Boating in and around Sydney...
Discussion
Well we've started another 6 months boating season here in Sydney. And the last week was school holidays so good to get out to some great locations.
Enjoy some pictures....
Starting with the Classic Shot on the Harbour:
Then off to Watsons Bay for Lunch:
This weekend we went up to Wisemans Ferry for a bit of waterskiing/wakeboarding. Of course you have to avoid the local hazards when walking back to your boat:
And it all kicked off with some Jetsking on Pittwater.
Here's were we put in at Iluka Beach, a little hidden gem that only locals near Palm Beach seem to know about:
Then over to Patonga, which was deserted:
But not without seeing some Humpback Whales off Lion Island first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAf5xP4LHes&fea...
Enjoy some pictures....
Starting with the Classic Shot on the Harbour:
Then off to Watsons Bay for Lunch:
This weekend we went up to Wisemans Ferry for a bit of waterskiing/wakeboarding. Of course you have to avoid the local hazards when walking back to your boat:
And it all kicked off with some Jetsking on Pittwater.
Here's were we put in at Iluka Beach, a little hidden gem that only locals near Palm Beach seem to know about:
Then over to Patonga, which was deserted:
But not without seeing some Humpback Whales off Lion Island first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAf5xP4LHes&fea...
200BHP -- get in touch with these guys:
http://www.abcboating.com
And do their one day practical boating course & license. You'll need to study beforehand though to get the license. Anyhow they teach you the basics, my wife and I did it even though I've had my license since I was 13 (never too old for a refresher) and it was excellent.
I don't know what kind of boating you want to do but wouldn't recommend a ski boat unless you want to use in lakes and rivers only.
Do you have a family/kids?
What activities do you want to do eg fishing, wakeboarding, sight seeing, diving etc..
What kind of waterways will you use it on ie inland, offshore or both?
And finally what's the budget?
All these factors decide what boat is best for you. But one things for sure, Australia has some of the best boating in the world so I'd recommend getting into it.
http://www.abcboating.com
And do their one day practical boating course & license. You'll need to study beforehand though to get the license. Anyhow they teach you the basics, my wife and I did it even though I've had my license since I was 13 (never too old for a refresher) and it was excellent.
I don't know what kind of boating you want to do but wouldn't recommend a ski boat unless you want to use in lakes and rivers only.
Do you have a family/kids?
What activities do you want to do eg fishing, wakeboarding, sight seeing, diving etc..
What kind of waterways will you use it on ie inland, offshore or both?
And finally what's the budget?
All these factors decide what boat is best for you. But one things for sure, Australia has some of the best boating in the world so I'd recommend getting into it.
200bhp said:
Thanks for the feedback, Rob.
To be honest I only said "ski boat" because that's what we rented on a lake in the States. Over here we'd be looking for a similar sized boat to that, probably something slightly smaller than your own. Budget would be 20-30k.
We'd like to use it for going out for a long day, maybe take a trip up the coast to a quiet beach, spot some dolphins etc. To be honest I'd also like something in which I can really upen up the throttle and get a sense of speed - After all it's difficult to do that on the roads around Perth.
It needs to be something where two people can comfortably spend the day, I guess that means it needs a toilet space of some kind - something I haddnt considered until now and something a ski boat wouldnt have.
I would imagine we'd use it solely on/in the sea but only for going up and down the coast or over to some of the islands - certainally never out of sight of the mainland.
From what you've said I'd suggest a Sea Ray Sundeck 220 or Four Winns H 240 (or 230 as same boat), however you'll struggle to find one for 30k. Also at around 3 - 3.5 tonnes you need a decent tow vehicle fitted with brake controller. If you can skip the toilet then there's a whole host of decent boats between 19 to 22ft in that price bracket mainly from USA eg Four Winns, Bayliners etc...To be honest I only said "ski boat" because that's what we rented on a lake in the States. Over here we'd be looking for a similar sized boat to that, probably something slightly smaller than your own. Budget would be 20-30k.
We'd like to use it for going out for a long day, maybe take a trip up the coast to a quiet beach, spot some dolphins etc. To be honest I'd also like something in which I can really upen up the throttle and get a sense of speed - After all it's difficult to do that on the roads around Perth.
It needs to be something where two people can comfortably spend the day, I guess that means it needs a toilet space of some kind - something I haddnt considered until now and something a ski boat wouldnt have.
I would imagine we'd use it solely on/in the sea but only for going up and down the coast or over to some of the islands - certainally never out of sight of the mainland.
