CALL (07) 5455 3755

No boat Licence required!

Thank you for choosing Boardwalk Boats.

Our aim is to ensure you have an enjoyable, relaxing and safe time on the beautiful Noosa River. Please take a minute to read over our booklet and boat safety management plan.

TO HELP YOU HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE DAY PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO READ, AND, THEN PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR SAFETY:

  • The driver must not be under the influence of a controlled substance or exceed the legal blood alcohol limit. Policing is on the river and fines can apply.
    • You are responsible for all damage caused to your hire vessel and other watercraft.
    • Observe all speed limits including seasonal speed restrictions & “No Wash” areas.
    • Do NOT enter any red area, including Noosa Marina, as marked on your map. 
  • It is illegal and dangerous to ride on the bow (front) of a boat or outside the gated area of a pontoon i.e.: forward outside area of any boat, whilst the boat is in motion or under power.
    • Towing of boats, persons, boards or anything is illegal. Fines can apply.
  • Boats MUST stay to the right of the channel and allow oncoming boats to pass on your left.  Overtaking boats may overtake on either side.
    • It is your responsibility to give way to all swimmers and unpowered vessels.
  • WARNING!!  BOATS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO APPROACH WITHIN 400 METERS OF THE RIVER MOUTH (i.e. OCEAN ENTRANCE).  Fines can apply.
  • Boats can be operated in Daylight Hours Only. It is ILLEGAL to operate a hire boat outside of daylight hours and AMSA fines will apply, in addition, the hire is immediately cancelled, hire fee and bond will be forfeited.
  • Boats must be returned in a clean condition or a cleaning fee will apply. 
  • Fish must not be cleaned in the boat, please use cutting board and bucket provided.  Keep rubbish onboard, not in the river, depositing later onshore ☺
  • Failure to comply with the above conditions will result in termination of the hire and forfeiture of all monies.

 

Finally, if the engine won’t start please check:

  1. The gear control lever is in neutral position and safety lanyard is in place.
  2. The battery isolation switch is in the ‘ON’ position.
  3. The fuel cut off valve is not closed.
  4.   Squeeze bulb in fuel line till firm.  Try to start the motor again.
  5.   If the motor does not start after several attempts, engage fast idle.
  6.   If the motor does not start, wait 5 minutes and try again.
  7. Failing all the above steps please phone Boardwalk Boats 07 5455 3755 

 

Boardwalk Boats – Vessel Safety Management Plan

‘YOU are the skipper and YOU are RESPONSIBLE’

  1. Call for assistance: Boardwalk Boats 07 5455 3755 and inform us of the type of emergency or assistance required:
      1. Medical
      2. Fire
      3. Person Overboard
      4. Collision – (Damage to hull, taking on water)
      5. Mechanical – (Loss of propulsion or steering)
      6. Resource – (Loss of fuel or gas)
      7. Environment – (Severe weather, grounding, stranding, runaway, etc.)
  3. Provide details of emergency:
    1. Name of person reporting emergency and your contact details
    2. Craft type
    3. Location
    4. Severity of assistance
    5. Attendance required or not
    6. Any emergency service required – Ambulance, Police, Fire Service, Coast Guard
    7. What have you done so far in regard to this emergency?
  4. In case of the following emergencies take immediate action:

In all cases call Boardwalk Boats 07 5455 3755 

Immediate action for each emergency –

      1. Medical– call Boardwalk Boats and/or emergency services 000 if required
      2. Fire-
        1. Ensure you do not burn yourself or endanger any persons. 
        2. Immediately attempt to extinguish the fire with the use of a firefighting appliance if fitted (this may be a fire bucket and or fire extinguisher) or throw overboard any articles on fire. 
        3. Turn off the battery isolation switch and fuel cut off valve.
        4. If the fire is under control call Boardwalk Boats 07 5455 3755 and/or emergency services 000.
        5. If the fire is out of control and you believe there is not an opportunity to either control or extinguish the fire, or anyone’s life on board may be threatened by injury or death, then immediately issue safety appliances and abandon the vessel and make your way to the nearest land. If possible, call Boardwalk Boats 07 5455 3755 and/or emergency services 000 prior to abandoning the vessel.

 

      1. Person/s overboard– immediately ensure you or a responsible person has the person overboard constantly in sight. Turn the vessel immediately to return alongside the person overboard. As you approach the person put the motor into neutral as the person comes alongside stop the motor. Recover the person. Once they are on board you can restart the motor.

You may wish to deploy the anchor to stop any drifting so long as the anchor is deployed on the opposite side of the vessel to the person overboard.  If required call Boardwalk Boats and/or emergency services 000.

