History? Bribie Island Boat Hire has consistently operated at its present location for over 50 years. The business has had several owners, three of whom have now retired to live in waterfront homes on Bribie Island. One other highly successful operator currently has his home on the market in Port Douglas for almost $2m. And another is living overseas and playing the stockmarket. All of these people attribute a significant portion of their personal wealth to Bribie Island Boat Hire.

Where is it? The Boat Hire is situated Left of the Bridge on Bribie Island. The location is highly visible to all traffic crossing the bridge to the island which is well known as an outstanding fishing and sightseeing destination only one hour north of Brisbane city. The region encompasses a marine park and is home to dolphins, dugong, turtles, plentiful fish and sea birds. The area boasts significant natural beauty, stunning mountain backdrops, and is sheltered from all but strong south east winds.

What is it? The operation consists of 7- 3.7metre Stacer (four person) and 8- 3.8metre Stacer (five person) aluminium boats powered by 4 horsepower Mercury outboards. All boats are locked to a chain along the beach wall out of the water in a well lit up area. Night-time security has never been an issue due to the close proximity of houses, excellent lighting, and the high visibility of the area from traffic on the bridge. All other operational and safety equipment is packed into a 4 tonne truck that is also the office. The truck is removed and parked where ever the owner wishes it to be.

When does it operate? The business currently operates 6 days per week. Seven day operation is essential on school holidays due to demand. The entire operation requires one person to operate during the week and two or more people over the weekend and holidays.

Is There Competition? Almost laughable to be honest. BIBH offers by far the most competitive rates of any boat hire in the state. We are also one of the largest such businesses around with both local competitors having fleets only a small fraction of our size. Our two immediate competitors (both situated on the mainland) have different type boats and therefore not really our adversary. The only other boat hires are on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. This is the only boat hire situated on Bribie Island and due to the superb, high visibility location, likely to stay that way indefinitely. There are also few areas suitable to operate such a business from on the surrounding foreshores and it is most unlikely the Marine Park Authority will allow another such operation due to the sensitivity of the area.

Is there Room for Growth? Our rates are more competative than the other boat hires and in 5 years we have had one price increase in July 2008. The net result has seen no drop in hire numbers but around a 30% increase in takings. These new figures are still considerably below that of all boat hires in SEQ that we know of. We are also able to increase the fleet size as there were once 28 boats in this operation (early 1990’s). Hiring fishing gear and having canopies on some boats (which attract a premium) are other ideas that may warrant consideration. Due to public demand we have also purchased kayaks and have found them to be an asset to the business. The kayak hire also has room for expansion.

Who are the Stakeholders? BIBH is well regarded by local council as a premier tourist attraction to the region and held in high esteem by Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Parks and Wildlife Rangers, and the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association. The animal hospital at Australia zoo has also recognized us for being involved in the rescue of countless marine animals. Other local businesses have supported the boathire as it helps to bring customers to their doors.

What’s in a Day? A typical weekday (off holiday time) provides ample time to carry out routine maintenance (which is minimal and done usually by the owner) or throw a line in and set the crab pots. The business is operated from a deckchair on the beach offering excellent views of the passage and Moreton Bay. This is the ultimate in low stress occupations. Due to the large contingent of morning walkers and fishermen and boaties it tends to be a very social pastime as well. The Hard heavy work has been deleted with ramps and winches so there is no back breaking work to be done. The business operates on a cash only basis and is literally the simplest of operations requiring little more than common sense and a people friendly attitude. The book work is very simple and easily interpreted.

Who are the customers? Operationally, the business is largely patronized by walk up customers and a growing contingent of local regulars. Bookings are not necessary (nor needed) which reduces operational complexity. Southerners escaping the winter blues and foreigners visiting our beautiful country, Local schools use the boats as part of their boating Education and Businesses wanting to give their employees and families a function to remember.

How is it advertised? The current owners have put in place a very inexpensive advertising regime. The website is the most successful followed by brochures and word of mouth. The truck itself has full signage and can be seen as billboard advertising. We have involved ourselves in mini expos, Farm Fantastic, cinema advertising and charity give aways. For the last 7 years The boat hire has published the " Fishing times" in the Northern Times paper that is read weekly and free to regions in more than 4 shires. It has had a huge following and has always had positive feedback. The local radio station fm 101.5 supports " The Fishing Report " given by the Boat Hire 5 mornings a week live.

Why would we sell it? Originally the boat hire was purchased as a family business and has supported us for 5 years and given us, as a family, great weekends together. We also felt that it was a step toward retirement. Well now the kids have grown and we want to get out and see some more of our beautiful water ways. Time for us now. However we are still happy working the boat hire and feel that it still has so much more potential and there is a lot more profit to be made.

Next Question is for you. If you enjoy the traffic and stress of your day to day grind and sitting on the beach with sand on your feet, fishing and crabbing while running a stress free Cash business is not for you than I am sorry to have wasted your time. But if this does sound like something you could do then just contact Dave or Leanne and we can discuss in more detail.