As we enjoy the first boating season in several years without any COVID-related restrictions, it may be advisable or required, for many boat owners to update themselves in a range of areas. Boating updates can be important to ensure safety on and around the water. But we also include boating updates on places to consider boating in Victoria, on the restrictions in place for special events on Sydney Harbour and the latest on marine finance for those still looking to upgrade this season.
Safety Reminders
Safety is paramount with boating and before any trip, the usual routines should be followed. If undertaking boating for the first time this season, here are a few reminders:-
- Check lifejackets are in good condition and meet any changes to standards.
- Check expiry dates on flares and other consumable safety devices.
- Check covers are in good condition and up to withstanding inclement conditions. La Nina is expected to continue through to the early part of 2023 so more rain and possible storms could be expected.
- Riverine boating in areas which have been impacted by floods continue to pose risks with hazards and debris floating downstream. Take care and if planning to boat at night, ensure lights are in good order and operating.
- If taking children on the boat, apart from ensuring the correct sized lifejackets are onboard, it can be advisable to teach them how to use the radio in case of emergency. This is a key tip from a boating training source we picked up and it can make a lot of sense if the skipper falls ill.
- Check with the marine authorities in the area of boating for updates on bars, tides, etc.
- Download the latest Bureau of Meteorology app for live weather updates.
- If boating in NSW, report in with Marine Rescue NSW.
Victorian Places to Boat
We’ve posted a few articles recently on the upgrades to a number boat ramps in Victoria. So we thought we’d continue that theme by offering up ideas for places to go boating in that state. The recent ramp upgrades, may offer Victorian trailer boat owners with many more options and widening your horizons could be just what is required.
Better Boating Victoria offers a number of ideas for interesting boating trails. These include Geelong to Queenscliff, Port Phillip and Mornington and taking in the sights of the city from Docklands to the Yarra.
Sydney Harbour Special Events
There are two major events coming up on Sydney Harbour that boaters should be aware of in regard to restrictions – the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Both these events attract many boaters and restrictions are in place.
For Boxing Day, those planning to head to the harbour to watch the start and follow the fleet out of the heads, check with the exclusion zone map and make plans.
The iconic harbour will once again be the centre of the city’s and the world’s attention come New Year’s Eve. Sydney Harbour on NYE has been a magnet for boaters for decades. But if you plan to visit or drop anchor, then you need to be across the restrictions.
The details for 2022 have changed since 2021 and boat owners can update on the latest at Sydney’s official NYE website. Changes include no unauthorised vessels within certain zones as noted by yellow buoys and exclusion zones around the Bradley’s Head and Balls Head areas and east of Cockatoo Island.
Boat owners should also check access to wharves where they may be planning to pick-up and drop-ff friends and family. Many road closures are in place around harbour areas from early afternoon which may limit your guests’ access and may impact launch ramps also. Some wharves will be closed from the afternoon through to the early hours of the morning.
Stay across Marine NSW and Police Marine Command updates and VHF channels 17 and 13.
Marine Finance Updates
For those that are still in the throes of buying a new boat, a quick update on the boat loan situation at the moment may assist. The RBA lifted interest rates again at the December meeting which can result in rises in marine financing interest rates. But despite 8 rate rises in 8 months from the RBA, we continue to achieve cheaper rates for our customers.
If planning a last minute boat purchase, use our Finance Calculator for boats to calculate rough repayment estimates to get started, or just call us for a quick quote and start the application process. Reflecting back to our safety reminders, when purchasing a new boat, consider purchasing any required or additional safety equipment in conjunction with the boat purchase.
Where accessories and extras are included in the invoice for the boat purchase, your Jade consultant may be able to include the cost in the boat loan.
For last minute boat finance to make that purchase to put you on the water this summer, 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 MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
