Boating News Updates: Advice, Alerts and Assists

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race became yet another sporting casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. With hundreds of sailors residing in Sydney's Northern Beaches LGA and locked out of Tasmania. But there is plenty of other news doing the rounds of the boating scene. We bring you a summary of advice, alerts and assists to streamline your boating purchase and finance and enhance your boating enjoyment.

Boat Shows 2021

After pretty much all being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, we are pleased to advise that it looks like boat shows are back on the agenda for 2021. Well at least at this stage. Any major event in 2021 will clearly be subject to the health orders at the time in that area. But a preliminary calendar of events has been published by the BIA and we’re thrilled to share those dates:-

  • Sanctuary Cove Boat Show Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 May 2021
  • Rosehill Trailer Boat Show 6-7 March 2021
  • Brisbane – National 4X4 Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo 19-21 March 2021
  • Melbourne Boat Show 17-20 June 2021
  • Sydney Boat Show 29 July – 2 August 2021
  • Brisbane Boat Show 20-22 August 2021

We will be staying across the industry news and will seek out dates for other boating-related shows including in the caravan and camping sector which we will advise when known.

Weather Alerts

A major weather event hit the east coast and caused havoc along the coastlines of both NSW and Queensland and severe damage in inland areas in early December. The event was categorised as a severe weather event with high rainfalls, extremely strong winds, storm surges and large swells. The impacts were felt both on the coast and in inland waterways with many rivers flooding and inundating homes and businesses.

Marine Rescue authorities were out in force to assist and the Bureau of Meteorology posted multiple boating alerts for hazardous conditions. While the major low pressure system that caused the event passed, the after-effects remain for some time as potential hazards for boaters.

Massive beach erosion and riverine flooding means there is a lot of debris in both inshore and offshore waters. Boaters are advised to be extra vigilant for hazards in the water. Logs and other items can float just under the waterline, so take care out there. Also note that the weather may have caused navigation markers to be washed away. So if you’re boating in an area you are unfamiliar with, stay alert and check the conditions etc. before you head off. As always, ensure you have all the correct safety gear on your boat.

As we’ve covered in another article, the effects of La Nina are due to impact Australia through to February 2021 so boaters need to stay across the weather conditions.

If you’re current boat is not suited to the weather conditions you choose to enjoy, speak with Jade about a loan for a boat that is suited to your preferences.

Assistance for Regional and Remote Boat Buyers

Throughout 2020 the issue of being able to access the services you need at different times and for different purposes has been highlighted. Floods, bushfires and other severe weather events can cut off individual households and communities from access to main centres. Lockdowns and isolation orders due to COVID-19 have posed and continue to pose ongoing challenges for everyone. Permanent residents in remote and regional areas and workers posted to remote work sites have to plan their lives in relation to their location all the time. You may have been injured or suffering a general health issues which prevent you from getting out and about to access in-person services and facilities. These may include getting to the bank to discuss a loan for a boat.

As we all have to accept that some of these scenarios will be playing out for some time, at Jade Boat Loans we want to assure you that if you find yourself in these types of situation and are seeking to source boat finance, we are available to assist you.

Jade Boat Loans has been established as a contactless business model so you do not need to attend our offices. While some banks insist you attend at a branch to deliver loan application forms and financial documents and even for interview, when working with Jade the entire loan process is handled electronically, via phone and email.

We are a national business, providing boat loans services to customers on a nationwide basis. So it doesn’t matter where you are located and where the boat you might be purchasing is moored, your Jade consultant can source you a quote and assist with many aspects of your boat purchase.

Online Resources and Assistance

As an additional assist, we’ve provided extensive online resources which we are continually building and adding to with articles, updates and FAQs. In addition to our boat loan calculator we’ve recently added a lender comparison calculator so you can compare boat loans from multiple lenders right here.

Just one more news item to include in this issue – don’t forget to check your boat batteries!

Wherever you are located in Australia, call Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for a quote for your boat loan.

DISCLAIMER: THE DETAILS AND INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE NOT INTENDED AS THE SOLE SOURCE OR AS ADVICE IN REGARD TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION BUT FOR GENERAL PURPOSES ONLY. PERSONS REQUIRING ADVICE ON THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION ARE DIRECTED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR FINANCIAL ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ERRORS OR MISINTERPRETATIONS IN THE INFORMATION AS PRESENTED. THE DATA AND DETAILS WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN SOURCED IN PART FROM THIRD PARTY SOURCES.