Boat Owners Association NSW

02/07/2026

⛵ URGENT UPDATE: The Future of the Boat Owners Association NSW is in Your Hands ⛵

Dear Members,

We have reached a critical crossroads. Over the past few years, our membership numbers have steadily declined, and we are now down to just 65 paying members.

At the same time, our Committee is facing a "perfect storm." Several of our dedicated team members are retiring, and others simply no longer have the time required to keep the Association functioning as it should.

🛑 The Bottom Line:
The Association urgently needs new Committee members to step up into key roles, specifically President and Treasurer. Without these positions filled, the organisation cannot function.

⚠️ What Happens Next?
If new Committee members do not come forward at our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), a motion will be put to the meeting to wind up and close the Association. If you want to see the Boat Owners Association NSW continue its work, we need you. We need members to step up onto the Committee and help steer the ship. If this doesn’t happen, the Association will close.

🗓️ Save the Date: The AGM

Date: Monday, 10 August

Format: In-person (Venue TBA) and via Zoom

Note: The formal notice of the meeting has been sent out with full details.

Membership Renewals: We will be withholding membership renewals until the future of the Association is decided. If a new Committee is successfully formed, they will send out renewals in due course.

Thank you all so much for your incredible support over the years. We hope to see a strong turnout, and some fresh faces ready to lead, on August 10th.

With my best regards to you all,

Andrew McKinnon
President & Treasurer

29/06/2026

Sydney Boat Show 2026 will feature more than 120 exhibitors, hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products

The following media release has been supplied for AFLOAT Magazine readers. https://www.afloat.com.au/

Sydney’s largest marine and boating event, Sydney Boat Show, returns next month, unveiling a stellar line-up of exhibitors, products, activities, and masterclasses to celebrate the newest and latest in boating, fishing, water sports, and marine lifestyle all under one roof.

The four-day blockbuster is set to takeover Sydney Showground from 30 July to 02 August, welcoming over 120 local and global exhibitors, with hundreds of boats and thousands of products on display, alongside an action-packed event program.

The 2026 event will see the return of Australia’s biggest names in boating and marine, with new models, Australian Premieres, and industry leading innovations.

Among the highlights, Chapman Marine Group will present the all-new Sea Ray 230 SPO Outboard, alongside a range of Sea Ray bowriders and the new Beneteau Antares 9 V2 Coupe, along with the Antares 8 V2, and the sporty Flyer 9 Sundeck.

Hunts Marine will showcase the latest Cruise Craft and Extreme Boat models, including the new Extreme 746, while MW Marine will feature three Australian Premieres, as part of their largest ever display at this year’s show with the Jeanneau MF1095 Coupé S2, Jeanneau Cap Camarat 9.0CC S2, and Wellcraft 28 T-Top.

Luxury and performance will also take centre stage, with Riviera displaying its highly anticipated 4300 Sports Express Motor Yacht, designed for effortless cruising and entertaining. Caribbean, led by Maritimo will welcome their 40F Flybridge and 27F Flybridge.

Water sports enthusiasts can discover the latest from Malibu Boats, Axis Wake, and Nautique Central, including new-generation models, while JSW Powersports will showcase the latest Sea Fox vessels and the high-performance SEABOB, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of on-water recreation.

Boating Industry Association (BIA) Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Fielding is thrilled to see a leading line-up for this year’s show.

“Sydney Boat Show has history as Sydney’s premier boating event for nearly 60 years, and we are so proud to see such a strong line-up of exhibitors and partners coming together to deliver an engaging, hands-on experience for visitors in 2026,” Mr Fielding said.

Visitors can expect a diverse program across the four days, focused on education, entertainment, and real-world skills. From fishing masterclasses led by experienced anglers offering practical tips, tackle advice and proven techniques, to live cooking demonstrations with Paul ‘Burty’ Burt, there’s an activity for every type of marine enthusiast.

The Supertank returns, bringing fishing techniques to life, demonstrating lure action, fish behaviour, and on-water strategies in an interactive setting. For families looking for an interactive day out, the dedicated kids’ fishing clinic will explore the basics of fishing, water safety, and outdoor recreation in an educational and fun environment.

From experienced boaters to those just getting started, Sydney Boat Show is a destination to explore the latest in boating, fishing, and outdoor gear, and interact directly with exhibitors, to gain insights into new products and innovation shaping the season ahead.

Sydney Boat Show 2026 returns from Thursday 30 July to Sunday 02 August at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. Gates open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Thursday through to Saturday, and from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday. Early bird tickets start at $16PP* with children under 16 free.

Sydney Boat Show is proudly owned by Boating Industry Association (BIA) and supported by Transport for NSW as Official Partner in Safety. The show is supported by Major Partners, Anaconda and GMSV, and Event Partners, Century Batteries, Mitchcap, and Pacific Boating.

For ticketing and program details, please visit sydneyboatshow.com.au.

This information was supplied for AFLOAT Magazine. Read more marine news Australia updates at AFLOAT Magazine News & Events.

25/06/2026

Project spotlight: Marine biosecurity awareness - NSW Govt - Marine Estate (https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/)


This project uses social research to understand how recreational boaters and marine service providers view the risks of aquatic pests and diseases.

The findings are used to develop a targeted communication and behaviour change strategy.

Aquatic pests and diseases are a key stressor on the marine environment and a significant threat to the NSW marine estate and the benefits it provides to the community.

Vessel movement is the main way non-native marine invasive species spread in Australia and overseas.

