Achieving work-life balance was very much the ‘thing’ some years ago. But after the lockdown years of 2020 and 2021, getting more time out of the house is likely a high priority for many people. WFH (work from home) was a great solution for many businesses to continue operations through the pandemic and looks like being extended. According to reports, many workers enjoyed the experience, productivity levels were not reportedly compromised in general and as such, the trend is tipped to continue for many workers in the post-pandemic era. Business operators and their employees are realising the benefits and many are keen to make this stop-gap measure a permanent way of work.
WFH may have been embraced as a solution for a change of pace and achieving a better work-life balance. But if living and working in the same environment has you yearning for a change of space and possibly pace, why not consider WFB – work from boat. Let’s face it, a floating office could make just as productive an environment as working from the dining room or spare bedroom at home. For boating enthusiasts it would present a very appealing option.
We look at the options and ways forward to get you sorted in your own WFB environment.
Setting Up a WFB Boat
The WFB style is probably best suited to those that essentially need only a laptop and mobile to carry out their work. That means having sufficient space to spread out your work requirements, including laptop and having secure stowage when not working.
A model with a good sized dinette or undercover lounge and table set-up on the aft deck could suit. Or a cabin cruiser with space below could work really well. The sun can cause glare on screens so a good cover is important. If purchasing a trailer boat with a bimini top as an optional extra, make sure you order the top as part of the purchase so we can include the cost in your boat loan.
Power is clearly a high priority to keep your devices charged. So a good quality generator is a must with capacity to handle any extra load which your work devices will create. If working from your boat while at the marina, you could have the option of connecting to shore power. If running off batteries, consider upgrading. As with the bimini, include these upgrades at time of purchase for inclusion in your finance.
Waterproofed containers or storage compartments are important for stowing laptops and other important paperwork etc when you’re not working. Consider interior storage when looking at boats. Other considerations include planning to moor or drop anchor in good wi-fi and mobile coverage zones and paying attention to online security issues.
Insurance should also be considered. When taking out marine finance for the boat purchase, you will be required to insure the boat. But marine insurance policies can vary significantly in what is and is not included in the policy. If planning to work from the boat, check that your policy will cover any items that you take on board in order to carry out your work.
New Models to Check Out
If your current boat is not well-suited to working, consider purchasing one that will provide a productive working environment and a relaxing recreational space. Start by checking out some of the new models that were supposed to be shown in the cancelled Sydney Festival of Boating.
You can’t go past or go wrong with any models in the Riviera collection. The 50 and 64 Sports Motor Yachts were due to be shown in Sydney and the mezzanine level which is primarily designed for entertaining, could easily be adapted to a work space.
Then there’s the Horizon FD87 Skyline which missed its Sanctuary Cove debut and its showing in Sydney. This amazing motor yacht has plenty of space for you and your work team and it comes complete with a helipad for FIFO workers and clients to attend meetings.
The Prestige collection is another to add into your considerations. The 420S is a compact cruiser at around 13 metres and the coupe style hardtop should provide sun protection while working. The Regal 36 XO could also suit your requirements with its large saloon area making a welcoming working area.
There are plenty of exciting new models on the market and now is the time to buy with the start of the summer boating season fast approaching.
Securing Finance
Despite your plans to do some work while using your boat, if the boat being purchased is for private recreational purposes, the most suitable form of finance is our Secured Boat Loan. This type of loan is secured with our cheap interest rate which is fixed for the entire loan term. The loan term is fixed as are the monthly repayments.
Refer to our Lender Comparison Interest Rate Calculator to access quick estimates on repayments for the boats you are considering. As for tax deductions for your floating office, that’s a matter to discuss with your accountant. For the finance, discuss your requirements with Jade Boat Loans.
For a quote on a loan for your new boat, contact Jade Boat Loans 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 MIS-PRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
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