Marine Finance | Maritime Transactions and Business Lawyer | Miller Watson PLLC

Marine Finance

Owner Representation

Purchasing a yacht is a lifestyle choice with many personal benefits, but it also requires a significant financial investment. A buyer may choose to finance the purchase of a yacht for various reasons, such as freeing up other cash or secured lines of credit for more tactical purposes. The maritime attorneys at Miller Watson PLLC have the expertise and experience to guide you through your yacht financing transaction, whether purchasing a new yacht, pre-owned yacht, or refinancing a yacht. We routinely assist with yacht financing transactions for U.S. flagged and foreign flagged yachts, and our attorneys provide a high level of personal service to ensure your financing strategy effectively matches your yachting lifestyle.

Lender Representation

In addition to our representation of yacht purchasers, Miller Watson PLLC regularly represents financial institutions, private equity firms, and individual sellers with creating bespoke marine finance packages. Our attorneys are well versed in drafting loan agreements, promissory notes, guarantees, and preferred ship mortgages, as well as the proper recording of mortgages and other security documents to ensure that any financing you extend is secured and protected.

Yacht Attorney — Vessel Purchases & Sales

Managing yacht transactions for our clients worldwide

Our attorneys assist clients with yacht transactions of all sizes all over the world. Whether representing a buyer or a seller, we routinely manage the entire process on behalf of our clients, starting with the offer all the way through closing and registration.

Yacht Attorney — Documentation and Registration

Assisting clients with vessel registration services worldwide

The attorneys and staff at Miller Watson PLLC have many years of experience providing registration services, including U.S. Coast Guard documentation, state registrations and foreign flagging. Our firm is able to handle registrations in essentially any jurisdiction in the world.

Yacht Attorney — Sales, Use and Property Tax

Protecting clients from unexpected tax liability

Each state has its own body of laws with respect to sales, use and personal property taxes. It is important for all owners to be familiar with the rules in each jurisdiction to which they travel with their yacht.

Private Yacht Sales Attorney — For-Sale-By-Owner Transactions

Assisting parties in yacht transactions without broker representation.

Yacht brokers certainly carry a lot of value, but there are scenarios where an owner may sell his yacht without the assistance of a broker. In the event a broker is not involved, buyers and sellers will benefit from having a basic understanding of the purchase and sale process and should utilize various resources at their disposal both before and after closing. The attorneys at Miller Watson PLLC can draft the necessary documents, hold funds in escrow, and manage a closing when a broker is not involved.

Yacht Attorney — Offshore Closings & Delivery

Assisting with and coordinating offshore closings

In certain yacht transactions, clients may find that it is advantageous to conduct a yacht closing offshore. The attorneys at Miller Watson PLLC can assist with drafting the necessary documents and coordinating with all parties involved to ensure that the offshore closing proceeds smoothly and is completed properly.

Yacht Construction Attorney — New Yacht Construction

Assisting clients with all aspects of new yacht construction

The maritime attorneys at Miller Watson PLLC have the experience to guide clients through every step of the new yacht construction process, from negotiation of the construction agreement to the yacht’s final delivery.

Corporate Yacht Ownership Consulting

Assisting clients with formation and structure of entities for purposes of yacht ownership

Our attorneys can advise clients on the type and ownership structure of an entity, depending on a variety of factors related to the yacht and its planned usage by the owners.

Yacht Crew Employment — Crew Employment

Advising Clients on Crew Employment Matters on an International Scale

Employing crew members on a yacht is often necessary to operate a yacht and give the owner’s and guests the best possible experience. However, navigating the complex, cross-border rules and regulations involved with crew employment can be cumbersome. Our maritime attorneys are well versed in the crew issues facing yacht owners and we assist clients with crew employment related matters at the global, regional, and local levels.

Yacht Attorney — Marine Finance

Assisting Financial Institutions and Private Individuals with Marine Finance Solutions

In principle, loans to finance the purchase of a yacht are similar to other loans used to acquire asserts and property. However, marine finance is highly specialized and governed by unique laws. Our experience in yacht and vessel finance encompasses both United States and foreign law transactions.

Yacht Charters

Advising clients on the complex rules surrounding yacht charters

It is common practice to purchase a yacht and run charters to offset some of the costs. Charter operations of all types can be successful if set up properly and with the appropriate expectations, but all state laws, federal regulations and flag state rules must be closely followed. It is important for owners and crew to understand the different types of charters and be familiar with the applicable regulations.

Regulatory Compliance

Assisting clients with navigating complex maritime rules and regulations worldwide

Owning a yacht is supposed to be a pleasurable and relaxing experience, but keeping current with maritime rules and regulations can be daunting. The attorneys at Miller Watson PLLC have the expertise to help you navigate the numerous maritime rules and regulations involved with yacht ownership so that you can enjoy carefree time on the water.