When you’re in the market to buy a new boat, it can be useful to stay across what’s happening a range of areas in the boating industry. But we fully understand that not everyone has the time to do that. So we have our Jade Boat Loans team regularly review developments that may be of interest and helpful to our boat loan customers. In this news update we cover a number of topics including proposed new labelling for boat manufacturers, lifejackets and the latest status of this year’s boat shows.
Small Craft Design Standards
Safety in boating is paramount and it starts well before you launch. It actually starts by knowing the standards ratings attached to the design of your craft. Boats are rated to carry a certain number of people and advised for certain boating conditions. Exceeding these ratings can result in serious consequences.
Boating industry sources, including the BIA (Boating Industry of Australia) are reporting that Standards Australia has posted a draft for public comment of the Australian standard AS 1799 which is for small craft design.
The AS 1799 standard relates to rules around the build and the labelling for new boats under 35m which are both built in Australia and/or imported into and sold in Australia. According to reports, the draft includes a number of proposals including a warning label being placed on boats of length up to 6m. While these boats may be suitable for inland and inshore waterways, boat owners do use these boats offshore at times. The proposed warning label would advise that the maximum number of persons and the maximum load on such boats be reduced where the boat is operated outside the protected waters for which it is rated.
The authority noted that reducing the number of persons and load would not manage the full range of hazards that may be encountered when the boat operated in open waters. The draft, which includes other proposals, is open for public comment until 30 April 2021. To access the draft report, registering on the Standards Australia website is required. https://www.standards.org.au/
While Standards Australia will need to complete its review and operational procedures before any proposed labelling is introduced, the spirit of their intentions is worth taking on-board for owners of boats in this class. Know what your boat is rated for – the water conditions, the number of persons and the load – and operate the boat only according to the manufacturer’s design specs.
If you do venture offshore in such a boat, serious consideration should probably be given to reducing numbers and load or simply staying to the recommended inshore waters. If you do want a boat that is built for offshore conditions and/or to take more people than your current vessel, consider an upgrade. With the current historically low lending interest rates a Jade boat loan to purchase a new boat may be cheaper than you expect. Head to our boat loan calculator to work up rough repayment estimates or give us a call for a quick quote.
Information on Lifejackets
Laws are in place which govern which particular lifejackets boat owners are required to have on their boats. These laws relate to different types of boats and when boating in varying water conditions. Staying across any changes and ensuring you are compliant can be a challenge.
To assist boaters, the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group has partnered with the BIA and launched a very helpful resource www.lifejackets.org.au The website has been provided to give boat owners a source of information they can rely on in regard to inflatable lifejackets.
When arranging your loan for a new boat, speak with your Jade consultant about including the lifejackets and other essential safety equipment in your total loan amount.
Boat Show Update
Unfortunately, it has recently been announced that the Brisbane Boat Show which was scheduled for August 2021 has been cancelled. The reasons given for the cancellation are the same as those that caused the cancellation of the Melbourne event – lack of stock by manufacturers to exhibit. Another victim of COVID-19, while boat sales have been strong, local manufacturers have struggled to get production levels up to that required to exhibit.
The Sydney show is still planned to proceed, though scaled down somewhat. But more on that as the July start date draws closer.
With the Brisbane show cancelled, Queensland boaters will be looking to prioritise attending the Sanctuary Cove show in May 2021. Stay across the event website so you can secure your tickets as events of this type need to be hosted under COVID safe regulations which usually include pre-booked ticketing.
As the May event draws closer, if you are intending to place an order on a boat at the Sanctuary Cove show, don’t forget to contact us in advance to arrange your pre-approved secured boat financing. This type of loan is arranged prior to purchase, is obligation free so if you change your mind, no problem.
To start discussions about a pre-approved loan just give us a call or to calculate boat loans, head to our online calculator.
Contact Jade Boat Loans 1300 000 003 to discuss your boat finance requirements
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 MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
