It’s now official – the Bureau of Meteorology has called it, La Nina has arrived! This climate driver has developed in the Pacific Ocean and is set to influence weather patterns, particularly in eastern Australia over the coming months. For boat owners and those planning a boat purchase, Jade Boat Loans provides tips and hints on preparing for La Nina boating season.
Weather plays a critical part in boating activities and being across the prevailing and predicted conditions is important to ensuring safe boating. Taking into account weather starts well before the day of the boating trip or activity. Looking ahead to what is in store over the coming season assists boat owners prepare their vessel appropriately.
If planning to buy a boat to enjoy the upcoming summer season, then the weather can influence the type of boat being purchased and what equipment and accessories may be needed to set the boat up to cater for the expected conditions.
What is La Nina?
La Nina is a climate driver and forms part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This is a naturally-occurring shift in the weather patterns the ocean temperatures in the Pacific along t6he equator. During these conditions, the waters of the central/eastern tropical areas of the Pacific become cooler, SE to NW winds strengthen and the clouds shift west, in the direction of Australia.
In a media release of 23 November 2021, Dr Andrew Watkins, BOM Head of Operational Climate Services, explained that during these events, rainfall in the western Pacific lead to wetter than usual times for northern, central and eastern Australia.
Dr Watkins went on to details that La Nina increases the chances of daytime temperatures being cooler and the number of tropical cyclones can increase. In addition, earlier first rains for the wet season are associated with La Nina.
2021-12 was the last time that Australia experienced a significant La Nina and that was the wettest 2 year period on record with resultant widespread flooding. It also occurred in 2020-21 summer/spring and many east coasters will recall that wet summer. Conditions which were seen as a blessing after the destructive fire season of the 2019-20 summer.
According to Dr Watkins, the 2021-22 event may be weaker than that of 2020-21 and not as strong as the period of 2012-12. Dr Watkins emphasises that La Nina is not the only climate driver to have an impact on Australia at the one time. He stresses that it is important to utilise the BOM climate tools to acquire a good sense of what the conditions may be over the coming months.
La Nina is expected to persist through the summer to the end of January 2022. That covers the peak boating season, so boaters and fishers should be across the details.
Preparing Your Boat
The November rain event across much of eastern Australia has been a precursor to the arrival of La Nina and a timely reminder to get your boat ready. Many Australians have been in extended lockdowns over recent months and unable to use their boats. This may mean deterioration and need for attention to some areas.
With La Nina storm and rain activity imminent, it’s time to prepare before heading out:-
- Check covers and make repairs so your boat can weather the additional rainfall.
- Ensure anchor and other mooring ropes are in good order so the boat remains secure at anchor.
- Affect repairs ensuring no leaks or other weaknesses are present which cause damage.
- Motor servicing and maintenance should be addressed.
- Life-jacket checks and replacements purchased where necessary.
- Upgrade electronics and check comms devices are operational with batteries charged.
- Replace out of date flares, EPIRBs and other safety devices.
- Consider change of mooring location for the season for greater protection from the elements.
- Train and educate all crew, including younger family members, in safety procedures and in the use of comms and alerts in case of an emergency.
- Download the BOM app to receive immediate updates on conditions.
Planning Your Boat Purchase
Is the boat you are considering suitable for safe and enjoyable boating through the La Nina season? To get the most from your boating enjoyment under the predicted conditions, you may need to consider a larger vessel or a model with greater cover afforded by cabins and indoor spaces.
A larger or sturdier boat may mean a bigger price tag. But you may be surprised to discover that at current low interest rates and over a say a 7 year boat loan term, that higher price tag may not mean as much extra in repayments as you might think.
There are a few ways to find out – request quotes on different boats and/or use the finance calculator. The calculator is free and easy to use and allows buyers to receive boat loan repayment estimates on as many boats as they want, in their own time.
Knowing what is within your price range in terms of possible loan repayments can reduce time wasted when browsing the boat sales market. Use the loan tools to plan your purchase and consider asking us about a pre-approved boat loan to be even more prepared.
Boat Loan Considerations
When planning your purchase, be aware that the additional gear and accessories you may need or want, may be able to be included in your boat loan. Your Jade consultant can advise specifically relevant to your individual requirements.
The key factor is to buy everything at the same time and preferably from the same supplier where possible. Once again, use calculator to see how that extra gear cost will increase the monthly repayments.
Safe and enjoyable boating can be weather-dependent and dependent on the boat specs and condition. Take in the climate predictions when selecting your next boat to enhance your boating experience.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 to discuss loans for all types of boats.
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.
