Why The Australian Boat Market Remains Buoyant in 2013

National usage study reports Australians love boats and boating, but with global economic changes in consumer spending are Asutralian choices of vessel changing too?

Victoria (I-Newswire) February 13, 2013 - Australia’s coastline stretches more than 35,000 kilometres, with more than 80% of the population living within one hour of the seaside.

Recreational boating is considered a popular pastime and part of the national identity of Australia, with government estimates of marine tourism and recreational activities to be worth $1.8 billion annually.

A world first, the 2009 survey report conducted by The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) on recreational boating usage confirmed the popularity of boating as a pastime that is enjoyed by millions of Australians of all ages, every year.

According to the Usage report, 1 in every 20 Australians owns a boat and more than half of all owners carry 1-2 extra passengers ( including children) when fishing or cruising across the inlets and open waters.

The usage study report also highlighted that although more than 6 out of every 10 recreational sailors own the popular cuddy/half cabin cruiser (typically between 5 and 9.9 metres), an increasing number of Australians are now choosing to spend longer and more frequent periods of time on alternative vessels including centre consoles, walk- arounds, canoes and kayaks, houseboats, and converted commercial craft.

With these changes in demand, and an ever widening range of boats, sea craft, parts and accessories available across Australia, buyers and sellers now need easier ways to find them.

Keith Falconer CEO of Australia’s Bauer Trader Media, a division of Bauer Media Group (the world’s largest magazine publisher) agrees.

“Trader Media already publishes leading specialist boat and marine titles Trade-A Boat and Trailer Boat magazines and recognising the demand from boaties for easier ways to find marine craft we have now expanded into online classified advertising.”

“Pairing these specialist market leading print titles with www.tradeboats.com.au and a supporting iPad app offers an unprecedented degree of integration for Australia’s marine industry.”

“Through our unique editorial, technological and advertising capabilities… we publish on any platform our customers require….the introduction of classified online advertising ensures our advertisers and consumers have every option they need.”

The boat you want is now easier to find, according to Keith. The website offers additional industry resources including reviews,news and listings of more than 4,000 marine craft, all sortable by make/ model, class, length, hull material, price range and seller’s location.

The industry-specific databases, built by industry specialists ensure highly relevant, searchable website content, says Keith. “It can be easily personalized to keep buyers interested with video resources and creates an integrated advertising tool with increased reach for sellers of boats and accessories.”

With more than 1 million registered boats in Australia, a continued interest in the ocean and boating from canoes to charter vessels, Keith concludes that the new on and offline advertising opportunities of www.tradeboats.com.au and the titles will be a “perfect combination for buyers and advertisers alike”.