      1. Collision– immediately ensure the safety of all persons. Deploy safety appliances if required. Call Boardwalk Boats and/or emergency services 000.
      2. Mechanical–loss of propulsion immediately deploy the anchor and call Boardwalk Boats 07 5455 3755.  Paddles are provided for alternative propulsion.
      3. Resource–loss of fuel or gas immediately deploy the anchor and call Boardwalk Boats 07 5455 3755.
      4. Environment–
        1. Severe weather – immediately seek shelter on shore.  Park or anchor the vessel on a beach or bank and wait in the vessel until the severe weather has ceased.  Do not attempt to make way during severe weather.
        2. Grounding or stranding – if assistance is required call Boardwalk Boats.  Ensure the motor is stopped and tilted up out of the water.  You may be able to push the vessel off the bank.  Do not attempt to push the vessel whilst the motor is running or the motor is down.
        3. Runaway – immediately call Boardwalk Boats.  Do not attempt to swim after the vessel. If anyone is still on board call to them to deploy the anchor and stop the motor if applicable.  Keep the vessel constantly in sight and if possible, hail down another vessel for assistance.
        4. Tidal Influence – the tide will push your vessel. You will make way slower into a tide and quicker with the tide. Ensure you leave adequate time to return to Boardwalk Boats.  When at anchor the tide will swing your boat in the direction of the tide.  Ensure you leave adequate distance between other boats and obstacles to cater for such a swing when at anchor. When your vessel is beached or on a bank you must ensure that in an outgoing tide the vessel does not get stranded.  Check the vessel every 20 minutes and if required move the vessel to deeper water.  In an incoming tide move the vessel to shallower water. For other action see Grounding or Stranding (2.) above.
        5. Currents and wind – the wind and current influence the directions and speed of the vessel. Ensure you take into account the wind and current speed when maneuvering the vessel near obstacles or returning to Boardwalk Boats.
        6. Phone – At all times during the hire, and in all emergency instances ensure you keep your mobile phone switched on, and in a place where it can be easily heard and accessed when ringing.  A backup person on board with a phone who is able to easily access and hear a ringing phone is recommended.  

 

  1. Initiate Marine Incident if required.

 

Special Boat Conditions and Operational Requirements for all boats hired under National (AMSA NSCV Part F,) Hire & Drive with special notes for the following boat

 

Sweetwater Challenger Pontoon

  1. When returning to Boardwalk Boats all the fenders must be deployed prior to approaching the jetty.
  2. The Galley mate BBQ is to be operated according to information sheet provided in the utensils box and placarded on the pontoon. (Better BBQ performance is achieved out of the wind).  Vessel must be stationary and motor switched off for BBQ operation at all times.
  3. The basin water tap is to be left open and the switch engaged for water flow. Do not close the water tap.
  4. The motor is not to be fully tilted up unless the motor is on full starboard lock. Otherwise the cowling will contact the boat wall and cause damage. ½ or ¾ tilt is OK.

 

Good Practice Sweetwater Challenger Pontoon Driving advice

  1. In ‘6 knot No Wash’ areas run the motor no more than 1800rpm and you may find the lower rpm settings preferable.  Wash is defined as a curling broken wave off the stern (rear) of the boat and this is not allowed in ‘No Wash’ areas.
  2. Keep the motor tilted down for better steering and power.  This will keep the bow (front) of the boat low.  Use this setting unless beaching the boat in which case the motor should be tilted up as you approach the beach or sandy bank.
  3. Ensure fenders are deployed before approaching Boardwalk Boats jetty.  Landing on other jetties is not permitted unless prior agreement is given from Boardwalk Boats.
  4. Riding outside the boat perimeter, outside the front rail, or riding on the front or rear decks is not allowed while the boat is in motion.
  5. This boat is equipped with an engine restrictor to prevent the boat achieving more than 10 knots.  As this boat approaches 10 knots the bow will rise and the boat will transition from displacement mode to planing mode.  Operation of this boat in planing mode is prohibited and should the boat attempt to enter planing mode it is your responsibility as the skipper to reduce power and keep the boat in displacement mode.
  6. BBQ operation is prohibited whilst the boat is under way.

Note: Planing is the mode of operation for a waterborne craft in which its weight is predominantly supported by hydrodynamic lift, rather than hydrostatic lift (buoyancy). 

Note: Hull or displacement speed is the speed at which the wavelength of the boat’s bow wave (in displacement mode) is equal to the boat length.

