Caravan, boat and recreational vehicle loans: can a broker compare lenders for you?

Last updated 6 November 2026 · Reviewed by 360 Asset Finance Compliance

Can a broker compare caravan and boat loans?

Yes. A broker isn't tied to one lender, so it can compare options across a panel. Car loans and personal loans, including loans for caravans, boats and motorbikes, are arranged by 360 Asset Finance (Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd), part of the 360 group. The loan itself is provided by a lender from our panel, which assesses your application against its own criteria. We're a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

What can I finance?

• Caravans for personal use.
• Boats for personal use.
• Motorbikes and other recreational vehicles for personal use.
• Cars, utes and vans, including one to tow the caravan or boat.

New and used assets can be considered. For a used caravan or boat, it depends on the asset, its age and condition, and the lender's criteria. If you're buying privately, talk to us about the asset and we'll check what's possible.

Should the loan be secured or unsecured?

A secured loan uses the caravan, boat or other asset as security. The lender records its interest, typically on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), until the loan is repaid. If you don't make the repayments, the lender can take and sell the asset to recover what's owed. An unsecured loan has no asset as security, so the lender relies on your income, your financial situation and your history of repaying credit.

Because the lender's risk is different, the two may be priced differently, but neither type is always cheaper. Your broker can show you which types are available for what you need.

What does responsible lending mean for me?

Personal loans are regulated credit, so responsible lending rules apply whether the loan is secured or unsecured. We ask about your goals, income and expenses, and check that any loan we suggest meets your needs and that you can afford the repayments. We won't suggest a loan that doesn't meet your needs or that you can't afford to repay. The lender then assesses your application against its criteria.

What will the loan cost?

Interest rates and fees depend on the lender and the loan. When you compare, look past the repayment amount to:

• the interest rate, and whether it's fixed or variable
• upfront and ongoing fees
• the loan term, because a longer term lowers each repayment but can mean paying more interest overall
• any fees for paying the loan off early
• the total amount you'll repay over the life of the loan.

Remember the running costs too, such as insurance, registration, storage and servicing. We explain the rate, fees and total cost before you decide.

What are the pros and cons of a caravan or boat loan?

Possible advantages

• You can buy the caravan or boat now and pay for it over time.
• You can keep your savings for other costs and emergencies.
• You can choose a secured or unsecured loan, depending on what's available to you.

Possible drawbacks

• Interest and fees mean you pay more than the purchase price.
• With a secured loan, the lender can take and sell the asset if you don't keep up the repayments.
• Running costs such as insurance, registration, storage and servicing come on top of the repayments.

What do I need to apply?

• proof of identity
• proof of income, such as payslips
• details of your expenses and existing debts
• details of the caravan, boat or other asset, and the seller.

If you're buying a used caravan or boat, a PPSR search shows whether money is owing on it. The lender may ask for more, depending on your situation and the loan.

How do I apply for a caravan or boat loan, step by step?

1. Work out what you want to buy, from whom, and what you can comfortably repay.
2. Tell your broker about the caravan, boat or other asset, and about your income, expenses and debts.
3. Your broker checks that a loan meets your needs and that you can afford it, then compares options across the panel.
4. You choose a loan, and your broker prepares the application. The lender will assess your application against its criteria.
5. If it's approved, you sign the loan documents and the lender pays the seller.

What if the boat or vehicle is for my business?

Depending on whether the asset is for personal or business use, different rules apply, and a business structure such as a chattel mortgage may be an option. Your broker will explain which rules apply to your application.

How can 360 Asset Finance help?

We're a broker comparing personal loans from a panel of lenders. We can:

• arrange secured and unsecured loans for caravans, boats, motorbikes and the car to tow them, for personal use, subject to the lender's criteria;
• compare the rate, fees, term and total cost across our panel;
• check that any loan we suggest meets your needs and that you can afford the repayments;
• tell you what the lender needs, such as ID, proof of income and details of the asset;
• prepare the application, work with the lender and keep you updated through to settlement;
• explain the rules that apply if the asset is for your business instead.

FAQs

Sources and further reading:Moneysmart: Personal loans · Moneysmart: Financial hardship · Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)

General information only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it isn't credit, tax or legal advice. Finance is provided by the lender you choose and is subject to its lending criteria; fees and charges apply. 360 Asset Finance is a trading name of Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd (ABN 75 647 329 002), Australian Credit Licence 566705.