Coronavirus restrictions are driving a spike in demand for boats, fishing gear and water sports equipment in Tasmania

In the face of border closures and cancelled overseas holidays, many Tasmanians are hitting the water instead. Find out which water activities are set to be popular this summer >>

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WITH the border closed and holidays cancelled, boat sellers and trainers are tipping this summer will be the biggest for on-water fun in years as Tasmanians go mad for boating, fishing and water sports.

Retailers say boat sales are through the roof and everything from fishing rods and hand-reels to jet skis and sea biscuits are also racing out the door.

Boat licences are also in hot demand, according to Peter Hopkins from Marine and Safety Tasmania.

“More people are getting into boating and the size of the fleet is increasing,” Mr Hopkins said.

Maritime trainer Fred van Tuil said last month was his busiest August ever, up two and a half times on previous years, with families and individuals rushing to get their boat licence before summer.

“It’s quite an amazing difference,” Mr van Tuil said.

“I thought it would go the opposite way, with people not having enough money to afford a boat.”

Commercial and recreational vessel safety trainer Fred van Tuil at Geilston Bay. Picture Chris Kidd

Michelle Woolford and her husband Craig grew up around boats and their three children have followed their lead — by summer all five members of the family will hold both a boat and jet ski licence.

The couple run Baily Marine at Huonville, servicing outboard motors for tourism operators and others.

While that side of the business is down, Mrs Woolford said they recently started selling jet skis and had been shocked at demand.

“I always thought of them as a real boys’ toy, but a lot of retirees are getting into it,” Mrs Woolford said.

“Their holidays have been canned and I think a lot of them are into motorbikes but are worried about injuring themselves and jet skis are essentially motorbikes on the water.”

Commercial and recreational vessel safety trainer Jordan van Tuil (orange life jacket) training with (L-R) Michelle, Liam, Jess and Craig Woolford at Geilston Bay. Picture Chris Kidd

The owner of Lewis Marine at Cambridge, Seton Lewis, said he too had noticed a big increase in boat sales to both families and retirees.

“Whether they’ve taken a redundancy and have decided to spend it on a boat or they’ve cancelled overseas holidays, or they’ve just decided to get into it sooner because of the whole covid situation,” Mr Lewis said.

Mr Hopkins urged novice boat users to seek the advice of more experienced hands to ensure it was a safe summer.

“If they’re new to boating try to get advice from friends and others,” Mr Hopkins said.

“Just go quietly and take it slow and really take heed of the weather.”

The Primary Industries department said more than 4000 recreational scallop licences had been issued for the current season, which ends on November 30, which was 500 more than for this time last year.

Recreational abalone and rock lobster licence numbers were down on previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions during the popular Easter period, but lobster licence demand is expected to rise ahead of the upcoming reopening of the season on November 1.

The department is developing a 10-year strategy for the future of recreational sea fishing and a discussion paper is open for public comment until 25 October.