Buying For Beginners

for Beginners Boat Buying

By Naz Pattison

For anyone who is relatively new to boating, getting your head around all the different boat types and options can be a daunting prospect. To help you sail through the process as easily as possible, we have put together this brief and handy selection of buying tips.

PUTTING THE FAMILY FIRST Heading off to the dealer before you have figured out exactly what you and your family want from the boat will only create headaches later on. Sit down with your family first and discuss who will be using the boat, where it will be going, and what sort of activities are most important to you. The type of boat you will need for two-person fishing trips is very different to one suited for towing water skiers. Once you have decided the boat’s main purpose and the usual number of passengers, then you will be able to find a boat that your family can enjoy for years to come.

FINDING THE RIGHT BOAT TYPE The humble tinnie is always a good place to start for beginners. They are very light, which makes them easy to handle, economical to run, and simple to transport and store at home.

For those who want to take more people on their boats and be able to tackle rougher waters, you will want to consider larger boat types. Runabouts are good all-rounders because the windscreen provides protection for the family, while still allowing for plenty of room in the back for fishing. Bowriders can be another good option for the family if cruising comfort is a priority. However, there is less room for fishing. And if fishing is your main aim, you may want to consider cabin boats to ensure more shelter from the elements.

SELECTING THE ENGINE As usual, keep in mind your boat size and your main boating activities when choosing your power source. Also, consider the type of water the boat will frequently be on. When choosing between outboards vs inboards, for smaller vessels outboards deliver more power and speed than inboards. Outboard boats are lighter, and less weight means your boat is faster, easier to tow, and more fuel efficient. An inexperienced boat owner should choose an outboard that is less powerful than those used by experienced drivers. For larger vessels, certain engines offer fuel efficient cruising and the lower center of gravity also helps to cut through heavy ocean waves. The overall draft of the boat must be considered as there are many shallow waters around the Gold Coast Broadwater, Moreton Bay, and estuaries.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DEALER Now that you have the details sorted, the real fun begins. It is shopping time! As well as seeking out the right boat, you also need to pick a good dealer. Ensure your dealer is an Accredited Boat Dealer and then shop around a few dealers, hitting them with the same set of hard questions. Picking a local dealer is also important so that you can have easy access to support for any issues that crop up down the track.

Photo: Aquila 36 Sport, a totally innovative approach to having fun on the water.

"Decide what's right for your family to ensure fun and safe boating this summer."

ON-WATER TEST For a purchase as important as a new boat, it is critical that you take it for a test drive to see how well its performance suits your needs. Try and take your family or friends who will be using it regularly with you to know how it handles a full crew. And if at all possible, aim to do the test drive on some mildly choppy water rather than calm water.

NEW VS USED The final choice you need to make is whether to buy new or used. Purchasing a new boat will obviously cost more money, but it will give you the security of a warranty and allow you to pick every detail to ensure it is exactly suited to your needs. On the other hand, used boats will save you money, especially if you are patient enough for the right one to come along. Be wary though, as you may get slugged with unexpected repair costs down the track. While there are many reliable sources of advice you can refer to when making a decision, it is important to remember that it is you and your family who will use your boat. Ultimately, the boat you purchase should be the boat that meets your expectations and your needs.

JEANNEAU FLYBRIDGE CRUISER MERRY FISHER 1095 FLY

Taking another step forward ahead of the trends the Merry Fisher 1095 Fly is unique in its category, with an outboard engine and three cabins while boasting a flybridge. She is a true weekender making it perfect for creating those unforgettable memories with family and friends. With the easy maintenance of an outboard engine and a fresh, dynamic design, this vessel will suit all your needs. Featuring twin 300hp Yamaha outboards, this is a high-power, high-performance vessel which also provides undeniable comfort aboard.

The 1095 Fly is sure to please, highlighting all the qualities of the popular Merry Fisher 1095: “interior volume, bench seat at the helm, high performance hull, modular cockpit, recessed sidedeck, storage volume, and she benefits from the comfort level of the MERRY FISHER line”. You can relax knowing the interior has been designed for safety, comfort and relaxation. A sliding side door, recessed sidedeck and side access gate facilitate movement and access aboard. If you love the open outdoor space boats have then you will love the extra outdoor entertainment space aboard the 1095 Fly. The flybridge includes a forward sundeck and folding co-pilot beach seat. The beach seat can also be transformed into an XXL sundeck or sun lounger perfect for those hotter months. This boat is designed for coastal entertainment. A spacious modular cockpit allows the whole family to be together. She features an immense aft swim platform flowing seamlessly from the cockpit and a comfortable forward sundeck which is equipped with adjustable seatbacks. No area of the boat will disappoint you. To ensure more freedom to move, the co-pilot bench seat can pivot to create a wide space for entering the cockpit. During the night the bench seat can also be converted into a berth.

The interior is sure to leave an impression with the amount of bright natural light distributed through the opening sunroofs, wide sliding glass doors and windows in the hull. The 1095 Fly highlights significant innovations in the distribution of living space. You will be amazed by the numerous storage compartments incorporated into the large and fully functional galley, and by the spacious head compartment with a separate shower. Below, in addition to the saloon, two or three cabins are available: a large and comfortable owner’s cabin, a guest cabin, and an innovative third cabin! This additional room, whether devoted to storage or for extra sleeping space, enables you to customise your interior layout for cruising “à la carte!”

Luxury in an affordable package, the 1095 Fly is well worth investigating if you’re after a versatile, family friendly cruiser. Fish, cruise and overnight all in the comfort of your Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 Fly, knowing you’ll be backed by Northside Marine and Reliable Yamaha outboards. This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on! Be sure to register your interest with our Jeanneau expert, David, on 07 3265 8046 or davidc@nsmarine.com.au

no need for wind to cruise in silence

tel: 07 3004 7604 www.eyachts.com.au boats@eyachts.com.au

ARRIVING IN AUSTRALIA 2022

The new generation Greenline 45 Fly is a faster and more powerful yacht which sets exemplary standards including standard 1.2KW solar panels.

With the largest flybridge in her class, the extended cabin roof gives full protection from the sun, rain or wind.

The boat offers a perfectly balanced interior layout featuring a full-beam midship owner cabin with king-size bed, with the VIP guest cabin in the bow, both equally comfortable offering private bathrooms with separate showers. With both cabins featuring walk-in wardrobes, the 45 Fly is really the most comfortable yacht in her class.