Blessed with over 36,000 kilometres of scintillating coastline, numerous rivers, lakes and other waterways, and a warm climate, it is no wonder that boating is popular in Australia.
What can be better than exploring secluded beaches, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs that are only accessible by water?
Or, for that matter, deep sea fishing for snapper, perch or mackerel.
Then of course there is the potential to see dolphins, whales, and turtles whilst on the water. As well as driving near to coral reefs where you can spot colourful fish whilst snorkelling and scuba diving.
Who wouldn’t want to do that?
Well, while the desire might be there, sometimes finances might be a prohibitive factor. So, in this article, we’ll provide you with a one-stop Aussie guide to boating on a budget.
Follows these tips and you’ll be out on the water sooner than you can say ‘land ahoy!’.
Buy a second-hand boat
If you don’t have a boat and want one, the first thing you should do – if you are on a budget – is not consider buying a new vessel. Instead focus your search on the second-hand market with Grays.
There are several advantages to buying a second-hand boat, the most obvious of which is that they are significantly cheaper than new models.
For this reason, you can often get to choose from a wider availability of different brands of used boats too. As you might be priced out of the market for some of them if you purchased them as new.
Buying an older boat also gives you more room for negotiation on price with the seller because unlike new boats, the prices of used boats can vary widely depending on the condition, age, and equipment of it.
In addition, boats, like cars, lose value quickly once they are sold. So, by purchasing a used vessel, you will steer clear of the quick depreciation that happens in the initial one to five year period after assuming ownership.
Types of boats
If you are interested in buying a motorboat, there are several different types available to purchase in Australia, each with their own unique set of features.
Here is an overview of some of the most common types of motorboats you can buy in Australia:
- Bowriders: These are versatile boats that are well suited to families and beginners. They have an open bow area with seating and a cockpit with a helm station. Generally, these are smaller and less expensive than other types of motorboats. These are perfect for going out to sea for fishing or a bit of snorkelling on the weekends.
- Cruisers: By contrast, cruisers are larger boats that are designed for extended trips and overnight stays. They usually have a cabin with sleeping quarters, a galley, and a bathroom. If you are planning to explore further afield and want a more comfortable experience, they are a good option.
- Centre consoles: These are the vessel of choice for those into fishing and water sports. They have an open deck space for these activities and feature a console in the centre of the boat that houses the helm station and other controls.
- Pontoon boats: If you are looking for something to entertain guests, Pontoon boats are the go. Stable and easy to manoeuvre, they have a flat deck that sits on top of two or three pontoons. Often, they have plenty of seating, tables, and even a bar.
- Jet boats: One for the adrenaline junkies, jet boats use water to propel them forward instead of a traditional propeller. This makes them very appealing for journeying along shallow waters and engaging in water sports like wakeboarding and skiing.
- Offshore fishing boats: Designed for fishing in deep, open waters, they are larger and more rugged than other types of boats and can handle rough conditions. They often have features such as outriggers and fish lockers.
Reliable budget brands of boat
There are many popular brands of boats out there, some of which have a solid reputation for being reliable, affordable and a very good quality.
So, if you are on a budget, don’t be afraid to focus your attention on these manufacturers, as you could save quite a bit of money, on something that provides you with excellent value for money.
A great brand to look out for is Quintrex, which is a well-known Australian brand who have been manufacturing boats for over 70 years. They offer a range of affordable boats, including tinnies, runabouts, and fishing boats, that are known for their durability and performance.
Stacer is another Aussie brand that has a portfolio of economical vessels that include open boats, runabouts, and fishing boats. They are highly regarded for their quality construction and innovative features, such as the EVO Advance Hull design.
Similarly, Savage is a long-standing Antipodean brand that has a terrific range of inexpensive boats for fishing and skiing, while Sea Jay and Polycraft are other solid names in the industry.
Whichever boat you decide to get, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget, as well as the reputation and reliability of the brand. Make sure you check out our tips on how to stay safe while boating as well.
Always make sure you inspect the boat thoroughly and take it for a test drive before making a purchase.
Running your boat on a budget
Buying a boat is one thing. But if you are on a budget, running and maintaining one cost effectively is another thing entirely.
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to bring it down to a more manageable level.
For a start, you should keep up to date with regular maintenance. This is essential to keeping your boat running smoothly and to prevent costly repairs in the future. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your boat and its components, such as the engine, electrical system, and hull.
If you can, it is worth learning how to do some of the maintenance tasks yourself. This includes things like changing the oil or cleaning the vessel. There are plenty of resources available online and in boating stores that can help you learn how to do these tasks.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your costs is to employ fuel-efficient practices. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses when running a boat, so if you keep its speed moderate, plan your route properly, and avoiding idling, you should see decent cost savings in the long run.
Other things you can do is store your boat properly, as this can help prevent damage and prolong its life. If you don’t have space at home, consider storing your boat at a marina or storage facility. It is worth shopping around to find the best price available and to look for discounts or off-season rates.
Joining a boating club is another good option. Not only could you benefit from discounts on fuel, maintenance, and storage fees, but you will also introduce yourself to a community of fellow boaters who can offer advice and support.
Finally, when performing maintenance, consider buying second-hand parts, as this can save you a lot of money, especially if you have bought a second-hand boat. You will be able to find these in boating stores, online classifieds, or at boat shows.
