Victorian boat sales ticking along
Times may be tough in NSW and Qld markets, but business is strong in many segments in Victoria, thanks to constant marketing, a rise in real estate prices and great weather!
'Scott O’’Hare at Aussie Boat Sales, reports strong sales in the big boat range, in this case, Maritimo.'
Maritimo Click Here to view large photo
According to Scott O'Hare, CEO of Aussie Boat Sales in Melbourne, consumers are showing "pockets of interest" in varying segments.
"Big boat sales are strong, especially compared to NSW and Qld. Ours might even be stronger if it wasn't for fuel prices and interest rates, but they are going well. We're not suffering from lack of interest in that bracket."
In that segment, Aussie Boat Sales represents Maritimo, which O'Hare reports has enjoyed "phenomenal sales".
"Since February 2007, we have sold 10. We sold three at Sanctuary Cove this year and we're very happy with how the brand is going."
In the other lines, O'Hare says DeepV and Chaparral, are also selling well. "We generally sell around 10 per year of the Chaparral, which is a bowrider, 25ft. In DeepV, we sell 26 to 40ft and we're finding a lot of interest in the smaller models."
It's all about the weather, explains O'Hare.
"We have enjoyed two seasons of great weather over summer, a mild autumn and a mild start to winter. Queensland and NSW didn't and as a result, dropped their prices on used boats, impacting on their new boat sales. That has also affected the used boat market down here as well."
It's not all about pleasant boating conditions, as O'Hare elaborates. The rural dollar and money from the snow fields are absolutely crucial to boat sales.
"The rural community has been struggling, so we feel that. They are avid boaters, as are the owners of the chalets and resorts at the snow fields. Unless they all get a good season, we don't see their money. The weather really is the decider."
Real estate too has contributed to stable boat sales. "Buying a holiday house used to be an investment of a few hundred thousand. Now it's closer to a million, so people weigh that up and think 'I can have a boat and a car for that price'.
'There's a lot of superannuation money out there at the moment, plus I think the threat of terrorism, in the bigger picture, and the rising cost of air travel have gone some way to making boating a better option."
Also enjoying a renaissance is sailing.
"Sailing has always been strong in Melbourne, but it seems to be getting more so. We sell the brand Buizen and have been noticing a resurgence in interest in sailing. A lot of our brokerage boats are yachts."
As well as the Victorian market, the company enjoys healthy sales from WA, somewhat impervious to the current east coast malaise thanks to its commodities boom.
Another positive for the local boating populace and a factor in encouraging boat sales, is marina berths, which although in short supply in Victoria, are still available.
"We do have marina space available, which is a tremendous help," confirms O'Hare. "But there is a growth spurt and berths are filling fast, so we anticipate that in 12 months, we won't have any space left.
A decent dry stack would also help boating, adds O'Hare, pointing out that most of those around Melbourne and environs are old and full.
"There's nothing on the western side. Queenscliff Harbour has just been revamped and they opened a 300 berth marina and 120 capacity dry stack, which are both full."
Aussie Boat Sales will not an exhibitor in this weekend's Melbourne International Boat Show.
"We are between boat brands at the moment," says O'Hare, referring to losing Mustang Pleasure Boats, which was the company's main boat show brand. "We will still be attending but mostly involved with Variety Club, the Coast Guard and AFL."
His opinion of sales at the show, from consumer feedback and dealer impressions, is that aluminium boats will enjoy a resurgence in popularity.
"Last year it was all about fiberglass. There was a real market shift. This year, due to petrol prices, people are looking for lighter boats. Aluminium is coming back. People are looking for lighter, cheaper boats that use a smaller engine."
Aussie Boat Sales is a Honda dealer and O'Hare reports "excellent sales" of its 4-stroke engines. "More and more people are looking for maximum fuel efficiency and ditching their old 2-strokes."
Aussie Boat Sales operates from two locations: The Anchorage Marina, a 100+ berth state of the art marina facility, ideally positioned near the mouth of the Yarra River; and Gippsland (Morwell), a two-acre premises servicing the immense Gippsland Lakes region.
More at www.aussieboatsales.com.au
by Jeni Bone 
Ormiston, QLD