About the offshore bit....Please be careful doing this, you need the right gear as per the law for a reason eg EPIRB, type 1 jackets, radio etc. but main bit of advice is get accurate weather forecasts and never head out if in doubt. Getting caught offshore in big swells or winds in any small boat (under 25ft) is not fun! And these USA boats don't always have v hulls deep enough for 2m plus swells. Plenty of offshore fishing tinnies can but I don't think that's what you're after.
Having said that on a jetski big offshore swells are brillant, I do tow ins with a surfer mate of mine, should get a GoPro I think to show it
200bhp said:
How far out from the coast does one need to be to be classed as offshore?
Well you can always drop the rear ladder and have wifey wife stand on it waist (waste?) deep, works for us...Open water= basically offshore. This can actually be 'behind' the coastline like a river mouth even eg here in Sydney Open Water is mouth of the Pittwater and in between Sydney Headlands (many people don't realize this but coming out of Middle Harbour into Sydney Harbour is technically crossing Open Water, never policed though).
For you it's as soon as you leave Freemantle Harbour.
TAS1981 said:
said: Had a look around boatsales.com.au and am now confused. Think I need to get the missus and go to a dealer to see some of these physically to get an idea of the size that's suit us.
btw, stamp duty payable on boats as well? This country can certainly tax!
No Stamp Duty on a boat but there is on the trailer? (TBC) For an example on rego these are our costs my co-owner mate just sent me...its due this month...this is for our newly bought 2nd hand boat.btw, stamp duty payable on boats as well? This country can certainly tax!
BOAT - Transfer fee $28, rego approx. $117 – total $145
TRAILER - $30 transfer fee + 3% stamp duty (robbing gits) + approx. $150 for rego
Yep, go and see a dealer, Middle Harbour has Sydney Powerboat Centre which is a Four Winn dealer, they are pretty plush boats. They also have a used lot up in Mona Vale. Mark is the Sales Manager there, nice guy, we did not buy from him in the end but he was helpful.
Don't know about places to keep it round you. Loads of mooring spots but waiting lists are your issue.
Good luck!
PS Your username comes up as a swear word when I quote you...amusing!
I'd recommend this boat as a great starter boat but even better if you could get a few years older for 10k less.
As Tas says, take a trip to Mona Vale because there's three dealers on the same street so plenty to look at.
TAS1981 said:
Rob, did you just chuck one bow anchor in there and let the boat swing? thinking of adding a stern anchor, nose in to the beach and throwing a bow anchor on the beach, so we can get in a bit closer and not have to virtually swim in! I know in most cases you can let most people off at the wharf, like at Chowder bay or Watsons bay....how do you do it?!
I come in bow first and drop everyone off, then head about 25m out, drop my front anchor, throw it into reverse for a few secs and let the line out until I'm in around 4ft of water at rear (trim up), then tie off my 2nd anchor at rear cleat and wade it in. Because Watsons has a load of kids on the beach I plant the anchor a few feet out not on the beach.Watch if you're tide is flowing or ebbing as that'll dictate if you need to come closer or further out. But I guess not such a problem if your boat is a little lighter (getting beached that is).
I've always run a stern anchor and done it this way as much easier, you don't get beached, bash Into wharves (while ferries honk impatiently at you) and your boat doesn't swing away from you...
That works for 90% of the beaches around Sydney Harbour. You get to learn all the quirks & toilet locations over the years;
Clontarf: easiest beach due to deep drop off plus playground, coffee shop & toilets
Clifton Gardens: As per above but watch tides AND loads of small rocks
Watsons Bay: fairly easy but strangely it gets a load of glass washing up on it (kiddies feet watch out).
Rose Bay: West End is a great little quiet spot, East end not so (sand bar)
Double Bay: toilets
Etc etc...
Loads to explore really. A month ago I went up to Hunters Hill and Lane Cove river for the first time (nice houses).
Anyhow, post photos up this seaon of your trips and locations....
Rafting up at The Basin (great family spot) in Pittwater. Rafting is always good fun!
Feeding pelicans at The Entrance
Wife looking glam at The Basin
My brothers Maxum 18ft he got for $15k!! Nice starter boat too.
Jetski fun & dolphins right next to us
New wharve and boat ramp at Davidson Park, Middle Harbour (under Roseville Bridge). They've done a great job on this.
Classic shot of Four Winns 19ft
All these shots were taken in the last three weeks!
Feeding pelicans at The Entrance
Wife looking glam at The Basin
My brothers Maxum 18ft he got for $15k!! Nice starter boat too.
Jetski fun & dolphins right next to us
New wharve and boat ramp at Davidson Park, Middle Harbour (under Roseville Bridge). They've done a great job on this.
Classic shot of Four Winns 19ft
All these shots were taken in the last three weeks!
