By Andy Kancachian
Like many people, Indhiran Padayachee (Paddy) is finally relocating to the Gold Coast for the good weather and climate. The schoolteacher from Patterson Lakes in Melbourne, who migrated from South Africa in 2005, is moving permanently to his Jacobs Well home, which he purchased recently. Wanting a change of lifestyle to escape the cold of Melbourne, Paddy and his family were attracted to the warmer weather and easy access to nature of S.E. Queensland. They decided that Jacobs Well would be a relaxed and peaceful place to live, and an excellent spot for the prolific boat owner and keen fisher.
“Those quiet mornings before sunrise are exceptionally memorable. I am fascinated with the Australian boating lifestyle, so I have owned 4 boats over the last 12 Years. My first boat was a 1986 Bonito Craft which I purchased in Gold Coast and had transported to Melbourne. Second was a 1996 Haines Hunter as I wanted an upgrade. Third was a 2016 Ocean Master 490 series run-around, which was newer, and I now own a 2004 model 580 Haines Hunter Breeze.”
There aren’t many changes that Paddy wants to make to his boat to make it ready for Queensland usage. “I am planning to install an electric anchor winch, which makes life so much easier when boating, and I will brush up on my local waterways rules and destinations,” he says.
While the family has yet to explore the local waterways, their first impressions are that it’s going to be great fun. Paddy intends to mostly go fishing with his wife and friends, but also do a lot of cruising with his extended family onboard.
“Our aim is to explore the islands of the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay, and to find those rewarding fishing locations. We have owned the Haines Hunter 580 Breeze for 5 years. It was included when we bought our Melbourne home and, at the time, seemed like a good upgrade from my old boat. Being a quality-built Haines Hunter, which provides a spacious cabin for the family to get away from the elements, and a large fishing deck for when the action gets serious, the boat has served its purpose well.”
Based on his years of first-hand experience, Paddy is happy to share his boating advice. “Make sure you have an electric anchor winch and a good boat motor that will not let you down. My first boat motor developed a sudden fault. The throttle became stuck with the motor on very high revs, and I almost crashed into a pier. So, make sure your boat is well serviced regularly.”
Boat Gold Coast magazine plans to follow Paddy on his boating journey, hearing about his adventures and understanding his decisions for his next boat purchase.
BASIC BOAT OWNERSHIP TIPS FOR S.E. QUEENSLAND
- If you are wanting to access more remote locations of S.E. Queensland waterways, Jacobs Well is an ideal launching point. The area has a recently upgraded, very large, world class boat ramp, allowing access to the renowned fishing location where whiting and jewies, even threadfin, salmon, and snapper are caught.
- S.E. Queensland is subtropical, so in January it is going to rain, and rain, and rain, and a cabin boat is ideal. If you buy a small to medium size runabout, half cabin or bowrider, it is advisable to install an extended bimini cover and side clears to protect your family from the sun, wind, and rain.
- If your boat is larger than 8 metres, you may only travel at up to 6 knots on some rivers and canals of the Gold Coast. Below that length, you can travel at up to 40 knots.
- Ideally, you want to own a cabin boat, so your family can go away for overnight trips. S.E. Queensland is the gateway to the best boating area in the southern hemisphere, and you can sail around the Gold Coast Broadwater and Brisbane’s Moreton Bay, staying in breathtaking overnight destinations at various coves and sandy beaches. It is a wonderland, where you can boat all year round and never visit the same destination twice. You will often pinch yourself at how lucky you are to live this boating lifestyle.
- The inland waterways are usually calm, but don’t be misled because the chop can become treacherous, especially in Moreton Bay.
- A good understanding of navigation is important because you will need to stay within the channel markers to avoid all the sand bars and shoals, and you should know the rules that apply within the green zones and no-fishing areas.
- The tide usually runs out quickly, so the ability to estimate the low tide level while at anchor will safeguard you from beaching your boat.
- Also, in certain locations near the seaways to the ocean, make sure you can swim or row against the strong tidal currents.
- Finally, ensure that your annual rescue membership is paid and, if you are heading offshore, check-in with the seaway tower before leaving.
Published in print January-March 2023