Haines Signature Bowrider

 

Less than 10 knots Hire and Drive special notes

    1. The skipper is not to operate the boat in an unsafe manner and not to cause the boat to be operated in an unpredictable manner or a manner which would cause concern to any person/s on board this boat or other boats or persons in the vicinity. 
    2. The skipper is not to operate the boat whilst under the influence of drugs and or alcohol.  A limit of 0.5 alcohol blood level and zero (0) drugs is mandatory for the skipper.
    3. Do not turn off any bilge pumps.
    4. To start the motor in cold weather or first start of the day, prime the fuel bulb, push in the key, hold in this position for approximately 1-3 seconds and then turn clockwise. Release when engine starts.
  • If the alarm/buzzer sounds or any of the oil or temperature gauges enter the red sector or red lights on the dash gauges appear, stop the engine, anchor the boat immediately, and, call Boardwalk Boats 5455 3755.
  1. No person/s is permitted outside the perimeter of the boat including the rear cushion areas above the transom whilst the boat is underway, nor riding up on the bow. Observe all speed limits and no-wash areas. In ‘6 knot No Wash’ areas run the motor no more than 1800rpm and you may find the lower rpm settings preferable.  Wash is defined as a curling broken wave off the stern (rear) of the boat and this is not allowed in ‘No Wash’ areas.
  2. Caution, the draft of this boat is approximately 600mm and caution must be exercised even when in the channel near channel markers or when beaching the boat so that you do not contact the river bed. See Beaching your Boat further in this book.
  3. When returning to Boardwalk Boats all the fenders must be deployed prior to approaching the jetty.
  4. When boarding the boat from the water: The motor must be switched off and the ladder on the port stern deployed. This is the only method of embarking or disembarking this vessel.  Under no circumstances are you to jump from this vessel into the water.
  5. A fire extinguisher* (emergency use only) and fire bucket* are provided with this vessel and must only be used in an emergency.  If a fire has not taken hold and a person’s life or injury is not immediately threatened then attempt to extinguish the fire.  If the emergency situation is that a person’s life or injury is threatened the skipper must advise all persons to put on their personal flotation devices (PFD’s) in sufficient time to enable them to abandon the boat immediately.

 

  1. A basic first aid kit* is provided with this boat. This is for emergency use only.  If a person has been injured and requires first aid you must at the first opportunity contact Boardwalk Boats 5455 3755, and if required, emergency services 000.   You must advise Boardwalk Boats if you have or are going to access the first aid kit.  

 

Note: Fire extinguisher use outside of emergency situation incurs a $100 fee * It is an offence to tamper with safety equipment

 

Good Practice Haines Signature Bowrider Driving advice

  1. Place most of the heavier objects/persons at the front of the Signature Bowrider for better balance.
  2. In ‘6 knot No Wash’ areas run the motor no more than 1800 rpm and you may find the lower rpm settings preferable.  Wash is defined as a curling broken wave off the stern (back) of the boat and this is not allowed in ‘No Wash’ areas.
  3. Keep the motor tilted down for better steering and power.  This will keep the bow of the boat low.  Use this setting unless beaching the boat in which case the motor should be tilted up as you approach the beach or sandy bank.
  4. Ensure fenders are deployed before approaching Boardwalk Boats jetty.  Landing on other jetties is not permitted unless prior agreement is given from Boardwalk Boats.
  5. Riding outside the boat perimeter is not allowed, such as riding up on the bow (front) with your legs dangling over the bow (front).
  6. This boat is equipped with an engine restrictor to prevent the boat achieving more than 10 knots.  As this boat approaches 10 knots the bow will rise and the boat will transition from displacement mode to planing mode.  Operation of this boat in planing mode is prohibited and should the boat attempt to enter planing mode it is your responsibility as the skipper to reduce power and keep the boat in displacement mode.

 

Note: Planing is the mode of operation for a waterborne craft in which its weight is predominantly supported by hydrodynamic lift, rather than hydrostatic lift (buoyancy). 

Note: Hull or displacement speed is the speed at which the wavelength of the boat’s bow wave (in displacement mode) is equal to the boat length.

  1. Special attention must be given to navigating the Noosa River and especially the areas marked as out of the operational area. These areas are not to be entered under aThe boat must be refueled including 2 stroke oil at a ratio of 50:1 before returning to Boardwalk Boats.  We Boat Hire is preferred as they have a floating dock.

 

FISHING

 

Please protect our fish population by gently returning to the River all undersize fish!

Minimum Size in cms                                                                                          

Bream 25

Whiting 23

Moses Perch 25

Dusky Flathead 40-75max

Flathead 30

Tailor 35

Trevally No limit

Jewfish 45

Mangrove Jack 35

Luderick 30

Cod 38-120max

 

Why do we have size limits? 

In Queensland, there are limits on the size of fish that can be legally taken for many species. There are minimum size limits and also some maximum size limits. Size limits are typically based on biological research into each species’ reproductive cycles. Minimum size limits generally allow fish to spawn at least once and contribute to the population before they are taken.

