Business news :Marine lenders continue to see increased volume through 2012

Despite reports that credit criteria for boat loans has tightened

Marine lenders continue to report increased activity in 2012, with 58 percent of respondents to the NMBA survey for the quarter ending December 31 indicating volume is up year-over year. The remaining 48 percent indicated volume was the same for 2012 as 2011. Similarly, 91 percent of those reporting feel the first quarter of 2013 will produce new volume equal to or better than the same period last year. However, one-third of the lenders reported their margins decreased in 4Q2012 while the balance reported margins were the same as the prior year.

The increase in business could be considered surprising, given these same lenders have reported a steady tightening of credit criteria throughout 2012. Seventeen percent of the survey responses indicate credit criteria were more stringent in the 4^th quarter than the previous period. The data reflects three consecutive quarters of tightening, based on the NMBA member survey. To the contrary, lenders overwhelming reported consumer credit quality to be the same or better than the previous quarter, so those with strong credit profiles are leveraging it for a boat purchase.

The 4^th quarter reflected a bump in new boat finance activity from the fall shows, with 25% of the reporting lenders saying new boat transactions accounted for over 50% of their business. This is comparable to 3Q2011, when 29% of reporting lenders said new boat transactions made up over 50% of their loan volume for that period.

The NMBA introduced the brief quarterly members’ survey in 1Q 2011 to gauge changes in the lending environment and identify trends that could be used for business planning. This survey has gained significant traction and is now delivering valuable results to the marine industry. Twenty-seven percent of the NMBA lender members (loan originators/brokers/ financial service firms, banks, credit unions, and finance companies) responded to the 4^th quarter 2012 survey, with the majority having a national presence.

Survey details ... 

( Source National Marine Bankers Association )