Boat Loan Refinance Calculator with Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator helps owners compare an existing boat loan to a refinance offer and model the effect of switching to bi‑weekly payments. It reports periodic payments, total interest, annual cashflow differences, and an estimated break‑even time for closing costs.
Use conservative inputs: if you plan to finance closing costs, include them in the refinance amount. Results are estimates for planning purposes and assume fixed rates and timely payments.
Compares your existing loan obligations to a proposed refinance loan. Calculates periodic payments, total interest remaining, annual cashflow, estimated annual savings, and break‑even years for closing costs.
Inputs
Results
Current payment (per period)
$579.98
Current total interest remaining
$4,799.04
Refinance payment (per period)
$261.04
Refinance total interest (life of new loan)
$3,934.77
Amount financed (principal + closing costs)
$30,000.00
Estimated annual savings (cashflow)
$172.85
Break‑even (years to recover closing costs)
0
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Current payment (per period) | $579.98 | USD |
| Current total interest remaining | $4,799.04 | USD |
| Refinance payment (per period) | $261.04 | USD |
| Refinance total interest (life of new loan) | $3,934.77 | USD |
| Amount financed (principal + closing costs) | $30,000.00 | USD |
| Estimated annual savings (cashflow) | $172.85 | USD/year |
| Break‑even (years to recover closing costs) | 0 | years |
Visualization
Methodology
Calculations use standard amortization formulas. Periodic interest rate = APR / periods_per_year. Payment per period is calculated with the canonical annuity payment formula: payment = r*PV / (1 - (1+r)^-n). Total interest = sum(payments) - principal.
Bi‑weekly effects are estimated by treating a bi‑weekly schedule as 26 equal payments per year and applying the periodic amortization formula at the bi‑weekly period rate. This captures both the effect of smaller, more frequent payments and the extra annual principal paid compared to 12 monthly payments.
Worked examples
Example: $30,000 current balance, 6% APR, 60 months remaining, refinance to 5% APR for 5 years with $500 closing costs. The calculator shows new payment, total interest, annual savings and break‑even time.
Bi‑weekly example: If your monthly payment is $575, making bi‑weekly payments of $287.50 yields 26 payments/year (equivalent to 13 monthly payments) and typically shortens the loan and reduces total interest compared with 12 monthly payments.
Key takeaways
Be explicit about what you include in the refinance amount (principal only vs principal + closing costs).
Switching to a bi‑weekly schedule can reduce interest and shorten term, but the exact benefit depends on whether your lender applies payments immediately and whether you make 26 payments a year.
Expert Q&A
Does this calculator include taxes, insurance, or variable interest rates?
No. This tool models fixed interest, principal and interest amortization only. Taxes, insurance, and variable rates are excluded and must be considered separately.
What does 'bi‑weekly' mean here?
Bi‑weekly in this model equals 26 payments per year (every two weeks). Some lenders call accelerated monthly plans 'bi‑weekly' but apply payments differently; results assume true 26 payments per year.
How should I treat closing costs?
If closing costs will be added to the new loan, enter them in the closing costs field. If you pay them upfront, set closing costs to zero and consider them separately when evaluating break‑even time.
How accurate are the estimates?
Estimates use standard amortization math but are approximate. Minor differences can occur due to rounding, lender timing rules, daily interest accrual methods, or fees not modeled here.
Sources & citations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — https://www.nist.gov
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — https://www.iso.org
- IEEE Standards Association — https://www.ieee.org
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — https://www.osha.gov