However, in some species larger individuals contribute more to the population, which is why maximum size limits apply. For example, most barramundi begin their lives as males and later, as they grow larger, become females.  A maximum size limit is applied to protect large females and to allow them to spawn. Possession limits also apply.

 

Noosa Marina (Tewantin)

This is the entrance to the Noosa Marina at Tewantin.  

 

Do not venture inside the Marina as there are no public moorings available.

 

The pontoon, on the right-hand side of the entrance is suitable for mooring your boat.  However, this is a shared public jetty and the boat must not be left unattended as mooring space must be available for other vessels to use this facility.  Alternatively, just downstream, there is a sandy beach where you can beach the boat and walk across to the Marina (“Ideal Beaching” marked on the map – green with an anchor, before Noosa Marina).

There is a public wharf just upstream from the Marina near the boat ramp.  Do not use this wharf.  There are numerous rocks and obstacles both above and below the water surface in this area which could damage the boat or cause injury to you.

 

Mooring your Boat

 

Jetty:

Ensure you have permission to use any jetty BEFORE landing and/or mooring as many jetties on Noosa River are private or have restrictions.  Also ensure you can leave your Boardwalk Boat unattended on the jetty.  It is your responsibility to check prior to landing, mooring or leaving the boat.

 

Jetty approach:

Please ensure you approach any jetty very slowly (including Boardwalk Boats) and be cautious of any underwater obstructions that may surround the jetty. You must have fenders deployed when you approach a jetty. (Rocks, shallow water or even mooring lines attached to the jetty can get tangled in the propeller).

 

Securing the boat to the jetty:

You have up to 6 points where you can moor your boat to the jetty.  Your boat should be secured by at least two points.  Remember to have some ‘slack’ in the mooring lines.  If secured too tight the boat won’t be given any freedom to move and waves from other boats or people embarking/disembarking could cause damage or injury.  Always be sure that you have fenders between your boat and the jetty at all times and the boat is secured to the jetty otherwise it may drift away.

 

Beaching your Boat

 

Finding an area: 

Remember you have numerous locations marked in your map (green with an anchor) which are suggested places to beach your boat. 

If you are looking at a different area here are some points to note:

Make sure that you are beaching the boat on ideal ground. Areas with rocks, reeds or a large area of shallow water are examples of poor places to beach your boat.

 

The best places:  

(In addition to the areas suggested in the map) are clear sandy areas with a sharp drop-off in depth from the shoreline to water and no visible rocks (this makes getting the boat off a lot easier and also allows you to get closer to the shoreline).

 

Approaching the Shoreline:

Remember to drive very slowly forwards towards the beach (do not try to reverse the boat in).  Depending on the water depth you may find you will have to tilt the engine up and walk the boat into shore.

 

On the Shoreline:

Once you have the boat up on the shoreline ensure the engine is tilted up and your anchor securely attached to the beach (good idea to dig the anchor in to make sure the boat doesn’t drift away).  Also be sure the boat will not get stranded on the beach if the tide is going out.

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Boardwalk Boats acknowledges the ongoing connection to country of the traditional custodians of this beautiful region, the Kabi Kabi people. Visitors to Noosa can enhance their experience by learning of the region’s connection to the people and stories of the Kabi Kabi. We pay our respect to elders’ past, present and emerging.

 

Noosa’s UNESCO Biosphere

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB), designated the former Noosa Shire boundary as a biosphere region in September 2007. It was a first for Queensland.

Biosphere reserves are about developing quality economies based on local community action and entrepreneurship, sound science, public-private sector partnerships and networks.

Biosphere reserves are sites that demonstrate innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They share their experience and ideas regionally, nationally and internationally within a world network of biosphere reserves.

Biosphere reserves go beyond confined protected areas to where sustainable economic development is made possible through partnerships with local people.

Biosphere reserves are about developing quality economies based on local community action and entrepreneurship, sound science, public-private sector partnerships and networking.

Biosphere reserves also provide living laboratories to experiment with and showcase various approaches to sustainable development that are culturally relevant to local communities.

The Noosa Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 150,000 hectares of freshwater/tidal and terrestrial areas.

 

Name and origin of place names in the area:

Noosa is derived from the language of the Kabi Kabi people meaning “shadow or shady place”.

 

Tewantin is an anglicised version of dauwadhum, meaning “place of dead logs”.

Cooroy, is derived from the language of the Kabi Kabi people Coorooey, meaning “possum”, kurui.

Cooroibah means “place of possums”.  

In Kabi Kabi language, Tinbeerwah means “place of grass trees” or “high hill climbing up”. 

Weyba is believed to mean “place of stingrays” or “place of flying squirrels”.

 

 

Call us now on (07) 5455 3755 or book online.

Need help deciding on what to do? Check out our what can I do section here.