IF you live in Alaska, you need a husky; in the desert, a camel; in Hawaii, a surfboard; in Thailand, a scooter.
In Port Stephens, you need a boat.
The main reason is that half of Port Stephens is water. Without a boat, you’re only experiencing half of what Port Stephens has to offer.
Before deciding it is time to buy a boat, there are certain variables to consider.
Firstly, what is the main reason I’m in the market?
Is it to explore the waterways inside the Port with the family?
Or, travelling the Karuah River, picnicking in the Myall Lakes or visiting Tea Gardens, Fame Cove, North
Arm Cove, Swan Bay, Carrington, Pindimar…?
You may choose a boat to go fishing inside the harbour, without all the comforts of a cruising craft.
More thought should be given if you intend to venture outside the heads into the open ocean with all its hidden secrets.
Safety must be considered because the sea can be very uncompromising, as I recently discovered.
Buying a boat can also be a major financial investment.
For a family, a boat can bring a lifestyle change, so it is important to get it right the first time.
In Port Stephens, we’re fortunate to have excellent boat dealerships with new and used boats of all
shapes and sizes.
Take your time and have a good look around, but work out exactly why you want a boat – before you go looking.
After a family meeting, the decision may be to hire a boat, which means no trailer, boat shed, or the mechanics of launching and retrieving.
Again, we are well served by businesses that take away all the pressures associated with actually owning a boat.
There’s a lot to think about.
See you on the water.
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