With Victoria into a fourth lockdown for the state, the situation is a timely reminder that, despite Australia’s impressive overall performance, the coronavirus pandemic still presents a real and present risk to many aspects of business and personal lives as we know it. When it comes to boat owners and those intending to buy a boat, how does a lockdown affect the process? We explore the scenarios and explain the process for those sourcing the best boat financing options for applications when under stay at home restrictions.
Restrictions on Water Activities
Several states have entered lockdown periods over the past 18 months or so and more could follow. Each state and territory will instigate its own restrictions in regard to what is and what is not permissible. Particularly in regards to boating activities. If you are under COVID-19 restrictions, you should check the detail for that particular health order in your state for that period.
For the late May Victoria lockdown, recreational boating and fishing activities have been curtailed to some extent for the 7 day lockdown period. Residents of Victoria are permitted to exercise for 2 hours per day within 5 kilometres of home. Some boating activities appear to be permitted if your boat or the ramp to launch is within the ‘exercise zone’ limits. It appears that fishing is recognised as an exercise that differs from previous lockdowns.
The number of people allowed on a boat and who those people are is also subject to health orders. You can only take one additional person and the person must be from your household. As in residing under the same roof. But you must stay within that 5-kilometre limit and for no more than 2 hours each day.
Using watercraft such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and similar craft for exercise appears to be permitted, but the use of jet skis, PWCs and sailing craft does not seem to be permitted as a form of exercise. Check the detail with Staying Safe and what you can do to reduce the risk and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Accessing Boating Services
If you have your boat scheduled for maintenance during the lockdown, it will depend on the circumstances if this can proceed. It appears that marine engineers and mechanics would be permitted to travel to work as they would not normally be able to work from home. So if your vessel is already at the boat service centre, then the repairs and servicing should be able to be carried out. But if you need to take the boat there during the lockdown, that may not be permitted and you would need to reschedule.
Fishing gear and bait suppliers may be under orders to close unless offering a click and collect or online services. Check with your supplier for individual details.
Buying a Boat
If you were planning to head out to check out new boats at the dealerships, then this will need to be postponed during the lockdown. If you planned to head to a regional outdoor show or expo, this will also entail a change of plan.
Fortunately, many boat manufacturers and dealerships have upped the ante with their websites and online facilities over the past year. So checking out the boat market from home is possible via the internet.
With boat stocks in many categories limited due to recent surges in sales, it can be tempting to avoid missing out by proceeding with a purchase purely online.
If intending to purchase entirely based on an internet transaction be cautious and careful. There is a range of frauds and scams currently operating in the online space in regard to motor vehicles, boats and caravans especially. Follow safe online purchasing practices and preferably do not hand over money unless you have viewed the boat in person and verified seller and boat ID.
When engaging Jade Boat Loans as your lender, we can assist with many of the essential checks and verifications including the PPSR to ensure the boat being sold is not under finance.
If purchasing a new boat from a recognised and reputable dealer or manufacturer, purchasing via online facilities would be preferable to purchasing a used boat online from a private seller.
Arranging a Boat Loan
We have built our lending platform on a highly efficient online format to allow boat buyers to access lending services completely remotely, even if you are looking for boat financing with poor credit. So if you are under lockdown restrictions or based anywhere in Australia, you can engage with our team and our loan resources to secure your boat loan.
If you have a boat loan application currently being processed, there should be no delays to the process. If settlement on a loan is due during the current or any lockdown period, the lender should still be able to complete the process. Your Jade consultant will be handling that side of your loan.
If you’re intending to purchase a boat in the near future, you could utilise your time in lockdown to get moving on a pre-approved boat loan. Use our online boat finance repayment calculator to work up estimated repayments as you browse boats online and apply online or over the phone for a pre-approved loan.
When restrictions are lifted, you’ll be set to head straight to the dealership, inspect the boat and sign the sales contract.
If you have any questions about sourcing a loan or follow-up your loan application while in lockdown, please reach out to our team for assistance.
To discuss your lending options, speak with us on 1300 000 003
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.
