If you're thinking 'summer is over so it's too late to buy a new boat now, I'll wait until next summer', you could be missing out on some great times on the water. Boating is certainly not restricted only to the warmer months. Of course some water activities such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, swimming etc are more enjoyable in summer, there are plenty of experiences to be enjoyed throughout the entire year you own a boat. Long-time boat owners and especially those in northern Australia will attest that there is no real 'boating season'. Authorities do tend to announce the start of the boating season around September-October, but boating is an ideal recreation for every season, 12 months of the year.
So if you’re planning to defer your boat purchase to later in the year, we share the autumn weather outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology and other tips to hopefully change your mind and get you out on the water in your own boat this autumn-winter.
The secret to ensuring that you enjoy safe boating experiences throughout each season, is to be prepared. Have the right boat to suit the conditions where you are boating, have the gear and equipment for your activities and to handle the water conditions and most importantly be completely across the weather conditions.
We referred to the experts at the BOM for what you can expect when you go boating this autumn.
BOM Autumn Weather Outlook
The BOM has released its autumn climate and weather outlook for February through April 2021. La Nina has influenced the climate and rainfall as predicted through summer, but indications show the system is likely to break down in early autumn having reached its peak. In general. That would mean more neutral conditions for winter 2021.
While rainfall is expected to be above average in February through April, the daytime temps around much of the mainland Australian coast and Tasmania, are likely to be higher than average. Warmer temperatures could signal great conditions to get out on your boat and enjoy the outdoors before winter sets in.
With the effects of La Nina by way of above-average rainfall through February, you might like to investigate how that might impact fish stocks, if fishing is your boating activity of choice.
For those that enjoy getting into the water from their boat, you’ll be pleased to know that sea surface temperatures are above average in much of Australia, making that dip off the boat even more appealing.
So in general, it looks like warmer than average conditions through to May so don’t put off that boat purchase or put your boat into storage just yet, there’s plenty of great boating weather to come.
New BOM Marine App
To assist boaters and fishers, the BOM weather app has been updated with marine-related features. The version of the app you’ll need for these features in 4.1.0 so you can access the marine data. The moon phases have also now included and wind gusts are updated hourly for up to 72 hours ahead. Wind speed can be displayed in either kph or knots to greatly assist boaters.
Wave height information is also now available on the app as well as water forecasts with tide times. By installing on your phone or other mobile device, the app can update the forecast for your location.
Key likes on the app for boaters include:-
- Hourly forecasts for temps, winds, rain up to 72 hours ahead.
- Wave information.
- Sunrise, sunset, moon phases.
- Tide times.
Definitely a must-have for all boaters and especially those that head off-shore. You can download the BOM weather app from the Apple store or Google play.
Selecting a Boat for All Seasons
The major considerations when selecting a boat include choosing one which suits your preferred activity and one that is suitable for the conditions you intend to use the boat in. For year-round boating considering a cabin cruiser or cuddy cabin could be a better option than a more open design.
- If looking at flybridge cruisers or trailer boats, look for a bimini top to provide additional protection from the weather.
- When buying, consider additional gear and accessories you may need in cooler or windier weather and if purchasing from the same seller, ask your Jade consultant to include all in the same loan package.
- If buying second-hand, check all seals and covers are in good working order to protect you and your boat in the case of inclement conditions.
- If planning to head off-shore or into rough waters, select a hull construction that is especially designed to handle the conditions.
Autumn-winter 2021 is looking like a great time for boating so don’t delay your purchase. As summer and peak boat buying season rolls down you may find some great bargains through both the new dealer markets and in the used boat area.
Jade can organise pre-approved boat loans so you have your finance sorted before you buy. Act now and you’ll be ready to enjoy a great autumn of boating.
To discuss your boat loan requirements, contact Jade Boat Loans 1300 000 003
DISCLAIMER:THE DATA, POLICIES, INFORMATION, CONTENT AND REFERENCES AS PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL PURPOSES ONLY, IS SOURCED FROM RELIABLE SOURCES BUT NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED SHOULD THERE BE ERRORS OR MISREPRESENTATIONS OF DETAILS IN THE CONTENT. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED AS THE SOLE PURPOSE OF MAKING FINANCIAL DECISIONS. READERS SHOULD REFER TO A FINANCIAL ADVISOR OR ACCOUNTANT IN THE EVENT THAT THEY REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE AND CONSULTATION ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL POSITION.
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