has real advantages. Cash offers close faster and have more leverage in negotiations. However, financing can make sense even for cash-capable buyers if capital is better deployed elsewhere.
Get a rough monthly payment estimate. For a real pre-qualification, contact Jon and he'll connect you with a marine lending specialist.
Estimate only. Actual rates and terms depend on creditworthiness, vessel type, and lender. Contact Jon for a referral to a qualified marine lender.
A sea trial is your only chance to evaluate the vessel in its actual operating environment before you're committed. Don't skip it, don't rush it, and don't go alone. Here's what Jon recommends for every sea trial.
Always bring an independent marine technician on the sea trial — separate from the surveyor. They can evaluate the engines and mechanical systems in real time while underway.
Don't let seller excitement rush the process. A proper sea trial takes 2–4 hours minimum on a vessel over 40 feet.
Call Jon to Discuss →A professional marine survey is non-negotiable on any pre-owned purchase. It's your protection — and often your best negotiating tool. Here's what you need to know.
A comprehensive pre-purchase survey typically includes a full structural inspection, systems check, and valuation. The surveyor will inspect the vessel out of water (haul-out) and in the water.
Your surveyor should be SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) or NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors) certified. Always choose your own surveyor — never use one recommended by the seller.
Jon maintains relationships with trusted SAMS and NAMS surveyors in South Florida and can recommend the right specialist for the vessel you're considering.
The survey report is a legitimate negotiating tool. If the surveyor identifies issues, you have three options: walk away, request repairs before closing, or negotiate a price reduction.
Be present for the survey. Check items off as your surveyor works through the vessel.
A common rule of thumb: annual ownership costs run 10–15% of the vessel's purchase price. The calculator below helps you estimate what you're actually signing up for beyond the purchase price.
Adjust the sliders to match your usage profile. All figures are annual estimates.
Estimates only. Actual costs vary significantly by vessel type, usage, location, and operator. Does not include loan payments, upgrades, or unexpected repairs.
Jon is transparent about the full cost of ownership when he works with buyers. There are no surprises if you go in with eyes open — and the right vessel for your usage profile makes all the difference.
Jon's brokerage fee is paid entirely by the seller at closing. You get full professional representation — market knowledge, negotiation, survey coordination, and closing support — at absolutely no cost to you.
Before you spend time traveling to see a boat, Jon boards it himself. He evaluates condition, presentation, and fit for your needs — and only brings you to see the vessels that genuinely make sense. Your time is valuable.
Usage, size, features, budget. Jon gets specific so you don't waste time — and previews boats on your behalf before you commit to a showing.
Know your budget ceiling. Jon connects you with trusted marine lenders before you start shopping seriously.
Sea trial first. If it passes, Jon structures an offer that protects you with proper contingencies.
Independent survey reveals everything. Jon uses findings to negotiate repairs or price reductions on your behalf.
Jon handles all closing paperwork, title transfer, and coordinates delivery. You pick up the keys.
Jon works with a limited number of buyer clients at a time — so every buyer gets his full attention. Tell him what you're looking for and he'll go to work finding the right vessel.