Australia's boating industry is slowly picking up momentum again in the wake of the recreational boating lockdowns.
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Australian is perhaps one of the best-positioned countries in the world to enjoy new-found recreational boating privileges, following the continued easing of restrictions from the nation's states and territories.
However, recovery is slow, with some regions in better shape than others.
In the domestic boating landscape, there are few factors in the industry's favour, as many boaters are looking within their borders for travel experience.
Boat builders are turning their attention to how they can tap into an Australian market keen to substitute interstate and international travel experiences with ones closer to home. This is the market that the recreational boating industry is looking at very closely.
Regular revenue and interest generated from boat shows has been severely reduced, with some businesses reporting a drop of more than 40 per cent of their turnover for the year.
Some high-profile boatbuilders have been able to trade on their reputation alone during the lockdown, providing virtual tours to customers in hopes of luring in potential owners. This has worked up to a point, but now major brands are looking to capitalise on that interest with controlled boat tour and test drives.
Distributors and importers have been hit hard due to the fact that factories overseas have slowed production, and there is a lack of stock to sell. Even sourcing quality second-hand stock has proved difficult.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the Australian market is doing relatively well in terms of sales. There seems to be mixed reports on why this is the case.
Some businesses believe that the inability to travel is actually boosting the local industry, while others suggest that the lack of boat shows has changed potential customers' buying habits.
Boat suppliers are now scrambling to ensure they convert all this potential into a sustainable future model.
NSW, so far, is the beneficiary of relaxed recreational boating restrictions, which allow regular boating activities and events.
Boating Industry Association president Darren Vaux said the easing of COVID-19 restrictions had been a boon for the industry in the state.
"The relaxation combined with the ability to go boating recreationally, will help accelerate the recovery of the boating sector which shares much common ground with tourism," Vaux said.
"That is why the industry encourages efforts by state governments at this time to promote domestic intrastate travel; to promote access to our waterways for recreation.
"Australia has more than 900,000 registered boats and a countless number that do not require registration such as paddle craft and many small sail craft.
"The majority of these are highly portable by trailer or by car topping and are used by millions of Australians to experience our wide variety of waterways from creek to coast.
"The easing up of travel and over-nighting can only help all those households with trailerable boats or car toppers to get on the water, to visit regional areas and support regional economies.
"If you do not own a boat, there is always the option to hire a boat or take a charter which is a great way to experience the boating lifestyle."
In Victoria, the lockdowns to control the spread of the pandemic are the most severe of any state or territory.
Tight restrictions on recreational boating and inspections were looking disastrous for the local industry and, at one stage, it appeared things could get worse.
With recent spikes in the state, some sectors are still doing it tough and businesses are still on high alert.
There are of signs improvement despite renewed lockdown, with the Victorian marine industry gaining a bit of motion after the state allowed recreational activities for small groups.
Jack O'Rourke is a contributor to Ocean Media
BUILT TOUGH
Queensland-based Haines boats has introduced the Signature 640F, the latest model in their the fibreglass boat range. It will replace the popular Haines Signature 602F. Derived from the 602F, the 640F will still include all of the standard features of its predecessor, but Haines has incorporated feedback from customers and dealers to beef up the design. Key upgrades include a 226-litre underfloor fuel tank, an outboard engine rated up to 225hp, and a redesigned dash featuring a 16-inch touchscreen. The 640F with also be fitted with a Simrad chartplotter/sounder, VHF radio, a JL Audio system and a dual-battery system with a voltage sensor relay.
CLEAN-UP JOB
Container and debris sightings from the APL England, the ship that lost 50 containers off the NSW coast, have slowed, Transport for NSW says. Behind the scenes, work continues to manage the response to the impact of the incident on the coastline. NSW Maritime acting executive director Alex Barrell said the clean-up was still underway and reassured taxpayers they won't be footing the bill. "There are legal mechanisms to recover the costs and we are working with the ship's owners and insurers who will be ultimately responsible for reimbursing the NSW Government costs," he said