Australia’s extensive coastline, spanning approximately 34,000 kilometres (excluding small offshore islands), has fostered a deep-seated affinity for marine activities. Boating recreational pursuits include activities such as fishing, wakeboarding, skiing or simply escaping on boats that are increasingly technologically advanced, faster and more luxurious.
Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.
The 2024 Boating Industry Australia (BIA) Data Report Card reveals that Australia is home to more than 2.5 million licensed powerboat drivers, with close to one million registered vessels. Geographically, Queensland leads with approximately 274,000 registered vessels, followed by New South Wales with around 241,000, and Victoria with about 194,000. Western Australia accounts for approximately 100,000 registered boats, South Australia has 58,000, and Tasmania maintains 31,000 registered vessels.
A four-wheel drive, a trailer and a boat is a quintessential Australian dream cherished by both young and old. Data indicates that 85 per cent of all registered boats are less than 6 metres in length, making them ideal for towing. The most common towable boats range from 4.5 to 7.5 metres, with some jurisdictions permitting slightly longer vessels. With 62 per cent of all boats made from aluminium, the iconic “tinny” dominates the lower end of the market. However, luxury yachts, high-speed vessels and larger recreational boats are predominantly constructed from fibreglass, reflecting material choices aligned with specific performance and aesthetic considerations.
Boating brands actively engage with their communities through targeted sponsorships and exclusive events to deepen the bond between brands and their loyal customers. Malibu Boats Australia, for instance, has solidified a sponsorship agreement with Waterski & Wakeboard Australia, ensuring support for the Australian National Water Ski Championships until at least 2030. Similarly, Riviera cultivates strong relationships with their customers by hosting exclusive owner events, including educational workshops and a grand gala evening at the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Edencraft fosters community among its owners through events its annual “Escape to Eden,” where staff, boat builders and owners gather in the town of Eden for fishing and camaraderie.
Flexible terms and competitive rates for boat financing have made boat ownership more accessible and affordable. Financial accessibility, coupled with the practice of upgrading to incorporate technological advancements, creates a calculated confidence in the resale values within the boating community.
The Coomera Marine Precinct, situated on Queensland’s Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading marine manufacturing and services centre. It covers approximately 250 hectares and is home to over 100 businesses, including boat builders, maintenance providers and marine equipment suppliers. This clustering of` enterprises fosters collaboration and drives innovation and operational efficiency within the marine industry, all of which contributes to local economic growth.
Key players within the precinct include Riviera and Maritimo, producers of luxury motor yachts. Riviera operates a 16.8-hectare facility, recognised as the largest motor yacht manufacturing site in the southern hemisphere. Employing more than 950 craftspeople, Riviera produces around 150 yachts annually for domestic and international customers. Maritimo, headquartered in the precinct, has achieved global reach, establishing a network of 44 dealer partners across 16 countries.
The precinct is also home to The Boat Works, a major shipyard that recently completed a $100 million expansion, doubling its size to 43 acres. This expansion includes ‘The DOCK,’ a dedicated yacht sales precinct featuring prominent brands such as R Marine Jones, Alexander Marine, and The Yacht Sales Co.