Edited by robm3 on Friday 12th October 12:47
Hasbeen, you're so right. My brother runs a marina/shipwrights in Sydney (larger boats) and the horror stories are endless. I'd never go into a syndicate.
Anyhow, great day today a little windy and choppy but no swell. Saw more whales offshore and ended up here in just opposite Palm beach in Ku-Ring-gai National Park (near West Head);
Edited to say the beach opposite is where they film Home & Away for all those Poms out there..
Anyhow, great day today a little windy and choppy but no swell. Saw more whales offshore and ended up here in just opposite Palm beach in Ku-Ring-gai National Park (near West Head);
Edited to say the beach opposite is where they film Home & Away for all those Poms out there..
Edited by robm3 on Monday 15th October 12:31
Hasbeen said:
Rob what is that gorgeous little yawl pictured in your profile?
Ah, my Father is a boat builder and that is actually a kit boat you can build yourself (although fair to say the hardest one to do). It's a model called Scintilla.www.scruffie.com
I had a Shimmy 12ft I built myself when I was 19, great fun it was and hope my Dad is still fit enough churning the kits out for myself and my son to do in about 6 years.
said: Considering those options. We've figured out what we want (in terms of craft), but are now trying to figure out how much we'd use it and if such syndicates would be for us (ie. due to the restrictions on availability).
Have a chat to these guy's www.pacificboating.com.au
A work colleague is a member and he rates them as very good and he get's a few mid-week perks no problems. Cost seems high but I suspect if you just want to show visitors around and do some exploring yourself with some overnighters this could be a good option.
Pulling up at Church Point, you can berth here and have lunch;
The boat in the background of Church Point cafe:
Was out at 7am this morning, dead calm, hardly any boats around and morning mist hanging over the city;
Saw this tied up, recognise it???
The boat in the background of Church Point cafe:
Was out at 7am this morning, dead calm, hardly any boats around and morning mist hanging over the city;
Saw this tied up, recognise it???
Edited by robm3 on Sunday 21st October 08:52
TAS1981 said:
Hey Rob, looks good! Good pointer about Church point, will check that out next time I set off from Ku-Ring-Gai.
Any recommendations on the harbour, have friends over from the uk next weekend and want to make sure I show off the bet the harbour has to offer? i guess beach, somewhere to moor for lunch and somewhere to bomb about a bit quiet where my non-licenced mate can have a go under my supervision without being hassled by the Marine Police....... that sort of thing.
Tom
Do the 'Tourist Run' heading West along the North Shore "there's the Prime Minister's Residence" etc.. under the bridge, Darling Harbour, back out heading East, past Opera House, into Domain, around the Bays Double, Rose, Watson - lunch here? (and Pub is much cheaper than Doyles), acroos the Harbour Mouth, around North Head and it's Coves, into Manly, then hug coastline heading into Middle Harbour, past Clontarf (good for kids, mooring and Coffee), if you have time under Spit Bridge and into Sugarloaf Bay (good for Waterskiing around here) back out and home again.Any recommendations on the harbour, have friends over from the uk next weekend and want to make sure I show off the bet the harbour has to offer? i guess beach, somewhere to moor for lunch and somewhere to bomb about a bit quiet where my non-licenced mate can have a go under my supervision without being hassled by the Marine Police....... that sort of thing.
Tom
Water Police and/or Maritime nearly always in these spots:
Around Spit Bridge - regulating 4 knot zone
At reef in Harbour mouth (inbetween Chowder Bay and Watsons) - checking Fishing Licenses
Darling Harbour - permanently there
Everywhere else your mate should be okay to have a crack at it.
Haven't posted for a while but have recently learnt to wakeboard.
Here I am on Hawksbury river last weekend. We get there via Bayview boat ramp near Mona Vale.
Anyhow my first time up (after many fails mind);
http://youtu.be/oaRkFyjTkig
Went out today and here's some photos of the bush fires that came right down to the water:
Note the fire actually burning in this shot:
(We'd gone wakeboarding too and that's the board on the back)
Robin
Here I am on Hawksbury river last weekend. We get there via Bayview boat ramp near Mona Vale.
Anyhow my first time up (after many fails mind);
http://youtu.be/oaRkFyjTkig
Went out today and here's some photos of the bush fires that came right down to the water:
Note the fire actually burning in this shot:
(We'd gone wakeboarding too and that's the board on the back)
Robin
TAS1981 said:
Hasbeen said:
Time for a few Christmas cruise pics here fellers.
With no boats left, except a 14Ft canoe, I need a fix.
No pics but this one..... a very sorry looking and broken waterpump from my boat that meant it was out of action for a couple of weeks. Now purring again! Not too difficult to do either.With no boats left, except a 14Ft canoe, I need a fix.
