If you haven’t already noticed, May is boat show month. As the weather cools and the shoreline gets quieter, the Australian east coast hosts two great events: the 28th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the younger, rapidly growing Gold Coast International Marine Expo, both on 19-22 May. If you’re in the market for a new boat, whether it’s for fishing, sports, cruising, sailing or just plain entertaining – there’s nowhere better to fuel your dreams and inform your plans. If you’re buying on a budget, here are some tips to help you make your dollars go further.
1. Research the Costs
Before you go anywhere near a boat show, it’s important that you do some basic research. Check out how much you can afford, taking into account the hidden costs of owning a boat (more on that next week). This means budgeting not only for the boat itself, but also for maintenance, storage, insurance, warranties and any other additional products you might need.
2. Online Browsing.
There are a lot of great boat owners’ advice websites out there, so take a look and see what they’re talking about. List the main three activities you want it for, and recognize you may need to compromise. While your budget may not stretch to a new boat, looking at what’s on the market can help you make the best decision, in line with what you can afford.
The best way to start out is with some knowledge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, current electronics and technology, as well as the most advanced design. Most importantly, you can learn about the safety features you should never be without.
3. Visit the Boat Show!
This in turn will help you to really get the most out of the boat show you attend. It’ll stop you feeling overwhelmed by the huge choice of boat types, models, sizes and more. As well as looking at – and boarding – some of the best vessels money can buy, you can browse the hundreds of stands and discuss your needs with experts and dealers. Being prepared will help shift the conversation up a gear, as you’ll be ready with your questions. And knowing your budget beforehand will stop you wasting time discussing options that you cannot afford.
4. Finally, with a type of boat in mind and a fully prepared budget, you can start talking finance. Financing your purchase will allow you to afford a bigger, newer or more powerful boat than you originally thought, with some of those optional extras you’ve been browsing at the shows. 1800Approved began life on the Gold Coast, and boats are as important in our lives as they are in yours. We’ll use our all our boating knowledge to bring your plans to reality.
Next week, we look at 5 important checks you should do when buying a used boat.
Are you looking for competitive boat finance solutions?
1800Approved is one of Australia’s fastest growing boat, jetski and marine equipment finance brokers. We specialise in boat and equipment finance, plus insurance and warranty services, and have previously arranged deals from AU$10k to AU$5m. 1800Approved services clients across Australia, working with over 30 independent lenders to find the best deal.
We can also help with sourcing your new and used car warranty, and by sourcing vehicles and equipment through our wholesale arm.
To learn more about how we can help you, call us today on 1800 277 768.