If you are planning to purchase a vessel at one of the premier fall boat shows—whether you are strolling the docks at the Newport International Boat Show, browsing City Dock at the Annapolis Powerboat or Sailboat Shows, or taking in the scale of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)—there is one critical step to take before stepping foot on the dock: get preapproved for financing.

Fall is the quintessential boat show season. Manufacturers roll out new model debuts, dealers look to clear inventory before winter, and motivation on both sides is high. However, with thousands of vessels on display, exclusive show pricing, and fast-moving inventory, it is easy to fall in love with a boat before knowing if it fits your long-term financial picture.

Securing your loan preapproval early changes your entire experience. Here is why getting preapproved before show season starts pays off.

It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down. Before school, schedules and cooler temperatures take over, there’s still plenty of time to get out on the water and make the most of the season. August and early September can be some of the best weeks for boating. The water is warm, waterfront towns are lively, and a long weekend can be all it takes to feel like you’ve gotten away. Whether you’re cruising New England, exploring the Mid-Atlantic or heading farther south, here are a few destinations worth adding to your late-summer boating list.

By this point in the summer, chances are your boat has already logged plenty of hours on the water. Long weekends, evening cruises, raft-ups, fishing trips and days spent simply enjoying time on the water all add up and so does the wear and tear that comes with them. While it’s easy to focus on enjoying the remaining weeks of summer, the middle of the season is also a great time to give your boat some extra attention before the season gets away from you.

A little preventative maintenance now can go a long way toward keeping your boat running reliably through the rest of the summer and helping you avoid an unexpected problem when your miles from the dock. Taking a few minutes to inspect, clean and exercise some of the components you may not think about regularly can make a big difference.

Here are a few mid-season maintenance items that we always recommend you make a point to tackle:

There is something uniquely Chesapeake about a summer raft-up—a tradition that turns a simple day on the water into an unforgettable floating community. Imagine the sound of music drifting across a sun-drenched cove, the splash of kids jumping off swim platforms, and the laughter of friends sharing stories between hulls. From paddleboards bobbing in the gentle wake to that one cooler that somehow never stays closed for long, these gatherings are the heartbeat of Bay life.

Whether you are hunting for a high-energy sandbar party with a view of the horizon, a secluded overnight anchorage for stargazing, or a family-friendly cove with water so calm it feels like a swimming pool, the Chesapeake Bay has no shortage of legendary spots to drop your hook and tie together. Grab your fenders and your lines; it is time to explore the premier destinations that make the "Land of Pleasant Living" truly world-class.

Boating is a fantastic family activity, creating memories that last a lifetime. There is nothing quite like the freedom of being on the water, but taking your little ones aboard especially toddlers and preschoolers requires some extra preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone. From the excitement of their first time at the helm to the quiet moments anchored in a peaceful cove, these early experiences instill a lifelong love for the maritime lifestyle. To help you navigate your next family voyage with confidence, we want to share a few essential tips for boating with small children.

You’ve found "the one"; the yacht that handles like a dream or the motorhome that feels like a five-star suite on wheels. The inspection is complete, financing is approved, and you’re ready to begin your next adventure. Before you set sail or hit the open road, however, there is one critical step that should never be overlooked: proper documentation.  While titles, registrations, and U.S. Coast Guard documentation may seem like routine paperwork, they are essential to protecting your investment. Proper documentation establishes ownership, secures financing, supports insurance coverage, and preserves the long-term value of your asset.

When you acquire a new boat, ensuring it is properly registered is a top priority. However, owners often face a choice between two distinct paths: U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Documentation and State Title.

While both identify your vessel, the right choice depends on your boat's size, how you use it, and your financing needs. Understanding these differences is key to staying legally compliant and enjoying peace of mind on the water.

The Great Loop is one of the ultimate boating adventures in North America. A 6,000+ mile journey that circles the Eastern U.S. and parts of Canada, linking the Atlantic Ocean, Great Lakes, and inland rivers. For first-time Loopers, preparation is key. From timing your trip to winterizing your boat, ensuring your financing is in order, and mapping out stops, a well-planned Great Loop adventure can be smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

The countdown to launch day has begun! Properly de-winterizing your boat now is the critical final step after a winter of careful maintenance. A thorough check ensures both safety on the water and reliability for the season ahead.

For many buyers, securing a boat loan is often their second or third experience financing a major asset, following an auto loan and a home mortgage. While the core concept—borrowing money and paying it back with interest—remains the same, marine financing is somewhat different.

Understanding the key differences between a boat loan, a car loan, and a home mortgage is important for setting expectations and navigating the approval process successfully.