Went out to Middle harbour at the weekend and dragged the girls around on the donut, had a bit of a swim, bit of a fish and a couple of beers. Most pleasent!
Hitch78 said:
Rob,
I see that you still use the jetskis quite a bit despite having a decent boat. I was thinking of getting a jetski as a starter thinking that it would test my trailer skills, boating skills and (probably most importantly) let me know how much I'm going to get into it before plumping for a bigger boat.
Am I thinking along the right?
Ah...they seem to polarise people due to some young uns' giving them a bad name back in the day BUT they are great fun!I see that you still use the jetskis quite a bit despite having a decent boat. I was thinking of getting a jetski as a starter thinking that it would test my trailer skills, boating skills and (probably most importantly) let me know how much I'm going to get into it before plumping for a bigger boat.
Am I thinking along the right?
Positives:
Super easy and quick to launch
Outstanding fun to ride
Great for training people to wakeboard (minimal wake, slower take off speed, less intimidating)
Good off shore irrespective of conditions
Great for taking with you when on vacation for example I took ours up to Nambucca Heads and then onto Surfers at Christmas
Easy to run up onto beaches
Negatives:
Poor public opinion (although I've not encountered that as yet)
Cant use in the Harbour!
Limited to 3 people per ski
Conversation is hard on two skis (I now have water proof 2ways)
BUT I couldn't live without my boat!
I'll post in Australia Day too but this Saturday I've got all the toys out (boat and jet skis) and will be at Patonga Beach so if you're a boaty and fancy doing the Pittwater thing pop over and say hi
There'll be about 3 boats as well, great for rafting up.
Just got some more inflatables for towing too, now have a two seater, wakeslider and wing rider. Will post pictures and review after the weekend.
Oh, we're doing a big day on Sunday as well on the Hawkesbury, probably just up the river from Wisemans Ferry (putting in at Bayview/Mona Vale though). Teaching a load of kids and dads to wakeboard and waterski (note I'm an 'expert' now I've just learned to stand up haha), again join up if you want.
There'll be about 3 boats as well, great for rafting up.
Just got some more inflatables for towing too, now have a two seater, wakeslider and wing rider. Will post pictures and review after the weekend.
Oh, we're doing a big day on Sunday as well on the Hawkesbury, probably just up the river from Wisemans Ferry (putting in at Bayview/Mona Vale though). Teaching a load of kids and dads to wakeboard and waterski (note I'm an 'expert' now I've just learned to stand up haha), again join up if you want.
TAS1981 said:
Well took a houseboat out on the Hawkesbury last weekend with some freinds and had an absolute blast! Weather held out and was gorgeous on Sunday after a very errie looking morning on the river. We took our little Monty boat along and what a difference it made on flat water without the usual chop of the harbour! Lots of knee boarding and do-nut riding the whole weekend. Fab!
I highly recommend doing this with a group of friends!
I'm thinking of doing this, how much did it cost you, where from and which boat did you get?I highly recommend doing this with a group of friends!
Right, probably got about 2weekends left before its time to break out the wetsuits (unless you're heading out to the Hawkesbury and it's rained recently, then it'll be rashees at a minimum).
Here's wifey wife cutting away behind a mates tricked up Sea Ray:
Great kicking stereo too... Best wakeboarding songs seemed to be the more clubby songs like 'super soaker' & 'swagger' by Bombs Away.
In other news I'm loving the jetskis so much I've brought a dealership!!! No kidding, franchise for Sea-Doo, Evenrude, Can-Am and Zodiac kicks off in 4 weeks. Come see me if you fancy any of those brands
Lastly 'Humpback Highway' will be kicking off in around 5 weeks as those big old beasties head North up the East Coast with fat bellies. Should be a few of the too thanks to Sea Shepherd's recent work. Get your offshore gear sorted and bob around waiting for em'. Near the start of this thread I think I got some video of them heading South...
Been a great season hey...
Here's wifey wife cutting away behind a mates tricked up Sea Ray:
Great kicking stereo too... Best wakeboarding songs seemed to be the more clubby songs like 'super soaker' & 'swagger' by Bombs Away.
In other news I'm loving the jetskis so much I've brought a dealership!!! No kidding, franchise for Sea-Doo, Evenrude, Can-Am and Zodiac kicks off in 4 weeks. Come see me if you fancy any of those brands
Lastly 'Humpback Highway' will be kicking off in around 5 weeks as those big old beasties head North up the East Coast with fat bellies. Should be a few of the too thanks to Sea Shepherd's recent work. Get your offshore gear sorted and bob around waiting for em'. Near the start of this thread I think I got some video of them heading South...
Been a great season hey...
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