Issue Date:  -  Sunday, 13 May 2001

Don't get that sinking feeling when you buy a boat

Purchasers of boats can now be safeguarded against unnecessary financial loss, thanks to the introduction of REVS for Boats.

An initiative of the Ministry of Fair Trading, REVS for Boats gives consumers an opportunity to check if a vessel has any money owing on it before they hand over cash.

REVS is the State Government's register of encumbered vehicles, which already records licensed cars, trucks, motorcycles and farm machinery with money owing on them and vehicles reported as stolen.

With the aid of a new hull identification number (HIN) recently introduced by the Department of Transport, a unique and securely fitted number can now be affixed to boats.

From tomorrow (May 14), the REVS database has been extended to cover recreational boats with a hull identification number affixed to them.

Minister for Consumer Affairs John Kobelke said before buying a boat, people should note the HIN number (affixed to the hull), the engine number for all of the vessel's motors and the registration number.

"Armed with all of this information, consumers can call REVS for Boats to check if there is any money owing on the boat they want to buy," Mr Kobelke said.

"If a consumer buys a boat without first finding out if money is owing on it, they risk having it legally repossessed and losing their investment.

"After obtaining a verbal clearance, we recommend that consumers obtain a REVS certificate for $10, which provides them with added protection against the threat of their boat being repossessed."

For the cost of a local call, consumers from around the State can call REVS for Boats on 1300 30 40 24 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and between 9am and noon on Saturdays.

Media contact: Neil Stanbury 0407 447 304