The boating season is now underway with those that arranged their boat finance and purchased their new vessels, ready to enjoy the waterways. For those that are still contemplating a new boat, there are boat shows on this week and Jade Boat Loans can assist buyers with pre-approved boat finance.
The season start signals increased activity on the waterways and there’s plenty of news from around the states for boaters and buyers to stay across. We’ve put together a snapshot of boating updates from the waterways and waterfront around Australia and news on the boat finance front from Jade Boat Loans for boat buyers.
NSW Flood Warnings
The past few months has seen record rainfall in NSW with Sydney recording its biggest September rainfall on record. And there is more to come in many states. Coming on the back of a very wet winter with the ground already sodden, this has resulted in floods in many of the river systems. This means dangers for those planning riverine boating.
Before heading out to lakes and inland waterways, boaters should check with the SES Hazard Watch. The SES provides updates on what is happening in regard to flooding and dangers.
News from Tasmania
Marine Safety Tasmania (MAST) reports that numerous boat ramps have been busy with the start of the boating season. These include at Margate, Stanley and Low Head. The sailing community heralded in the start of the season with the traditional Derwent River Sail Past.
MAST also reports completion of the Cygnet Jetty, which it notes will be a valuable asset for boaters in the Huon and Channel River regions. This jetty features a lower landing and is located near the council boat ramp, about 100m south of where the old jetty was located.
The first stage of the upgrade to the Dover ramp is also finished and stage 2 is underway. The walkway and ramp have been extended. Boaters can also look forward to further upgrades at Nubeena and St Helens.
This Week: Boat Shows
For those still hoping to buy a new boat for this summer, there are two key boat shows happening this week.
- Melbourne Boat Show is on at Docklands from 20-23 October. This is shaping up as a massive event, so get your free tickets pre-booked so as not to miss out.
- SA Fishing and Boating Show is on this coming weekend at Adelaide Showground. Exhibitors include suppliers of boating and fishing gear as well as 4WD and outdoor lifestyle products. Tickets can be purchased online.
For those planning to order or buy a boat at either of these or any other boat shows, having boat finance arranged prior to the event can be a great help. We provide pre-approved boat finance with our Secured Boat Loan to assist buyers.
The interest rate and loan features and conditions are the same for boat finance which is sourced after as well as before a purchase. For finance in time for this week’s shows, contact us asap.
Sydney Harbour Events
Many of the sailing and yacht clubs will be now gearing up for their summer racing seasons and fishers will be heading to the ramps for day trips. Ramps may be busy, so patience will be required. Crews will be readying for the upcoming Sydney to Hobart with the lead-up races over the next few months.
An icon of Sydney Harbour sailing are the 18’ skiffs. The 18 footers season commenced on Sunday 16 October with the racing schedule predominantly on Sundays over the summer. Racing starts from Double Bay with the course on the Harbour determined by the wind on the day. A great spectacle to take in for those out on the water on race day.
BOM Weather Outlook
Boaters should always be staying across the latest updates, alerts and warnings from the BOM before heading out. La Nina has been declared and for eastern Australia that means increased rainfall. Updates are available for all states and territories.
With this outlook and being the start of the boating season, boat owners should be checking their safety gear and equipment and upgrading where necessary. Especially life jackets, electronics and other essential items. Trailer boat owners – don’t forget to check the trailer! Recent rainfall may impact some roads and access to ramps.
For new boat buyers, this is a timely reminder to ensure all the necessary safety equipment is acquired for the new boat. We may be able to assist with the purchase costs where the equipment is acquired at the same time and from the same supplier as the boat. The expenses may be able to be included in the boat finance. Have a word to a Jade Boat Loans consultant prior to purchase to confirm what could be possible in regard to your individual requirements.
Boat Finance News
The news in regard to boat finance continues to be interest rates. The RBA increased the cash rate at its October meeting and a further rise is possible at the 1 November RBA Board meeting. The flow-on effect is for lenders, including those in marine finance, to increase rates on their loan products.
The interest rate is key to the boat loan repayments and the total interest payable which determines the cost of the finance and as such, how much the boat actually costs to purchase. Sourcing the cheapest interest rate is critical to ensuring the repayments remain in the target zone for buyers.
As we are accredited with multiple lenders, we maintain the ability to continue sourcing cheaper boat finance interest rates. Each boat finance application is assessed individually and rates, terms and conditions negotiated directly by our consultant with our lenders on behalf of each customer.
Rates will vary across the marine finance market, so speak with us as the first port of call and save time and a lot of hassle in arranging boat finance to add more enjoyment to your boating experience.
And above all, stay safe on the water and enjoy the boating season.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for cheaper boat finance.
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.
