FLOATING DOUGHNUT IS GRAN TURISMO ON WATER
IT might not look like the most seaworthy vessel but it is so suited to Gold Coast canals that even 80-year-old grannies are trying it.
Coasting Around partowner Nathan Corker said his business, which hires out the doughnut-shaped boats, was so popular that he had bookings up to March.
“We had two 80-year-old women out on it the other day,” Mr Corker said. “And we’ve had 16th birthday parties and quite a lot of Indian and Chinese tourists.”
Mr Corker’s Mariners Cove business hires out three 10-seater boats, which have a five horsepower motor.
Maritime Safety Queensland says the low engine power means operators do not require a recreational marine licence.
The only stipulations are drivers must have a bloodalcohol content below 0.05 and there must be someone aged over 17 on board.
Mr Corker said he directed customers to stay in the canals west of the Sundale bridge to avoid being caught in the chaotic boating traffic of the Broadwater.
“It’s like driving a tinnie – it’s for anyone,” he said. “It’s extremely stable even though it might not look like it, and it goes in a straight line, which you might not think.”
Mr Corker said the boats were not just for people looking to take advantage of the BYO drinks option that the boat’s ice bath provided.
Inspired by similar operations in Europe, Mr Corker said he started the boating business almost 12 months ago with partner Tony Brown.
“We feel we are the Gold Coast’s best-kept secret,” he said.