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Who Are We?

Founded in 2015 by Aaron O’Donoghue, BoatBuy provides detailed marine surveys and mechanical inspections across Sydney, the Gold Coast and Perth. With a trade background in marine mechanics and a Diploma of Marine Surveying, Aaron combines mechanical and structural knowledge in one comprehensive report.

BoatBuy specialises in inspections and surveys only, providing independent advice to help clients make informed decisions when buying or insuring a boat. BoatBuy is currently led by Aaron and is expanding its team with suitably qualified surveyors and inspectors in Queensland and Western Australia.

BoatBuy holds current memberships with Boating Industry Australia and the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors.

Meet Aaron

Aaron O’Donoghue

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Trade Qualified Marine Mechanic & Diploma of Marine Surveying

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Sydney, NSW

 aaron@boatbuy.com.au

Growing up close by to the water, I started boating at age 12 after discovering it was the first license I could get. It was my ticket to freedom, growing up with a small De Havilland tinny fitted with 4hp motor exploring the Lane Cove River. Little did I know it would progress to a life on the water.

By age 15, I wanted to get out of school and straight into an apprenticeship after doing a week of work experience with a Marine Mechanic. I door knocked at a few local boat shops…

By age 15, I wanted to get out of school and straight into an apprenticeship after doing a week of work experience with a Marine Mechanic. I door knocked at a few local boat shops, before landing a position as an apprentice Marine Mechanic at a trailer boat shop in Ryde.

Things didn’t work out too well for the boat shop, and when they closed down I moved to Sydney Harbour at a small mechanical repair shop on the water. It was here I got the taste for bigger boats, as the company I was working for had the contract to service a fleet of Sea Ray share vessels up to 52ft.

After completing my trade and being qualified at age 19, I decided to take a job at Rushcutters Bay. It was here I was in my element, working on some of the most expensive boats in Sydney – from Rivieras to go-fast Cigarette centre consoles fitted with triple engines. We did a broad range of only the best boats.

It was years later when an acquaintance asked me to find him a boat, that the idea for BoatBuy was finally born. I saw the value my experience added, being able to pin-point the vessel’s condition and steer him into the direction of the best boat possible. I started to research the market, and what I found was that most of the companies providing inspections were Boat Builders or Marine Surveyors – and didn’t come from a mechanical background. I enrolled in a Diploma of Marine Surveying, and then started our own category: Marine Surveys & Mechanical Inspections.

From here BoatBuy took-off as our customer awareness increased. Once people knew they could get the two-in-one service in a fast, efficient and cost effective manner, it became common practice.

After seeing how successful it has been in Sydney, my aim is to expand the reach of this service far and wide, and continually adapt to our customer’s needs to provide the best customer experience as possible.

When I’m not out and about completing inspections you can find me on the water soaking up every minute of downtime on my own boat, either BBQing in a nice bay or swimming with family.