The Sterling Star

November 2025

The Sterling Star - Winter Newsletter

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IN HOUSE SERVICES

What a year 2025 was: Setting our sights on 2026!

As 2025 winds down, we can hardly believe how quickly the year has flown by! We're so grateful to all of you for helping making this year both exciting and successful.

From Boat shows up and down the east coast, to other events throughout the country, our team has been busy completing hundreds of loans, insurance polices and US Coast Guard Documentation transactions across the US. Your continued trust and support has been instrumental to our success.

Looking ahead to 2026, we're optimistic about what's to come. Interest rates remain favorable - and may even dip a bit lower- making it a great time to finance. With lenders eager to extend credit and inflation holding steady, we anticipate continued strength in sales and financing opportunities. As always, our team is here to help. Whether you have questions about financing, insurance or vessel registration; we're just a call or email away.

Wishing you fair winds, smooth travels, and a wonderful year ahead,

Understanding What Really Drives Boat (and RV) Rates

There is a common misconception that when the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, it directly affects boat loan and mortgage rates. Continue Reading

Refinance your Boat

Refinance your RV

Your Questions Answered

Question: When is my first payment due?

Answer: Your first payment is typically due 30–45 days after your loan closing date. Your exact due date will be listed in your loan agreement, and included in your closing packet will be a first payment letter outlining all the details.

Question: Can I make extra payments or pay off my loan early?

Answer: Absolutely. There are no prepayment penalties on most of our loans, so you can pay extra toward the principal at any time to reduce interest and shorten your term.

Question: Do I need to keep insurance after closing?

Answer: Yes, full coverage insurance must remain active for the entire duration of your loan. Its okay to change providers but be sure to list your lender as the lienholder on your policy.

Question: Why does my initial binder only show 30 days of coverage instead of the full year, and when will I receive the complete policy?

Answer: The initial binder is good for the first 30 days. The carrier will issue the complete one year policy normally within about three weeks of the original binding date.

Question: Who should I contact if I need to make changes to my policy, such as adding a marina as an additional insured, adjusting layup, or modifying navigation limits?

Answer: If you’re working with a reputable agent and agency, they should be your primary point of contact for any policy changes, so you won’t need to deal directly with the carrier.

Question: How soon following the closing must I physically change the name and hailing port on my new boat?

Answer: You’ll want to make these changes as soon as possible after closing. Once your Certificate of Documentation arrives, your boat’s name and hailing port should reflect exactly what’s listed on the certificate.

Question: Am I allowed to travel internationally before my Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation is issued?

Answer: Depends, check with your intended Port, as most will require a US Certificate of Documentation before entry.

What's Selling (and What's Sitting)

in the Boat Market

If you’ve been watching the boat market lately, you’ve probably noticed a clear divide between what’s moving quickly and what’s taking longer to sell. While trends can shift with the seasons, the current market is showing some consistent patterns across much of the country. Continue Reading

Buying? Selling?

Maybe a combination of both?

We have compiled checklists with handy dandy tips and tricks to make the seas as calm as possible whether you are a buyer or a seller!

Click Here

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, boaters across the East Coast set their sights on a timeless tradition — heading south along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for the winter. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or making your first voyage down the “Snowbird Highway,” the journey offers incredible scenery, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. Here are five standout stops along the ICW — plus a few tips and “don’t miss” moments for your trip. Read More

There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with life on the open road — windows down, feet on the dash, and endless landscapes waiting just beyond the next curve. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or planning your first big trip, America’s national parks offer some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world. Here are our top 10 destinations that belong on every RV traveler’s bucket list — plus insider tips to help you make the most of each stop. Read More

Dave Trostle, Co-Owner/Senior Vice President of Sterling Acceptance and Licensed Yacht Insurance Agent

Dave has been a licensed yacht insurance agent since 1996 and is currently an agent for Global Marine Insurance. A lifelong boater, he's cruised the East Coast, sailed the Bahamas and Caribbean. He has owned boats of all sizes, most recently a Post 50 Sportfish. With firsthand experience, Dave understands yacht owners' needs and can navigate today's insurance landscape to secure quality coverage. Call Dave and make yacht insurance the easiest part of your purchase!

Insurance and Market Updates

Before you launch this spring, see how the stabilized market and a quick policy review can save you time, money and stress. Click Here

Dave sits down with Captain Phyllis Woolwine of Shearwater University Sailing School to discuss everything you need to know about boat financing and insurance.

US Coast Guard News (NVDC)

Currently, we have noticed that the Coast Guard is still processing requested items—including Certificates, Abstracts, certified copies, and more—but at a slightly slower pace since the government shutdown.

As posted on the NVDC website on October 1:

"Due to the federal funding hiatus, applications for documentation and other services related to commercial operations are being held until the government reopens. To avoid the risk of CODs expiring or incurring additional fees, vessel owners are encouraged to renew prior to their COD expiration date. Requests related to recreational endorsements and activities will continue to be processed."

Planning a purchase or sale? Be sure to reach out to Katherine early so she can begin her due diligence with plenty of time to spare!

Staying Connected on the Water

From Boat shows to conferences, here's what Sterling has been up to this year!

It’s been an exciting year on the water and in the world of marine finance! Our team has been busy connecting with boaters, dealers, and industry leaders at some of the biggest events on the marine calendar.

Starting in March, we kicked off the season along the sunny shores of West Palm Beach, FL, then made our way north to the historic charm of Annapolis, MD. From there, we hung with white marlin fisherman at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City MD. We then sailed to the picturesque sailing hub of Newport, RI, returned to Annapolis, and wrapped up the boat show tour in Ft. Lauderdale for FLIBS. We’ve loved connecting with fellow boating enthusiasts and showing how Sterling can make boat ownership simpler and stress-free!

Industry Conferences: In May, we joined leaders at The American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C., collaborating with Congress members to help shape policy and stay on top of trends that impact boaters nationwide.

Marine Lenders Networking: September brought the National Marine Lenders Association (NMLA) Conference, where we connected with peers and explored new ways to provide smooth, stress-free financing for both dealers and customers alike.

Fall and Spring Rendezvous: We connected with fellow boaters at their manufacturers’ rendezvous events, answering questions about insurance, financing, and other ownership essentials

Ongoing Engagements: Throughout the year, our team has also been involved in dealer visits, educational workshops, and local boating events—sharing expertise, answering questions, and helping boaters navigate financing with confidence.

At Sterling Acceptance, we’re always on the move, making sure we stay connected with the marine community and ready to provide the best service possible—whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing your boat.

Ready for a New Challenge? We're looking for you!

We're Expanding - Apply Now!

We are seeking a highly motivated, self- driven Florida Sales Manager. This position offers the flexibility to work from home, with a highly competitive commission pay plan. The ideal candidate should be a results-oriented person, maintain high ethical standards and integrity, as well as outgoing and comfortable making outside sales calls and have a finance background. Connections to the boating industry are a plus.

Contact Dave for additional information.