The Journey of Trade-A-Boat: Australia’s Boating Bible

Since its inception in 1977, Trade-A-Boat has been a central part of the Australian boating landscape, guiding enthusiasts, buyers, and sellers alike. What started as a small, classified ad magazine has grown into the definitive resource for the boating community, weathering the changes of the industry and the media world with an unwavering commitment to its core vision. Over the years, Trade-A-Boat has maintained its place as “Australia’s Boating Bible,” an enduring testament to its founders’ foresight and its deep connection to the boating lifestyle. Along the way, it has had its fair share of notable owners, including the involvement of one of Australia’s most iconic media figures, Kerry Packer.

 

The Early Days: A Vision Takes Shape (1977)

In 1977, Peter and Jenny Kelaher, a couple with a shared passion for boating, saw a gap in the market for a dedicated resource for boat buyers and sellers. Recognizing the need for a platform that could cater specifically to the Australian boating community, they launched Trade-A-Boat. Originally designed as a classified ad publication, it quickly gained traction as a reliable and trusted source for boat sales, reviews, and industry news.

With a tagline that read “Australia’s Boating Bible,” the Kelahers succeeded in creating something far beyond just a marketplace. The magazine became a vital tool for both seasoned mariners and newcomers to the boating world. With each issue, it offered not only listings but also in-depth features on boats, equipment, and the boating lifestyle, quickly establishing itself as the go-to resource for anyone involved in the Australian marine industry.

 

The Packer Era: Media Power and Legendary Ownership (1980s-1990s)

In the mid-1980s, Trade-A-Boat caught the attention of Kerry Packer, one of Australia’s most powerful and influential media moguls. Packer, who controlled the vast media empire Consolidated Press Holdings (CPH), saw the magazine’s potential and acquired it as part of his broader portfolio. Under Packer’s ownership, Trade-A-Boat expanded its reach and solidified its position as a major player in the boating world.

Though it was part of a much larger media empire, Packer’s personal connection to Trade-A-Boat has become the stuff of legend. It is said that Kerry Packer was so fond of the magazine that he considered it one of his favorite publications, something that even those in his inner circle have confirmed. The story goes that, much like his love for his other media assets, Packer had a particular affinity for Trade-A-Boat’s straightforward approach, its deep connection with its audience, and its niche in the Australian market.

Under CPH’s ownership, Trade-A-Boat flourished. The resources available to the publication allowed it to diversify its content, include more expert reviews, and extend its reach beyond just boat classifieds. This era of expansion helped the magazine build an even stronger relationship with the boating community, becoming a trusted authority on everything from boat buying to technical advice.

 

The Digital Shift: A New Era (2000s)

As the 21st century rolled around, the digital revolution began to change the way people consumed information. For Trade-A-Boat, the rise of the internet presented both a challenge and an opportunity. Recognizing that the future of media lay in digital platforms, the magazine transitioned its classifieds and content to an online format in the early 2000s.

This shift allowed Trade-A-Boat to offer a more interactive experience for its readers, providing them with a faster, more efficient way to buy, sell, and research boats. The magazine’s website, which offered an easy-to-navigate listing system, boat reviews, and marine news, quickly became the go-to resource for Australians looking to dive into the boating world. This move also opened up the publication to a global audience, helping it stay relevant as the industry evolved.

 

Ownership Transition: The Digital Age and Only Sales Limited (April 2024)

By the 2010s, Trade-A-Boat had firmly established itself as an online powerhouse for the boating community, and its focus shifted even further toward digital innovation. In April 2024, the magazine was acquired by Only Sales Limited, a company focused on building online marketplaces. This acquisition marks a new chapter in the Trade-A-Boat story, allowing the brand to continue evolving while staying true to its legacy as Australia’s most trusted boating resource.

Under the ownership of Only Sales Limited, Trade-A-Boat continues to provide a comprehensive platform for boat listings, expert reviews, and marine news, all while embracing the latest in digital technology. The transition to digital-first, with features like video reviews, virtual boat tours, and user-generated content, ensures that Trade-A-Boat remains at the forefront of the Australian boating industry.

 

The Core Vision: Staying True to Its Roots

Throughout all these changes, one thing has remained constant: Trade-A-Boat has always been committed to its core vision. The magazine’s tagline, “Australia’s Boating Bible,” has stood the test of time, and its dedication to helping boat buyers and sellers make informed decisions is just as strong today as it was in 1977. The magazine’s essence—offering reliable, relevant, and trusted advice—is a quality that has never wavered.

Even as the media landscape evolved and new ownership structures took shape, Trade-A-Boat continued to stay true to its founding principles. Whether in print or digital form, the publication has always sought to connect the boating community, offering expert reviews, news, and a comprehensive marketplace for all things marine.

 

The Boaties’ Bible: A Legacy That Lives On

Today, Trade-A-Boat remains Australia’s definitive boating guide—a publication that has transcended its print origins and embraced the digital era. While its ownership has changed over the years, and the medium of delivery has shifted, its role as a trusted resource for the Australian boating community remains unchanged.

From its humble beginnings in 1977 to its reign under Kerry Packer’s ownership, through to the digital age and the recent acquisition by Only Sales Limited in 2024, Trade-A-Boat has always been there for the boatie community. It continues to embody the essence of what it was always meant to be—a central hub for boat lovers across Australia. The legendary connection Kerry Packer had with the publication is just one part of the broader story of how Trade-A-Boat became a household name in the world of boating.

As the industry evolves, so too does Trade-A-Boat, but its unwavering commitment to serving the boating community and keeping its core audience at the heart of everything it does remains its greatest strength. Whether you’re buying your first boat, looking for expert advice, or keeping up with the latest trends, Trade-A-Boat will always be the boating bible, just as it has been for over four decades.

This version includes the updated acquisition details and continues to honor the magazine’s rich history and core vision.


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