Deep expertise
in the marina
industry
From acquiring your first marina to expanding an existing operation, Anchor Financial Services brings firsthand industry knowledge and a network of lenders who understand the marine business.
Marina businesses are a specialty — not a sideline
Marinas are complex, capital-intensive businesses that most lenders and consultants don't fully understand. Seasonal cash flow, slip rental income, fuel operations, dry storage, and marine service departments all require specialized financial analysis.
Michael Ellsberry grew up in the marine industry and served as President of the Dallas Boat Show. That background means he speaks your language — and knows which lenders actually understand marina valuations and lending.
- Lenders familiar with marina-specific revenue streams and seasonal cycles
- Deep understanding of slip income, fuel margins, dry storage, and service operations
- Experience with marina acquisitions, expansions, and refinancing
- Consulting on profitability improvement and operational benchmarking
What makes marina financing different
Services for marina
owners & buyers
Marina Acquisition Financing
Looking to buy a marina? We structure your loan package to give you the best possible chance of approval — and find lenders who actually understand the deal.
- Purchase loans: $100K – $10M
- SBA 7(a) & 504 loan structuring
- Document preparation & lender presentation
- Lender identification & negotiation
- No fees until you close
Marina Business Consulting
Already own a marina? We analyze your operations and identify where you're leaving money on the table — and how to fix it.
- Revenue & profitability analysis
- Slip pricing & occupancy review
- Fuel, storage & service margin analysis
- Industry benchmarking
- Operational improvement roadmap
Expansion & Refinancing
Growing your marina or looking to refinance existing debt at better terms? We structure the deal and find the right lender for your situation.
- Expansion capital structuring
- Dock & infrastructure financing
- Refinancing existing marina debt
- Equipment & fuel system financing
- Alternative lender sourcing
Cash Flow & Seasonal Planning
Marina cash flow is highly seasonal. We build projections that reflect reality — and help you plan for slow seasons and capital needs.
- Seasonal cash flow modeling
- Annual budget & forecast development
- Off-season capital planning
- Revenue diversification analysis
- Lender-ready financial presentations
Marina Valuation Support
Buying or selling? We help you understand what a marina is worth — and make sure your financials tell the right story to buyers, lenders, or appraisers.
- Financial statement normalization
- Revenue documentation & presentation
- Buyer-side due diligence support
- Seller financial preparation
- Lender appraisal coordination
Alternative Financing Sources
When traditional lenders pass on marina deals, we know where to look. Our network includes lenders who specialize in marine and waterfront assets.
- Marine-focused private lenders
- USDA rural business loans (where applicable)
- Bridge financing solutions
- Equipment & asset-based lending
- Revenue-based financing options
Marina clients we've helped
Every marina is different. Here are examples of the types of situations we've navigated for marina owners and buyers.
First-Time Marina Buyer
An entrepreneur with no prior marina experience wanted to purchase a 120-slip freshwater marina. Traditional banks were hesitant due to the seasonal revenue model and the buyer's lack of industry history.
We restructured the loan presentation to normalize seasonal cash flow, highlighted the buyer's relevant business background, and identified an SBA-preferred lender with prior marina experience.
Marina Profitability Turnaround
A family-owned marina on a large reservoir had been operating for 22 years but was seeing declining profits despite strong occupancy. The owners assumed the business had peaked.
Our analysis identified underpriced slip rentals, an unprofitable fuel operation, and missed revenue from dry storage. We delivered a report with specific pricing and operational changes.
Dock Expansion & Fuel System Upgrade
An existing marina owner wanted to add 40 slips and replace an aging fuel system, but their local bank declined — citing the construction risk and existing debt load.
We identified a non-bank lender with experience in marina infrastructure financing, restructured the existing debt into the new loan, and prepared a full project financial package.
You'll be working
directly with Mike
Michael Ellsberry didn't discover the marine industry from a spreadsheet — he grew up in it. His family operated Marine & Industrial Supplies, Inc., giving him a ground-level understanding of how marine businesses actually work: the seasonality, the equipment, the customer relationships, and the constant capital demands.
Mike went on to serve as President of the Dallas Boat Show, deepening his network across the marine industry. He's spent the past 13+ years helping small business owners — including marina operators — secure financing and improve their operations.
When you work with Anchor Financial Services on your marina, you're not handed off to a junior associate. Mike works your deal personally — from the first conversation through closing or report delivery.
Let's talk about
your marina
There's no cost to an initial conversation. Whether you're buying, expanding, or trying to improve an existing operation — tell us about it.
Athens, TX 75751
Tell Us About Your Marina
No fees. No commitment. Mike will follow up personally.
No fees are ever charged in advance. All information is kept strictly confidential.