Is it ever too soon to start thinking about buying a new watercraft? Is it ever not a suitable time to start planning a visit to a major boating expo? For boating enthusiasts and keen buyers, the answer must be it’s never too soon. Many of the dates for the 2025 boat shows have been released and ready for diarising.
For most buyers, finance will be required to purchase that new vessel. Being across the available loan options and obtaining an indication of your borrowing capacity can be valuable planning steps which may streamline the purchase while making your dream vessel more affordable.
To inspire and inform, we’ve collated the dates of many of this year’s boating exhibitions and events, along with our expert tips on forward planning marine finance. Let the planning and preparation begin!
Major 2025 Boat Shows & Events
The first of the major exhibitions for the year is the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 22-25 May, Sanctuary Cove Queensland. This event continues to grow each year, attracting over 40,000 visitors with over 300 exhibitors and nearly 800 boats on display. A must-attend and a great opportunity for interstate boaters to take in all the Gold Coast has to offer during their visit.
Next on the major events calendar is the Sydney International Boat Show set for 31 July through to 3 August at Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour precinct. This event includes exhibitors in the International Convention Centre, on-water vessel displays and a wide range of activities and attractions celebration the marine lifestyle.
The Melbourne Boat Show is hosted by the Boating Industry Association of Victoria and will be held at Docklands in Melbourne on 16-19 October. Another great event which also continues to expand each year.
Other smaller events include the Adelaide Boat Show which is currently a TBA, hopefully in June and the Brisbane Boat Show which was postponed in 2024 and is a TBA for August. Check in at event websites for updates. The Club Marine Perth Boat Show is a must-attend for West Australians and is scheduled for 19-21 September at the Perth Convention Centre.
With all shows, bookmark the event website and subscribe to newsletters for updates on schedules, exhibitors and ticket availability. Dates advised are as currently available.
Other 2025 Boat Shows and Events
In addition to the major events dedicated purely to boating, there are many lifestyle and outdoor expos throughout the year which also feature marine exhibitors. These predominantly focus on caravan and camping but many include fishing and trailerable watercraft. Not all may offer watercraft buying opportunities but may provide the chance to see the latest in boating accessories, technology and information.
Watch out for the Fraser Coast Expo in Hervey Bay QLD in July, Moreton Bay Expo in QLD in February, Albury Wodonga Show in late March and the Darwin Boat, Travel and Leisure Show with boating exhibitors scheduled for September - just a few dates for the diary.
Wooden boating enthusiasts are sure to be interested in the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, 7-10 February in Hobart Tasmania. A show which includes an interesting program of different activities and events focussing on wooden boats.
For the sailing fraternity, there are many events happening from the Geographe Race Week in WA, Hamilton Island Race Week in Queensland, Sail Port Stephens in NSW and on Sydney Harbour the spectacular Sail GP over the weekend of 8-9 February.
All dates are as currently advertised and those interested should follow-up at the organisers’ website to confirm all dates and details.
Planning Finance to Order at a Show
It can be wise to plan marine finance concurrently with planning the vessel purchase. Being ready with finance to order at a major event may expedite delivery, enable the opportunity to capture limited edition models, be first to buy the latest releases, and take advantage of event specials and discounts. Jade Boat Loans assists buyers planning to order a vessel at the 2025 boat shows with loan preparation and pre-approved finance on all types of watercraft.
While confirmed quotes on pre-approved finance are valid for short timeframes and should be considered around 2 months ahead, there are other preparatory steps which can be done well ahead of a purchase. Loan applications can be conditionally approved at any time to give potential buyers an indication of their credit limit. This can be extremely useful in selecting vessels within their specific loan limits. We can assist by handling this process for buyers well ahead of the major shows.
To prepare, review the features, eligibility and benefits of our Secured Boat Loans for new sailing and power boats. When planning to attend a show with the intention to order, be as prepared as possible. Check the exhibitor listings and site map and note where the suppliers you wish to see are located. Make a plan for your show visit and where possible, contact the supplier prior to the show to make an inspection appointment.
Show specials are a feature of most expos. Have our Marine Finance Calculator handy on your phone to get quick loan estimates to check if that vessel is in your affordability zone.
Don’t want to wait for 2025 Boat Shows?
For those not ready to wait for the main events, the end of boating season can be a prime time to secure great deals on both new and used vessels. Some boatowners often opt to sell rather than pay storage over the winter months. Others may look to sell now with the aim of buying a new vessel before the next boating season.
If purchasing a second-hand boat, the vessel will need to be considered by lenders as suitable collateral for a Secured Boat Loan. If not considered acceptable collateral, an Unsecured Personal Loan may suit.
The end of the season can also be a good time for dealers to discount current stock with specials on existing current models. New models are usually financed with a Secured Boat Loan with the vessel accepted as collateral for the loan.
Contact Jade Boat Loans 1300 000 003 to discuss how we can assist with your finance preparation to be ready to order at the 2025 boat shows.
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.
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