Welcome to Block Island Maritime Funding &
Maritime Funding Association of Maine!
Our mission is to support various marine nonprofits through grants funded by boat donations. We then charter the donated boats for three years, with an option to purchase at the end of that time.
Attention Brokers!
Attention Brokers! Broker commissions are paid on boats donated to BIMF on behalf of your clients. Please call us for our great rates! (401) 842-0752
TESTIMONIALS
The Block Island Maritime Foundation is a great organization to deal with. They support numerous non-profit organizations by assisting in the development and funding for marine related programs for children. You get to be part of making a difference for disadvantaged children along with being able to purchase a fine boat for a great price!!
Working with BIMF as a charterer was an easy and rewarding experience. The process was simple and straightforward. And it was very satisfying to be contributing to such an important cause. We would certainly do it again!
Some time ago I was casually checking out internet sites for “boats for sale” from my home in Kailua, Hawaii. Suddenly, I came upon a boat…a 46′ x 44′ trimaran, a three-hulled racer that need some TLC, in Maine, that I just couldn’t resist. The boat was owned by Block Island Maritime Funding (BIMF), a boat donation program for a large number of maritime-related non-profit groups. These groups concentrate on maritime education for kids….a wonderful program. The negotiations with BIMF and my broker were straightforward, the price was terrific, and BIMF’s innovative “charter-to-own” program was simple to understand and perfectly met my needs. I visited their office just to thank them for such a terrific experience. I can’t recommend BIMF highly enough!
I was introduced to Block Island Maritime Funding several years ago, much to my delight. They have been exceptional to deal with in all aspects from closing to ongoing communication and process.Thank you so much Richard and Susan, I look forward to working with you in the future!!
This past December, I purchased a 36 foot trimaran from The Block Island Maritime Funding. Representing Block Island was Susan Rhodes. Ms.Rhodes came very well prepared and the deal proceeded in an exceptionally smooth fashion. At the end, I concluded that this was the easiest and most satisfying boat purchase I have ever been involved in.
Block Island Maritime has been instrumental in our fundraising campaign to build America’s newest and largest Tall Ship, Oliver Hazard Perry. From 20’ runabouts to mega yachts, Dick Harris and his team have done a professional and thorough job of handling these donations that have been vital to our progress.
Wandering along the dock at the Maine, Boats, Homes & Harbors Show, I came across a Ted Hood 36′ yawl, the pedigree I recognized at once. Welcomed on board, I met two very knowledgeable gentlemen who were Captains (Ron and Jeff) and clearly very professional shipwrights representing BIMF. Under no pressure at all, they explained to me very clearly their position with the yacht, the chartering arrangement, and finalization. Following further discussions with Susan Rhodes, I left a deposit. The yacht was, and is, every bit as good as I expected, and BIMF continually upgraded or responded to requests that I made before delivery. I recommend highly the organization and staff.
Maine Towing and Salvage would like to thank Block Island Maritime Funding for making the process of chartering and purchase of our vessel very easy. Starting a new business and having the ability to charter a vessel over a 3 year period and having that money go towards purchase price with no interest has helped us to keep our overhead costs low which was extremely helpful for us and our business. Block Island has been very accommodating in assisting us with any issues we had with the vessel and we appreciate the excellent support. We know that this business benefits different charities and organizations throughout Maine and the Country and happy to help support Maritime Funding in these efforts to expand maritime education.
After much soul searching, I decided to donate my Frers 41 sailboat versus selling it outright. I wanted to donate it to a maritime group that would help others enjoy sailing and enjoy the oceans. My broker directed me to Block Island Maritime Funding and it could not have been a better choice. The transaction was handled efficiently and painlessly with BIMF. They are very professional, answered my questions completely, were sensitive to my needs and apprehensions and were always available to help and answer questions. The entire process was remarkable, they did everything and it was clear they were very experienced. I would not hesitate to call Susan again in the future.