Shopping Cart

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of questions we often get asked. If you don't see an answer to your question below, please get in contact us.

  • Where are Sykes boats made?
    All Sykes’s performance racing boats are made in Breakwater, Australia factory. Our Initiator and Accelerator range are made in our Zhaoqing factory in China.

    We source the highest quality parts and materials from all over the globe, including Italy, Japan USA and India.

  • How long does it take to build a new boat?
    The build time of a new boat is generally around 4-6 weeks. If there are a number of boats on order at the time of placing your order, this time may be longer. At certain times of the year, it’s not uncommon for this boat build time to extend out to 12 or more weeks. At the time of placing your order, we can give you an estimated time frame.

  • How do I order a new boat?
    To order a Sykes boat, we recommend completing our online order form. If you have not already been in touch with our sales team prior to submitting your order, we will contact you to confirm your order details. After this stage, and if you are happy to proceed, we will send you an order confirmation and a deposit invoice for 10% of the total order value. Prior to the boat being slotted into production, we will require the order confirmation to be signed and returned to Sykes and the deposit invoice paid.  

  • How do I know which boat is for me or my program?
    Our sales team are across every boat type on the market. All people and programs are different and if you’re not sure which boat type would be best for you, we recommend speaking with Sykes’ sales team.

  • Do you offer any deals?
    Sykes philosophy is to keep the cost of our boats and equipment as low as possible for every single person in the rowing community. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any further discounts. We work with our suppliers to ensure our prices remain competitive all year round and that you will receive the best possible price.

    The service and support that Sykes offer all customers is unrivalled by any other manufacturer or supplier here in Australia.

  • Can I try before I buy?
    Yes, we can arrange for you to jump in a demo boat in Geelong on the Barwon River. If you are travelling from interstate, we can arrange to pick you up from the airport and drop you back. We usually need some notice to ensure we have staff and a boat available.

  • Do you deliver boats?
    Yes, we do! If you are not planning to come and collect your new boat when it’s completed, we can arrange delivery for you. This will most likely be on a shared trailer when there is enough boats / equipment to justify a trip. Please note, we do not send boats through commercial freight companies as your boat is more likely to be damaged while in transit.

    At times. we will arrange delivery through a third party. In this case, we will communicate this with you in advance.

  • Do Sykes boats hold their value?
    All Sykes boats hold their value in Australia better than any other manufacturer. If you are looking to trade up or sell your Sykes boat down the track, you can be assured that you will get top dollar for your boat, especially if you have cared for it.

  • What is the warranty on new boats?
    Our performance racing hulls all come with a five-year warranty. Our Chinese made hulls come with a two-year warranty. All wearing parts (seats, stretchers etc) come with a two-year warranty. For more information on Sykes’ warranty, head over to our Warranty page.

  • Do you offer boat insurance?
    No, we do not. However, we recommend pno.com.au for all boat insurance. They are local and competitive and understand rowing boats. It’s very important that you arrange insurance for your boat prior to the boat departing from the Sykes factory. If in the unlikely event there is damage in transit, Sykes will not be responsible for this.

  • What do I do if I damage my boat?
    Sykes has its very own state of the art repair division. However, we understand that sometimes it’s not viable for boats located interstate to be repaired on-site in Geelong. In this case, we can recommend a local repairer for you and if required, can also supply parts, paint and materials.

  • Do Sykes boats conform to FISA’s minimum flotation requirements?
    All Sykes’s latest designs confirm to FISA’s minimum flotation requirements.

  • Are all Sykes boats on the FISA minimum boat weight?
    All Sykes performance range boats will meet the minimum boat weight for their respective category. The boat weights set out by FISA are a minimum weight. At the time of new boats departing Sykes, the boats conform to this rule. It is the customer’s responsibility to check their boat weight prior to racing in any event where boats are weighed.  

Sale

Unavailable

Sold Out