Small boat dealership with a yard

Local families, anglers and weekend boaters, plus people trading in an old boat for a new one.

Margin on boat sales, plus servicing, parts and accessories, and commissions or referral fees from finance or insurance partners.

• Sales and negotiation
• Boat, motor and trailer knowledge
• Managing stock, cash flow and paperwork
• Customer service after the sale

• Dealer licensing and trading rules vary by state and territory, so check what applies to boats
• Stock funding is a big commitment: even a small range of used boats can cost several hundred thousand dollars, and slow sales can strain cash flow
• Check every trade-in is not under finance and the paperwork is correct
• Public liability, stock, premises and workers compensation insurance once you hire
• Arranging or advising on finance may need a credit licence or an authorised arrangement with a broker, so check before offering it
• Boat sales are often seasonal and affected by interest rates and household spending
• Australian Consumer Law statutory guarantees and warranty duties apply to sales to consumers

Estimates suggest typically around $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the yard or unit, the stock you carry and any servicing setup. Stock funding is a big commitment, and slow sales can strain cash flow.

Check dealer licensing and trading rules in your state or territory, and that every trade-in is not under finance. Also check credit licence needs before offering finance, insurance cover, and Australian Consumer Law guarantees and warranty duties.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on how many boats you sell and any servicing work. Sales are often seasonal and affected by interest rates and household spending.