Finding a lender who actually knows their way around a transom or a v-berth is harder than it looks. Most bank loan officers see a boat and think "risky luxury asset," but then you have people like Dawn Davis at Marathon Specialty Finance who see it differently. Honestly, if you've ever tried to finance a used boat—especially one that’s seen a few decades of salt and sun—you know the "big box" banks usually run for the hills.
The recreational finance world is a weird niche. It's not like buying a Honda Civic. There are hulls to inspect, engine hours to verify, and a massive gap between what a dealer says a boat is worth and what a bank’s spreadsheet claims.
Why the Name Dawn Davis Keeps Popping Up
If you are digging into the world of marine lending, specifically for pre-owned vessels, you’ll likely run into Dawn Davis. She’s often the primary point of contact at Marathon Specialty Finance, a company that has carved out a very specific corner of the market: high-end recreational assets.
Wait. Let’s be clear. We aren't just talking about shiny new cruisers sitting on a showroom floor.
Marathon Specialty Finance is one of the few places that will actually look at a boat built twenty years ago. Most traditional lenders cut off at ten years. If you’re eyeing a classic 2004 Hatteras or a well-maintained Grady-White from the early 2000s, a standard credit union is probably going to say no. Marathon says, "Let's see the survey."
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The "Mailto" Mystery and Contacting Marathon
You might have seen the string "dawn davis mailto: marathon specialty financ" in search results or forum threads. Basically, that’s a leftover artifact from how people share contact info online. It’s a direct link to get a deal started.
In the marine industry, speed is everything. If a clean 30-foot center console hits the market in the spring, it’s gone by Saturday. Having a direct line to someone like Dawn Davis means you aren't stuck in a generic customer service queue.
How to actually reach them:
- Phone: (877) 323-5788 (This is the direct line often cited by partners like Coastal Boat Pros).
- Specialty: Pre-owned boat financing.
- The "Secret" Metric: They can often push financing terms out to 20 or even 30 years depending on the boat's profile.
What Marathon Specialty Finance Actually Does
They are what’s known as a "service provider" or a specialized broker-lender hybrid. They aren't just a bank; they are the bridge. They work with a network of marine-specific banks to find a home for your loan.
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Why does this matter to you? Because they understand collateral value.
If you go to a local bank for a $100,000 loan on a 15-year-old boat, the loan officer will look at a NADA guide, see a wide range, and get nervous. Dawn and the team at Marathon look at the specific model, the reputation of the manufacturer, and the current market demand. They know that a well-kept Boston Whaler holds its value differently than a generic bowrider.
The Reality of Marine Lending in 2026
Rates aren't what they were five years ago. Let's be real. Borrowing money for a "toy" is more expensive now. But the strategy has shifted. Instead of just looking for the lowest interest rate, buyers are looking for the longest amortization.
If you can spread a loan over 20 years, that monthly payment becomes manageable. It's the difference between "I can't afford this" and "This costs as much as a nice SUV payment."
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Marathon Specialty Finance specifically markets their ability to handle "older" boats. Specifically:
- Financing for boats as far back as 20+ years.
- Flexible down payment requirements (though 15-20% is still the gold standard).
- Professional handling of Coast Guard documentation (which is a massive headache if you try to do it yourself).
What Most People Get Wrong About This Process
People think they should find the boat first, then find the money. That’s a mistake. In the current market, you need a pre-approval from someone like Dawn Davis before you even step on the dock.
Sellers are tired of "tire kickers" who can't get financing because their debt-to-income ratio is wonky or their chosen bank doesn't "do boats." When you show up with a Marathon approval, it tells the seller you’ve already cleared the hurdle of collateral age.
Actionable Steps for Your Boat Loan
If you’re ready to reach out to Dawn Davis or the Marathon team, don't just send a blank email. Be prepared.
- Get Your Survey Ready: If the boat is over 10 years old, no one is giving you a dime without a professional marine survey. Find a SAMS or NAMS certified surveyor.
- Check the Engines: On older boats, the "repower" is the most important factor. If those engines were replaced three years ago, the value of the boat skyrockets in the eyes of a lender.
- Be Honest About the Use: If you plan on doing "charter" work or putting the boat in a rental fleet, tell them upfront. Most recreational loans will be immediately voided if they find out you're using the boat for business.
Marathon Specialty Finance fills a gap that the big banks left wide open. Whether you're dealing with Dawn Davis directly or just using their platform, the goal is the same: getting on the water without the bank treating your dream like a liability.
Don't wait until you're at the boat show to figure out your budget. Call the (877) number, ask for the recreational department, and get your numbers squared away first.