Boat auction buyers feed spike in calls for help on Queensland waterways
People who pick up what they think is a bargain at auction – often without seeing what they’re spending their money on – are becoming a drain on rescue servicesExcited bidders snaring what they think is a boating bargain at auction are creating a spike in the number of call-outs for assistance, Queensland’s boating safety watchdog has warned.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) said it was concerned that for an increasing number of new owners, the dream of owning a cheap boat – especially buying them sight-unseen via online auctions – is not matching the reality.
“We are worried new boaties and even some experienced ones aren’t getting all the information they need before they hit the buy button or raise their paddle to make that big decision,” MSQ acting general manager Glenn Hale said.
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“Getting along to see the boat beforehand is a must, but do you really know what pitfalls you’re looking for?
“Buying a boat sight unseen at an online site gives an even greater risk of surprises which can leave you with that sinking feeling very quickly.”
Broken dreams
How many buyers are making poor buying decisions is reflected in a sharp rise in the number of call-outs to the state’s Coast Guard and volunteer marine rescue services – with some breaking down even as they head out on the delivery run.
“In Brisbane we have had a spate of online-purchased boats being rescued by the Coast Guard or the VMR not long after the delivery journey has begun,” a MSQ spokesman told boatsales.com.au. “When I say not long, usually they are just exiting the Brisbane River mouth.
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“We also have received some community feedback about the online auctioning of boats, that are still selling for a considerable amount of money, that some excited purchasers didn’t look deeply enough into the risk versus reward of buying at auction.”
No guarantees
Hale said new owners also needed to be aware that boats bought at auction “may leave you without any warranties or statutory guarantees, and with no one to call if you have any questions or have any problems with the boat”.
“There is also no requirement for a cooling-off period with some of these types of sales,” he said. “As with many purchases, the old rule still applies; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Second-hand boat sales also have swung into the Queensland Government’s focus in the wake of the highly publicised War on Wrecks, the state’s bid to rid its waterways of unseaworthy and unsightly boats neglected by owners.
“Those boat purchases seem like a great dream to have, and then the cost of rebuilding, renovating or just general maintenance cost far outweighs the bank accounts of these new owners,” the spokesman said.
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