Biofouling is one of the most significant risks to marine environments and ecosystems.

Click the link for more information - https://us.list-manage.com/Ig18P0jH7Zl?e=415c4afd46&c2id=c6a0353f6d00d2f176417a04f998ee65

16/06/2026

READY TO BUY OR UPGRADE?

Whether you're buying your first boat or upgrading your setup, having the right advice and equipment makes all the difference. From choosing the right broker to powering your adventures and knowing what to look for before you buy—we’ve got you covered.


BOAT BUYER CHECKLIST

Doing your research is key—and a checklist makes comparing boats easier. Always consider:

* Intended use
* Boat type and size
* Construction material
* Engine or sail setup
* Electronics and systems
* Trailer and towing requirements
* New vs used
* Budget and value
* Storage

✅ Pro tip: Don’t overlook after-sales service and warranty support.

Download the Discover Boating Australia checklist -

https://discoverboating.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Discover-Boating-Boat-Buyers-Checklist.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Discover%20Boating%20Newsletter%20June&utm_content=Discover%20Boating%20Newsletter%20June+CID_cae5d13f6c8e046b4954a66edf6b5097&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Download%20the%20Checklist

15/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18j7tf3ph9/

14/06/2026

Boat ramp etiquette

It is important so remember the 3 C's
* care,
* courtesy, and
* common sense!

Prepping like a professional sets the stage for a seamless launch! Do all your checks at home before you get to the boat ramp and when it comes to your time to shine get in and out efficiently.

So remember
* care,
* courtesy, and
* common sense!

Don't be the pelican at the boat ramp!

13/06/2026

What do you check before you head out?

Before you head out, be prepared:
✔️ Check the weather forecast
🌬️ Look at wind, waves & tides
⚠️ Watch for warnings
🌅 Know your sunrise & sunset times
🧰 Make sure your safety gear is ready
📱 Log on/off with Marine Rescue (app, VHF 16 or phone)
🦺 Always wear your lifejacket

12/06/2026

Major Milestone Reached for Queensland’s Waterways

Queensland celebrated the removal of more than 2,000 derelict vessels from state waterways.

The Queensland Government has reached a major milestone in protecting the state’s waterways, with safe removal of more than 2,000 derelict and abandoned vessels.

The milestone was marked with the removal of the abandoned yacht The Hoodlum from the southern end of the Pumicestone Passage near the Turners Camp Rest Area.

Abandoned yacht removed from Queensland waterway under Keeping Our Waterways Safe program.

Delivered through the Keeping Our Waterways Safe program, the achievement highlights years of sustained effort to remove hazards from Queensland waters.

Since 2018, Maritime Safety Queensland has cleared more than 10,000 tonnes of abandoned vessels and hazardous materials, improving navigation safety and reducing the risk of marine pollution.

On average, around 257 vessels are removed each year — equating to about two every three days.

Among the significant achievements of the Keeping Our Waterways Safe program is the successful removal of the nine-metre sailing vessel Waylander in Moreton Bay, and the 50-metre ex-commercial vessel Endeavour Bay in Trinity Inlet, Cairns.

Waylander broke free during severe weather and was pushed into mangroves on the northern side of Coochiemudlo Island, creating a serious safety and environmental hazard.

The removal of Endeavour Bay was one of the program’s most complex operations, involving the extraction of 37 tonnes of hazardous materials and 98,000 litres of fuel and contaminants from the unseaworthy vessel.

Derelict and abandoned vessels can pose significant risks to both waterway users and the environment, particularly as they deteriorate, leak pollutants or break free from moorings.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the milestone highlighted the importance of ongoing action to protect Queensland waterways.

“Every derelict vessel removed is one less hazard for boaties and one less risk to our marine environment,” Mr Dillon said.

“Queensland’s waterways are central to our lifestyle and economy, and programs like Keeping Our Waterways Safe help ensure they remain clean, safe and accessible for everyone.”

Alongside removal efforts, Maritime Safety Queensland is working on strengthening vessel owner accountability to prevent vessels becoming derelict.

A suite of regulatory reforms is being explored to enhance enforcement powers, clarify owner responsibility and enable earlier intervention for high-risk vessels.

Owners remain responsible for their vessels. Where they fail to act, Maritime Safety Queensland can intervene and pursue cost recovery.

Maritime Safety Queensland continues to work with vessel owners, councils and communities to identify and remove hazards as part of its ongoing commitment to safer waterways.

To report a suspected derelict or abandoned vessel, contact Maritime Safety Queensland.

This information was supplied by Maritime Safety Queensland. AFLOAT Magazine will continue to share important marine news Australia updates. Read more coverage at AFLOAT Magazine News & Events.

06/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D7P1StuFp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Heading into open waters?

Here's your checklist:

✅ Your vessel suitable for open waters
✅ Appropriate safety equipment and lifejackets
✅ Check weather before and during boating
✅ Check local conditions and monitor bar crossing prior to attempting
✅ Keep a lookout

Open water boating can be dangerous and present challenges and hazards not encountered in enclosed water locations. Make sure you are prepared and if in doubt, don't go out.

01/06/2026

https://sydneyboatshow.com.au/2026-tickets/?utm_source=foundry&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=visitor

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Book now & save with first release tickets. The wait is over! Tickets for the 2026 Sydney Boat Show are officially on sale. First Release tickets are limited, so get in early and book now to save! BUY TICKETS If you have purchased a ticket for the incorrect day, you can