Planning, aspiring, intending to buy a new watercraft this year? The annual boat shows and a range of sailing and boating events around the country can provide inspiration and buying opportunities. To inspire buyers to create a wish list, we’ve compiled a list of some of the major and must-attend events on the 2024 boat shows and events calendar.
The annual round of shows present ideal buying opportunities with all types of watercraft on display at most events. While the major events – Sanctuary Cove, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, are the industry drawcards, many lifestyle and outdoor expos throughout regional areas also include watercraft exhibitors. The outdoor expos can be of special interest to buyers looking for the latest fishing and trailerable models.
So what dates should you diarise for this year? To assist buyers to take those vital steps from wish list to ownership, we share tips and hints on preparing and planning to attend events and how to arrange the finance at the lowest rates to make that purchase.
Buying Opportunities – Major 2024 Boat Shows
Not all dates for all marine events for the year have been confirmed. But preliminary details for several of the biggest are available for attendees to consider and start planning for. The first in the calendar is one of the biggest – Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. This year it will be held over 23-26 May and once again promises to be a huge display of marine craft, accessories and services.
From 1-4 August enthusiasts can head to the Sydney International Boat Show. Held at the convenient location of Darling Harbour, this event has extensive on-water displays as well as a large number of exhibitors in the Exhibition Centre.
With the September dates still to be confirmed, next on the calendar is the Perth Boat Show. Held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, this event features PWCs, trailerable craft, electronics, engines and much more. Also with confirmation yet to be announced, the Melbourne Boat Show is pencilled in for October.
Lifestyle, Outdoor Expos 2024
Many of the camping, lifestyle and outdoor expos across Australia include watercraft and here are a few to consider attending:-
- 17-18 February, Moreton Bay Expo.
- 10-12 May, Cairns Expo.
- 17-19 May, Townsville Expo.
Check your local regional guide for what is coming up in your area.
Buying Inspo – Boating Events
In addition to buying opportunities, the boating events calendar also offers opportunities to get inspired to get into boating.
Some of the events to diarise for the year include:-
- 26-28 January, Geelong Festival of Sails.
- 24-25 February, Sail GP Sydney Harbour.
- February dates TBC, Robe Boat Show.
- February, Offshore Superboat Championships get underway.
- March, Fremantle Boat and Seafood Festival.
- March, Sydney Superyacht Festival
Buying Plans and Finance Prep
While the annual boating events offer inspiration and opportunity, buyers keen to capture these opportunities with a purchase, can prepare by arranging the finance ahead of time. To be ready to place an order for a new vessel at one of the 2024 boat shows, contact Jade Boat Loans to pre-arrange low rate marine finance. We assist buyers to be well-organised when attending an event, with our pre-approved marine loans and to be well-equipped on the day with our online finance calculator.
Pre-approved finance can be arranged ahead of time and is valid for a set time period. Speak with one of consultants as to when you should get a boat loan approved for the show you are planning to attend. The process, rates and finance products are the same for pre-approved and for post-purchase finance. Buyers estimate the credit amount they require for approval purposes. When the vessel is purchased and the final price confirmed, we amend the application and quote accordingly. If the buyer does not find the right vessel at the show, the approved finance simply expires without obligation.
For buyers considering pre-approval on a new vessel purchase, our Secured Boat Loan will be best suited to most. We arrange this product with a fixed interest rate, negotiated with our lenders to achieve the lowest rate to suit the customer profile. As rates are primarily offered based on the credit profile and financial position of the applicant, the rate for pre-approved and post-purchase finance would be the same. So there is no downside to pre-approval in regard to the interest rate.
Pre-approval offers many upsides including the chance to be first in to order the latest models, saving time on the purchase process and expediting delivery. Buyers may also have greater confidence to proceed, knowing exactly the limit on their credit and what their repayments will be.
We also assist those arriving at a show without pre-approval, who are inspired to consider a purchase. Our online boat finance calculator can be accessed from mobile devices to provide potential buyers with quick credit estimates on the spot. If a decision to buy is made on the day, buyers can even start request a quote or start their application online while inspecting the vessel.
This year looks like another big one for boating. So speak with us about your financing requirements and be prepared to turn a wish list to an ownership list.
Speak with Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for pre-approved finance before attending the 2024 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.
