Tassie boating booms

6:06 AM Mon 6 Apr 2009 GMT

'Coles Bay is one of the best fishing spots, and most scenic destinations, in Tasmania.' .

While other retail sectors are slowing because of the global financial crisis, the Tasmanian retail boat business is healthy.

To December 31 last year, there were 26,571 registered recreational boats in Tasmania and almost 50,000 people, or one in 10 Tasmanians, held a licence to operate those boats.

Tasmanian holiday destinations were popular with boats over the Australia Day long weekend and throughout summer.

While mainland dealerships are feeling the economic fallout, Tasmania's appetite for boating does not seem to be waning.

According to Anthony Wolfe, owner of Coastal Marine, the Tasmanian boat market is somewhat insulated from the mainland and the global financial crisis.

"Despite tougher times, people still want to get out and enjoy themselves on the water. We are not as exposed in terms of mortgages and debt as perhaps Victoria and New South Wales. People move here for the lifestyle. We have a lot of fantastic fisheries, so sales of smaller boats have been strong.

'We're surrounded by water and some of the best fishing, cray fish and lobster waters in Australia. So it's natural that Tasmanians are all keen boaters. Our game fishing season stretches from January to late May, so there's plenty of boating to be done, despite the often rough conditions and the cold."

Perhaps in response to tighter budgets, people are not traveling interstate and overseas as much, says Wolfe. "They are staying home and enjoying time with their families. Boating provides all the right ingredients for healthy, value for money fun with friends and family."

Wolfe says he has noticed that more people are upsizing their boats, from mid-size to larger vessels. "That's a trend we hope to see continue," he says, adding that the addition of the brand new Bar Crusher 760 to his range is causing a lot of consumer interest.

"Customers are champing at the bit to get in to the new boat. It has created a storm."

The dealership hosted an in-house boat show over the weekend 4 & 5 April, which Anthony reports was very successful.

"We had six sales over the weekend. The shop was busy and people told us they intend to buy. There were plenty of enquiries and floor traffic."

More at www.barcrusher.com.auand www.coastal-marine.com.au

by Jeni Bone

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Tassie boating booms

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