Wrap and Review – Sanctuary Cove Highlights, Sydney Boat Show Update

The Sydney Boat Show dates and set-up has changed for 2025 with a show at Sydney Olympic Park in August and an on-water event at Cockle Bay in November. While a cold snap hit much of south- eastern Australia recently, boating enthusiasts are warming up for the upcoming season with a great calendar of boat shows. The Sanctuary Cove Show was another great success, and keen buyers are already making plans for Sydney’s big upcoming boating lifestyle event.

For buyers yet to commit to a purchase post-Sanctuary Cove and for those getting organised for Sydney, we wrap and review on the shows and provide information on the best way to finance that new dream boat.

Sanctuary Cove Boat Show Wrap

The 2025 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show was another success with a 10% increase on attendance and over 800 boats on display. Organisers earmarked that standout showstopper boats as including the Carbon Yachts’ hydrofoiling model, the Italian-build Pazienza, Horizon’s innovations and Riviera’s showcase. Riviera premiered two new models the Palm Beach 50 and the Palm Beach 65.

Buyers interested in the smaller watercraft side of the market, Sea-Doo and Kawaskai had PWCs to excite. PWC buyers that didn’t get to show may note the new Sea-Doo high performance RXP-X 325 priced at just under $33k. Anglers were keen on Sea-Doo’s later FishPro model, on the market for around $30,600.

Another PWC at the top of the range which show organisers highlighted is Kawasaki’s Ultra 310LX. Priced under $31k, this could be ideal for your upcoming boating season. Use the price guide in our Finance Calculator with our current rates to get quick loan estimates for consideration.

If you attended Sanctuary Cove but are still to make your buying decision, speak with us about financing. The RBA cut interest rates around the time of the show and another cut may be on the cards at the RBA’s 8 July meeting.

Changes for Sydney Boat Show

In April, organisers of Sydney’s annual show, the Boating Industry of Australia, announced exciting changes to the format of this iconic annual event. Instead of the one big show in late July, the new format includes the Sydney Boat Show over 14-17 August at Olympic Park and the On-Water Show at Darling Harbour from 13 through to 16 November.

The Olympic Park event will be held at the Sydney Showground and will primarily showcase boating accessories and gear. The schedule also includes activations for visitor to try different boat experiences in a giant indoor pool.

Watercraft on display in August will include powerboats including offshore models, sail and paddle craft with emphasis on one of Australia’s most popular leisure activities – fishing. Fishing enthusiasts can look forward demos and clinics from experts to hone their skills and chances of landing the big one. Exhibitor details, ticketing and other information is not yet available. Those interested should stay across the event website for updates as available.

The On-water show in Cockle Bay at Darling Harbour, the traditional home of the Sydney Boat Show, will feature a wide range of vessels. Visitors can savour the thought of inspecting the latest luxury vessels and high-performance watercraft.

The BIA points out that the November scheduling will allow for spring weather compared with the usual winter timing of the show. Conditions in perfect sync with the lifestyle offered by boating. The November timing also coincides with the next boating season. Providing plenty of reasons to make your purchase and get out on the water in your dream watercraft.

Securing Finance Ahead of Sydney Boat Show

While the timing of the On-water November event is too far in advance to apply for boat finance, it is a good time for prospective buyers attending the August show to start thinking boat loans. Review the features of a Secured Boat Loan which is the most popular and most suitable loan for private buyers of new recreational vessels.

This type of loan can be used for large and small vessels, power and sail, including PWCs. The vessel is used as the loan collateral with many buyers not requested by lenders to provide other assets as additional loan security.

Interest rates are always highly competitive with secured new boat loans. We ensure your rate is the most competitive available and fixed for the full term of the loan. When reviewing our current rates, keep in mind that the RBA may announce further rate cuts in early July which should flow through the marine finance market.

For pre-approved loans ahead of the August show, buyers should consider applying in early July. Finance can be locked in with conditional approval before a purchase is made. Providing the assurance buyers need to proceed with such a considered buy and be able to short-list vessels to their loan limit.

For marine finance post-Sanctuary Cove and before the Sydney Boat Show, connect with Jade Boat Loans 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.