Diversification strategy key to Aussie Boat Sales success

1:27 AM Mon 6 Apr 2009 GMT

'Maritimo on show at Aussie Boat Sales.' Maritimo Click Here to view large photo

Coming off the back of a successful Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show, Aussie Boat Sales has just celebrated its "strongest March" for a long time, much to the surprise and relief of owner, Scott O'Hare.

"We were really pleasantly surprised at the consumer sentiment at the Melbourne Boat Show. I was amazed. We had a lot of interest from qualified buyers, who may have postponed their purchases, but they let us know that their intentions are still to buy in the not too distant future. They're just waiting for the dust to settle, or for the market to pick up so they can sell their old boat."

O'Hare reports that sales, while down in terms of numbers, were strong in dollar value. "We moved a few Chaparral, Bavaria and Deep V, as well as firm interest in some of the Maritimos in stock. There are several buyers waiting for the new models coming out to coincide with Sanctuary Cove as well, so that's something to look forward to."

The Victorian market, says O'Hare is unpredictable and random at present. "There is no stand out segment or price range. We are selling boats across the board. There's more sales of brokerage boats, rather than new. But we are noticing that used boat numbers are down. There are fewer out there for sale. People are hanging on to their boats, waiting to upgrade when the market improves."

Key to Aussie Boat Sales' stable revenue and optimism, is a diversified offering. "Our marina has been operating at capacity for the past few months," says O'Hare. "We have also invested in two charter houseboats for hire on Lake Eildon and a shareboat in the form of a Maritimo 52 Skylounge.

"We are offering 10 shares at $160,000 each, and so far, we have sold six of those. That includes berths at two different destinations, as well as tuition."

Aussie Boat Sales was also involved in the recent Variety Splash, raising funds for children's charity and creating bountiful camaraderie on the water through fun events and activities.

"We had a fabulous time! Team Anchorage, sponsored by Aussie Boat Sales, ended up contributing to $50,000 towards the total of $160,000 in three days. It involved a lot of Aussie Boat Sales owners, powerboats and sail, and it was a very relaxing get together."

Next on the calendar is Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May, which O'Hare is anticipating as a boon to sales. "We have a few prospective sales lined up for the new model Maritimos and now that the dollar is slowly coming back, we may be in line to buy some more Chaparral stock from the US. We didn't buy any this season because of the low Aussie dollar, we just couldn't compete with people who had bought them at 96 cents, so maybe in time for next season?"

It's all about water for O'Hare and his boat-mad family. "Everything we do seems to revolve around being on the water."

Recreation is no expection. Aside from looking forward to positive prospects for summer 09/10, O'Hare has his sights firmly set on his annual family pilgrimage north for Hammo Race Week, 21-29 August 2009 on his 45ft Norseman.

"This will be my 8th," he says evidently savouring the thought of the few weeks afloat between Melbourne and the Whitsundays. "We have had the boat for over 20 years and it's ideal for this kind of trip. I can't wait. That will be our rest and relaxation for this year."

More at www.aussieboatsales.com.au