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Boat Advice

Boating Information

Yacht and Boat is a great resource for anyone looking for the right boat advice.

If you are looking for boating information, are interested in learning more about boating in general, are thinking about going boating, or would like to discover boating the page links below contain broad information on a wide variety of boating topics.

Whether you are an experienced mariner or just learning the ropes, there is interesting boating information here for everyone.

Go boating – there’s no better way to spend time with family and friends

Our aim at Yacht and Boat is to take some of the confusion out of boating by providing basic boat advice resources as well as a marine directory for additional information.

As a prospective boat owner – your best resources are a reputable, ethical boat dealer, your State Industry body, your State Government body and your own research.

This section does not constitute as professional or legal advice and should act as a general information only. Please read our site terms and conditions for more information.

If you’re an aspiring boat enthusiast, you’ll find boating information on obtaining a boat licence through to tips on choosing a boat, registering a boat and links to where you can obtain the professional training you need to give you confidence on the water.

So, if you’re thinking of a runabout, inflatable, kayak or personal watercraft – or perhaps you have your sights set on a luxurious sailing or fishing watercraft – there’s tips here for all Australians.

There are a few ways to get your feet wet. Some ideas you might like to consider are…

Hire a boat
Attend a Boating ‘Open Day’
Go to your nearest Boat Show
Visit your local yacht or boat club
Ask a friend to take you out on their boat
Get in touch with a reputable Boat Broker for a test sail, advice and information.
What’s next?

Getting a boat licence
Choosing your boat
Registering your boat

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Unmissable Highlights from the 2025 Sydney Boat Show

🚤 2025 Sydney Boat Show: A New Venue, Strong Attendance, and Industry Optimism The 2025 Sydney Boat Show, held from 14-17 August 2025 at the Sydney Showground in Olympic Park. Marked a significant milestone in the event’s 56-year history. After relocating from Darling Harbour, the show attracted over 23,500 attendees who explored a diverse array of over 400 boats. From luxury yachts to innovative marine products. This year’s event underscored the resilience and growth of Australia’s recreational boating industry. 🛥️ Highlights from the 2025 Sydney Boat Show Impressive Attendance: Despite the venue change, the show saw strong visitor numbers. Indicating continued public interest in boating and marine leisure activities. Diverse Exhibits: Exhibitors showcased a wide range of vessels and marine technologies, reflecting the industry’s innovation and adaptability. Industry Engagement: The event served as a platform for networking, with professionals discussing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the marine sector. 📈 Industry…

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New YYachts Y6 Carbon Cruiser Lands in Australia and New Zealand

Carbon Yachts, the exclusive representative for YYachts in Australia and New Zealand. Is now inviting expressions of interest for the new YYachts Y6. A cutting-edge sailing yacht designed for true owner operation. Designed by renowned naval architect Bill Tripp, the carbon-built Y6 is expertly crafted for effortless handling. As a result, whether sailing solo or as a couple, owners can enjoy a high-performance yacht that seamlessly combines comfort and aesthetics without compromise. Furthermore, the design ensures an exceptional sailing experience in all conditions. Effortless Sailing by Design On deck, the design team simplifies sail handling to prioritise ease and efficiency. To begin with, they lead all halyards and sheets aft to the twin helms, allowing the helmsman to control the sails directly from the steering position. As a result, the need to move around the deck during maneuvers disappears. Simultaneously, the self-tacking jib minimizes trimming demands, which in turn streamlines…

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Mercury Racing Ignites Performance with New 15" Midsection

Mercury Racing® has announced the release of a new 15-inch Heavy-Duty CMS (Conventional Midsection). Purpose-built for the 200R, 300R, and the all-new 200 ROS and 300 ROS competition outboards. Engineered for high-speed catamarans, tunnel hulls, mono hulls, and selected competition classes. This midsection delivers exceptional durability, handling, and control — even through rough conditions and aggressive turns. Drawing on Mercury Racing’s extensive offshore experience, the newly designed 15-inch midsection incorporates a wide range of battle-tested components. Specifically, these include forged transom brackets, solid engine mounts, a single-ram trim system, and an upgraded driveshaft housing. Together, these features significantly enhance the system’s overall strength, durability, and performance. Moreover, the midsection is fully compatible with both DTS and mechanical controls, which provides greater installation flexibility. In addition to that, it integrates seamlessly with Mercury SmartCraft® technology. Not only that, but it also supports a variety of racing accessories, including tie bars and…

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Discover the Joy of Boat Share Ownership on Pittwater

Luxury boating on Sydney’s Northern Beaches has never been easier, thanks to Smart Boating’s boat share program and the stunning Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht. Pittwater: A Boating Paradise Just North of Sydney Tucked behind Sydney’s Northern Beaches and fringed by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Pittwater is one of Australia’s most scenic and accessible waterways. It’s a boating haven – offering calm waters, secluded bays, and a host of must-visit waterfront restaurants and moorings. And with boat share ownership, enjoying this lifestyle is easier and more affordable than ever. Why Boat Share? Boat share ownership with Smart Boating in Bayview delivers all the pleasures of luxury boating without the stress or cost of full ownership. Here’s why it works: Walk-on, walk-off convenience – Your boat is ready when you are, fully cleaned and maintained. Easy online booking system – Reserve your time on the water in just a few clicks. Comprehensive…

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Sydney’s Luxury Boat Show Live from The Spit at Fergusons Marina

The Spit Boat Show: A True Blue Celebration of Boating at Fergusons Marina Sydney’s iconic boating hub is set to come alive this September. The Spit Boat Show drops anchor at Fergusons Marina for the first time. With an epic lineup of the world’s leading day boats and luxury recreational vessels, this two-day event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting on-water shows of the season. Set Sail into Summer with the Best Boats in the Game From sleek European cruisers to rugged offshore fishers, The Spit Boat Show will showcase a curated fleet of top-tier vessels, including names like Axopar, Pardo Yachts, RAND, Grady-White, Capelli, Valhalla, Viking, Chris-Craft, Greenline Yachts, Azimut, and Candela. Of course, it’s not just about the boats. In fact, this event is a full-on celebration of life on the water. Alongside the impressive vessel lineup, you’ll also discover a stellar mix of…

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One Month Out: Nautilus Marine Insurance is Race-Ready For The 2025 Hamilton Island Race Week

Nautilus Marine Insurance, a leading provider of boat insurance and marine business insurance across Australia and New Zealand. Is proud to mark two major milestones in 2025. 20 years of supporting the boating community and the 40th edition of Hamilton Island Race Week. One of the most prestigious sailing regattas in the Southern Hemisphere. Since launching in 2005, Nautilus Marine Insurance has steadily grown from a boutique boat insurance brand into a trusted name in marine insurance. Over the years, it has expanded significantly. It now operates with over 100 staff across five offices. Moreover, it currently covers more than 40,000 recreational vessels throughout Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, from yacht insurance to coverage for marine businesses, the company has built its reputation on deep industry knowledge. Importantly, it has also developed a strong, lasting connection with its customers. Hamilton Island Race Week 2025, taking place from 16–23 August 2025,…