240v Inverters

All Whitsunday Escape boats come with 240V power and a 300W inverter. Perfect for charging phones, cameras, and small devices. It can even run a small TV while charging a few gadgets at once.

The inverter won’t power high-demand items like:
• Blenders
• Coffee machines
• Hair dryers or straighteners — let the sea breeze do the styling.

Laptops use minimal power but may not always work with the inverter. Test yours before departure, or embrace a digital detox and leave it behind.

Your sleep apnea machine can run on 240V or 12V power, with 12V being best on board. Check that it works with a 300W inverter before you arrive.

Bring a 6-metre power lead to reach a power source easily, and test your setup before leaving the marina.

Air Conditioning

All Whitsunday Escape boats have air-conditioning. It runs on shore power at Coral Sea or Hamilton Island marinas, and some boats also have generators for use while cruising. Check individual boat features for details.

The Whitsundays enjoy steady trade winds, so at anchor, your boat naturally faces the breeze. Open the forward hatches for cool, fresh airflow.

Most guests find generator noise outweighs the benefit of overnight air-conditioning. To keep prices fair and reduce energy use, on-water air-conditioning costs $10 per hour.

There’s no charge for air-conditioning when plugged into shore power at the marina.

Charts & Cruising Guides

All boats are equipped with:

• • Chart Aus 252 – Hayman Island to Smith Island group
  • Chart Aus 825 – Whitsunday Island to Bowen
  • Charts Aus 254 – Plans of the Whitsunday anchorages, which include detailed charts of Stonehaven anchorage and Fitzalan passage
  • 100 Magic Miles – current version
  • Whitsunday Escape Cruising Notes & Safety Management Plan
  • GPS Colour Plotter
  • Tide tables, parallel ruler and dividers

Use the charts to plan routes, track distances, and avoid hazards. It’s essential you know how to read them for safe navigation.

For detailed info on anchorages, inlets, and reefs, refer to 100 Magic Miles by David Colfelt. It’s a must-read for planning and a great souvenir of your trip.
Order a Pre-Charter Kit if you would like a copy before or after your charter.

Music & TV

Music
All boats feature a marine stereo system with Bluetooth. Bring your charger and set up offline playlists for when you’re out of range.

TV
Every boat has a flat-screen digital TV with USB access. TV reception is best at Coral Sea and Hamilton Island marinas and may be patchy elsewhere. Bring a hard drive with your favourite movies to enjoy on board.

Refrigeration

Fridge space is limited on all boats. Plan your meals carefully and use fresh ingredients early in your trip.

Many guests stop at Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island after 4–5 days to drop rubbish, refill water, and restock fresh food, meat, and ice.

All boats have 12V fridges with thermostats that cycle on and off automatically. Marine freezers keep food frozen but aren’t cold enough for ice cream or freezing fresh items. You will need to keep batteries well charged to maintain cooling.

Check each vessel’s specifications for fridge and freezer sizes.

Stocking your Boat

VHF Radio

Whitsunday Escape monitors all radio channels from 8am to 4pm. After hours, Channel 16 is monitored by Mackay Port for emergencies.

We run twice-daily radio check-ins, or “scheds,” at 8am and 2pm on channels 82 and 86. During these, we share weather updates, confirm each boat’s location and plans, and provide advice to ensure safe anchorage and enjoyable cruising.

Scheds are also your chance to share updates, ask questions, or get itinerary advice.

No marine radio licence is needed. Full radio procedures are covered in your pre-charter safety briefing.