Western Australia has some of the best fishing in the country — from the calm waters of the Swan River to the deep blue offshore. But to make the most of it, you need the right boat.
Here's our guide to choosing and financing a fishing boat in WA.
Choosing the Right Boat for WA Waters
The boat you need depends on where you'll be fishing:
Estuaries and Rivers (Swan, Peel, Leschenault)
For calm, protected waters, you don't need anything too serious:
- Tinnies (3.5m - 4.5m) — aluminium dinghies, cheap to buy and run
- Small fibreglass runabouts — a bit more comfort
- Budget: $5,000 - $20,000
Inshore/Reef (Rottnest, Cockburn Sound, Abrolhos)
For heading a bit further out, you need more capability:
- Centre consoles (5m - 6m) — good all-rounders
- Plate aluminium boats — tough and capable
- Cabin boats — some protection from the elements
- Budget: $30,000 - $80,000
Offshore (Exmouth, Broome, deep water)
For serious offshore work, you need a serious boat:
- Large centre consoles (6m+)
- Flybridge cruisers
- Purpose-built game boats
- Budget: $80,000 - $300,000+
Popular Fishing Boats in WA
- Quintrex — aluminium boats for all budgets
- Bar Crusher — plate aluminium, great for rough water
- Stacer — affordable tinnies and runabouts
- Haines Hunter — quality fibreglass, holds value well
- Yellowfin — serious offshore capability
- Surtees — premium plate aluminium
New vs Used Boats
Buying New
Pros:
- Full warranty
- Latest technology and safety features
- You know the history (there isn't one)
- Can customise to your specs
Cons:
- Higher purchase price
- Significant depreciation in first few years
- May need to wait for build/delivery
Buying Used
Pros:
- Lower purchase price
- Depreciation already absorbed by first owner
- Often comes with extras already fitted
Cons:
- Unknown history and potential hidden problems
- May need repairs or upgrades
- Older safety equipment
What to Check When Buying Used
Boats can hide expensive problems. Before buying used, check:
- Hull condition — cracks, repairs, osmosis (fibreglass), corrosion (aluminium)
- Engine hours and service history
- Trailer condition — rust, bearings, tyres, lights
- Electronics — do they all work?
- Safety gear — is it current and compliant?
- Registration — is it all in order?
Consider paying for a marine survey on more expensive boats — it can save you from a costly mistake.
Financing Your Fishing Boat
Boat finance works similarly to car finance:
- Loan terms: Typically 1-7 years
- Rates: Starting from around 6.95% for strong applicants
- Secured loans: The boat is used as security, resulting in lower rates
- Deposit: Not always required, but can help get better rates
What Can You Finance?
You can typically finance:
- The boat itself
- The motor (outboard or inboard)
- The trailer
- Essential electronics and safety gear
Most lenders will finance boat packages (boat + motor + trailer) as a single loan.
New vs Used Boat Finance
New boats are generally easier to finance with better rates. For used boats, some lenders have restrictions on age (often 10-15 years maximum at loan end) and may require a survey for older or high-value vessels.
Running Costs to Budget For
Don't forget the ongoing costs:
- Registration — annual boat rego in WA
- Insurance — highly recommended, covers theft, damage, liability
- Fuel — can add up quickly, especially with larger motors
- Servicing — outboards need regular maintenance
- Storage — marina berth, dry storage, or trailer at home?
- Safety gear — needs replacing when expired
The Bottom Line
WA offers incredible fishing opportunities, and the right boat opens them all up. Take your time to find a boat that suits your fishing style and waters, get it properly inspected if buying used, and make sure the finance works for your budget.
Ready to hit the water? Get a boat finance quote — we finance everything from tinnies to offshore rigs.
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