BROKER'S CORNER - Boating beginners underway

BROKER'S CORNER - BOATING BEGINNERS UNDERWAY

Q7’s dealer principals, director-owner Paul Miletta and general sales manager Mark Hutchinson, as BIA Marine Brokers AssociationMembers are happy to discuss a range of topics they regard as critical to a positive boat ownership experience.

Last month’s column covered: 


  • The benefits of boating for those yet to be involved in the activity
  • A guide to conducting pre-purchase research
  • An overview of the purchase process


This month we complete the story with:


  • A guide to safe boat handling and general usage
  • A best-practice approach to servicing and maintenance
  • Maintaining value of the investment
  • Selling a boat


SAFE BOAT HANDLING & GENERAL USAGE
Now that you have purchased your boat it’s time to get out and use it. But first it is important to take time to learn how the boat functions and how to operate it safely. 

The team at
Q7 Marine
tells us it undertakes extensive practice sessions with their owners simply learning how to get the boat in and out of a berth in varying weather and tidal conditions. Practice they say ensures confidence is developed early, allowing owners to be happy with any set of circumstances they may face.

“Practice they say ensures confidence is developed early, allowing owners to be happy with any set of circumstances they may face”

The team also advises engaging the services of a training school or skipper for additional tuition. There are many services available, including the Maritime Training School at d’Albora Marinas Cabarita Point (also the home of Q7 Marine) offering a great range of services.

Many brokers make themselves available to their owners at any time but it may be wise to also consider the services of Sea Tow. They offer a call-out service for any on-water issue you may encounter.

Learning how to handle the lines effectively is a must.Get your marina berth set-up with a standard set of lines tailored for your boat as soon as possible. Most marina companies and brokers will help you with this — you just need to ask.

The Q7 boys insist that whenever in doubt on any issue to never be afraid to ask, no matter if you think it’s a silly question.Everyone has to start their boating at some time, and most people involved in the game are only too happy to assist.
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SERVICING& MAINTENANCE
Regularservicing and maintenance is critical to ensure optimal performance and will result in limited downtime plus help maintain the resale value. The Q7 teamrecommends engaging an authorised service agent to implement an ongoing annual maintenance and service schedule. They also recommend undertaking any majorservicing during the off-season, as it is the best opportunity to limit your downtime and save money while the service agents are not too busy.

Having divers complete a six-monthly clean of your hull and running gear assists with the performance of your boat. It also limits major issues you may not discover until the boat is lifted for the annual antifoul.

An ongoing external and internal detailing and cleaning contract will also protect the resale value of the boat, while ensuring it is always kept in pristine condition ready for action. Most companies will provide incentives or discounts if you commit to an ongoing program.

If you prefer to do your own cleaning and detailing it’s important to give your boat a regular wash-down and polish to remove salt sprayand protect the surfaces every few months.

MAINTAINING VALUE OF THE INVESTMENT
This is one area that many owners spend plenty of time thinking about. We’ve spoken about the importance of servicing and maintenance; here are a few more tips:


  • Keep your boat looking pristine and fix any small problems that may arise quickly, like repairs to zips and marks on the hull.
  • Start the engine every few weeks, and carry-out a thorough inspecting of the boat’s systems to identify issues early when they are cheap to fix.
  • Be involved with your boat, don’t let it just sit on the mooring or marina growing old.


Remember, your boat is always for sale when it’s on the marina — you never know who may be looking.

SELLING A BOAT
As with the purchase process, you should undertake similar steps when selling. Inmost instances it is recommended to engage the services of a broker. “They know the market and have buyers ready to purchase a range of vessels,” says Q7.

Following are the steps to take when selling a boat:


  • Contact a broker with your plans.
  • Do your research (look at prices for boats like yours that are being advertised, then speak with the broker to determine a preferred price range).
  • Challenge the broker on his proposed pricing. He should be able to
    justify his reasoning.
  • Discuss and implement an advertising program including a shop-front window display, an ad in Trade-a-Boat and
    industry-specific websites.
  • Prepare all of your paperwork, including service documents and registration papers.
  • Have the boat cleaned and detailed and make sure it is aesthetically appealing.
  • Speak to your broker regularly to review the marketing program and ensure he is focused on achieving a sale for you.
  • Be aware of any issues that could have an impact on your negotiation process, such as any faults found during the survey.


“Boating really is an excellent lifestyle choice for you and your family, and based on the amount of boats we are continuing to sell,there is plenty of activity in the market for those looking to test the water,”said Q7 Marine. 

“Be sure to choose a BIA Marine Brokers AssociationMember when purchasing your boat, as you will be protected in the knowledge you are buying from the very best marine industry professionals available.”

From Trade-a-Boat Issue 425, April 2012.