Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Here’s a few pointers on some things to think about when buying a boat, particularly at one of the many boat shows held throughout Australia each year.
- Have a clear plan on what you want to do with your new boat and what it has to do.
- Get permission from your partner or bring them to the show. They may let you get a bigger boat!
- If you are trading in your old boat, bring plenty of photos and make sure the new one will fit in the same garage spot.
- Take a tape measure – don’t trust the numbers on the side of the boat. Measure everything!
- Talk to multiple people from the same dealership and get the full story. There are no silly questions.
- Warranty is everything. The longer the better as it represents the build quality of the boat, motor or trailer.
- If possible, buy the exact boat you are looking at, not just a boat that looks like it.
- Don’t overlook the trailer. Check your trailer has brakes and is Australian made.
- A quality trailer has a walkway, is self-centring and has a spare wheel.
- Don’t buy a gutless underpowered boat. Get a guarantee that the boat will perform to a standard, not a price.
- Make sure the boat has an Australian Builders Plate, is foam filled and meets Australian standards.
- Is the price quoted an on water and ready to go price?
- Is the level of safety gear enough for what you and your family want to do with the boat?
- When in doubt, talk to Brisbane Marine and the team will set you straight.
