Holiday Boating: Checks, Alerts, Buying, Action

Many boaters will be planning to head out on the water in coming weeks for the school holidays and the Easter break. If that includes you then we offer a range of reminders and recently issued alerts for your consideration to ensure safe boating. If you would like it to be you, then it may not be too late to buy a boat to enjoy the great autumn-winter boating. We tell you how we can assist on that front.

Checks and Upgrades

The rainfall and high humidity prevailing on the eastern seaboard is creating havoc with a lot of goods and that could include your boat. So if you haven’t checked your boat since the rains arrived, it could be worth getting to it asap. Mould and mildew can deteriorate materials and surfaces and destroy covers and interiors especially. Moisture can get into electronics making them unserviceable. Rust can affect the appearance and performance of key elements of the vessel.

Whether the boat is tethered on the water or sitting on a trailer on land, it’s important to check all is OK and see what needs repair or servicing before you head out on the water again.

Do a full vessel check and especially look at:-

  • Covers for deterioration or damage
  • Life jackets – they can get mildewed when stored in closed cabinets. This may impact performance.
  • Electronics checks
  • Water and fuel pumps
  • Water tanks
  • Fuel quality
  • Safety equipment, especially expired beacons and EPIRBS
  • Motors all running – book in for service if required
  • Check your trailer – book a service if required
  • Check towing equipment on your vehicle has not been affected with rust

If you find your boat has been damaged extensively by the recent weather events, we may be able to assist you with a quick boat loan to replace it in time for the holidays.

Flood Debris and Damage

Many waterways have been impacted by the floods and widespread rain event across much of eastern Australia. With heavy rain forecast for the last week of March, additional flash flooding is predicted. Debris continues to wash down rivers and out through inlets to bays and the ocean, causing hazards for boaters.

Debris is also washing out to sea causing hazards for offshore boaters. Whether boating inshore, offshore or on lakes and rivers, keep a watchful eye for semi-submerged obstacles.

Some navigation and warning signs have been washed away and many will be yet to be replaced. If not familiar with the waterway, refer to the relevant marine authority and/or speak with locals for that all-important local knowledge.

Bribie Island Alert

A marine alert has been issued in regard to Bribie Island in Queensland. As a result of Cyclone Seth, the Island has been split with a breach and has been deemed a coastal bar and dangerous waters. Boaters crossing the bar should update the safety procedures, check warnings, wear lifejackets and follow all required protocols. Check in with Marine Safety Queensland for updates.

While talking Queensland, the Brisbane River has been subject to shipping restrictions due to debris from the flood. Check MSQ for latest updates on what is and isn’t permitted.

Weather Checks

La Nina is persisting longer than hoped and could last for several more weeks. Stay across BOM updates and download the app for real time data.

In the west, BOM has issued an update in regard to ex tropical Cyclone Charlotte. It has moved south, likely to remain offshore and may cause gale force winds in southern parts of WA. Increased rainfall is also expected in the last week of March due to the weather system.

Marine Safety Reminders

NSW boaters can stay in touch with updates on Marine Rescue NSW. One key aspect the organisation asks is for boaters to log on when you go out on the water. And remember to log off on your return. Vessels that don’t log off can be considered in trouble and a search commenced.

Buyers – Be Aware of Price Rises

If you’re planning to buy a new boat, be aware that the costs of materials including some aluminium products is on the rise. This is happening globally and caused by a range of reasons which are usually outside the control of the boat builders.

You may find the price of the boat you’ve had your eye on has increased significantly as a result of such impacts. First, be patient with the manufacturers and dealers as many of these impacts are not their fault.

Rising prices across many sectors and in this instance potentially new boat prices, places the spotlight on the importance of securing as cheap a boat loan as possible to offset the extra cost. The savings in repayments realised by securing a cheaper loan could mean that the boat you want is still affordable or you could afford a better boat or additional extras and upgrades.

Don’t be forced to cut back on boating enjoyment because you overlooked the options available.

The interest rate is a key determinant of the overall cost of a boat loan and the monthly loan repayments. We’ve prepared a Compare boat loan Interest Rates chart to provide up to date information on what a number of lenders are currently offering on boat loans.

To see how much more you could be paying per month with a higher interest rate, simply input the loan amount you are seeking and see the estimated repayments displayed. Scroll through the list to see the differentials across this selection of the market. That could be the differential that offsets any rises in the price of your boat.

For a firm boat loan quote, individually sourced and negotiated to meet your specific requirements, give us a quick call.

Assistance for Last Minute Buyers

If you’ve left that boat purchase to the last minute, don’t give up, just call up – a Jade consultant. We can act quickly to secure cheap boat loan quotes, fast approvals and prompt settlement. To read more about securing a fast boat loan, read our recent post.

Above all, enjoy a safe holiday season on the water!

Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for a boat loan quote

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MIS-PRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.