Melbourne Boat Show Brief

Melbourne Boat Show Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

2012 Melbourne Boat Show a Great Success

July 20, 2012

This year’s Melbourne Boat Show once again demonstrated the improvement of the boating industry, with crowd numbers, direct sales as well as general interest levels. The organiser of the event, Clyde Batty of the Boating Industry of Victoria, said numbers were up around 10% on last year with around 34,000 people attending.

Melbourne Boat Show

Melbourne Boat Show

“Feedback indicated that Show exhibitors were very happy with this year’s effort,” Mr Batty said. “The public were very impressed by sheer size of the exhibition and the amount of boats on display that were available for purchase at very affordable prices.”

According to Peter Webb of Performance Marine, their group had its best boat show for many years. “We had many orders for our award winning Spy range of performance ski and wake boats, sales off the floor with our flagship RX22 and XS22, and a large number of follow up demos to do with our new release SS21,” he said.

“Performance Marine have been in the industry for 30 years and have been to over twenty boat shows straight. Going by the interest at this year’s Show, we see a great future designing, building and selling our own range of Australian Spy Boats.”

Mitchell Dean of JV Marine said they also experienced a great deal of success at the Show. “We had an excellent spread of sales across our full range of boats and engines, and follow up has also been very positive with quite a few customers coming to JV Marine afterward to make a purchase as a result of our attendance at the Show.”

Dick Phillips, Event Coordinator for the Murray Charity Meander agreed. “Representatives for our event have attended quite a few caravan and camping shows in the past, but this is the first time we participated in a boat show. I have to say it exceeded our expectations in terms of the amount of interest from visitors.”

“I was amazed at the number of people who indicated to us that they were looking at buying a new boat at the Show. Even better for us, we found that most visitors who showed interest in our charity event have it on their ‘bucket list’ to do a trip on the Murray one day, so our organised group approach is a perfect way for them to achieve that in a supported environment.”

The Show was held at the Melbourne Exhibition Center for the 52nd consecutive year and continues to act as the primary recreational boating lifestyle expo for both the industry and general public in the southern region of Australia. This year’s event had a new, expanded area for wake, ski and tow sports.

Plans for next year’s Show are now underway. Next year’s Melbourne Boat Show is scheduled for 14th to 17th June 2013

A unique opportunity to win PWC Package at Melbourne Boat Show

June 07, 2012

Running from July 5th to 9th, the visitors to this year’s Melbourne Boat Show who buy their tickets ahead of time online will have a unique opportunity to win a great SEA-DOO GTI 130 PWC prize.

Melbourne Boat Show 2011

Melbourne Boat Show 2011

The SEA-DOO PWC vessel comes complete with trailer and registration for one year with value up to $15,269. Equipped with a 130-hp Rotax 4-TEC engine, the SEA-DOO’s performance is astounding. It has innovative technology including 24% improved fuel efficiency, as well as Intelligent Brake and Reverse and Intelligent Throttle Control offering incredible manoeuvrability.

Visitors to the show need only buy tickets online to be eligible to be in the draw which will take place on the last day of the show (9 July 2012). So other than winning a PWC, what will tempt Victorians to make the trip down to The Melbourne Exhibition Centre this year? An expanded Show will include a myriad of brand new items to check out from manufacturers such as Malibu Boats, Honda, Haswing Marine, Navico, Marine barbecues, SeaSucker, Tonic Eyewear, and ULTRA BOND.

Malibu Boats will have their newest addition on display – the 2012 Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ – which features a super-wide, extra-deep bow, bold new take on classic Malibu style, and signature performance, comfort and quality. Designed entirely in a digital environment, the Wakesetter 22 MXZ features millimetre-perfect construction and plenty of luxury, thanks to supple vinyl and a legion of stainless-steel grab handles and cup holders.

Those looking for options on the best way to power their vessel will want to drop by and see Honda Marine who will be displaying their range of environmentally friendly 4-stroke outboards including the new BF250, the most powerful outboard to join the Honda Marine line-up. The styling concept of the new Honda BF250 is a departure for the Japanese manufacturer, and incorporates a sleeker and slimmer aesthetic design. Included in this innovative and durable configuration are technologically advanced features that contribute to the engine’s best-in-class fuel economy and excellent power and charging performance.

If electric trolling outboards are of interest, Haswing Marine Australia will be displaying a diverse range of motors and kayaks to suit the needs and budgets of all boating and fishing enthusiasts. Features of their trolling motors include adjustable depth collar, adjustable handle, a special composite shaft to offer more flexibility and strength, an extendable handle, speed control, and more, all offered at a very affordable price.

Navico – the world’s largest marine electronics company – will be launching an all-new interactive display stand, great for big kids and small alike. Visitors can ‘touch and feel’ a number of new products including the Lowrance HDS Gen 2 which provides faster processing speed and StructureMap view, a powerful, innovative tool that allows users to overlay StructureScan sonar images on a chart in real-time or to save images and review at leisure. A host of other electronic gadgets will be available to peruse as well including the Simrad LSS2, Triton Instruments and Argus Radar.

Once on the water, fishing and boating enthusiasts need the best equipment available to cook up their daily catch and Marine Barbecues Australia certainly has the answer. The company manufactures high quality gas, electric barbecues and grills for cooking and entertaining on any type of boat, including their Galleymate range which is made from marine grade 316 stainless steel.

Marine Barbecues Australia also offer a range of boating accessories including utensil trays, gas grill kits, salt water resistant BBQ covers, gas bottles, brackets, hoses regulators and carry bags. They will be featuring a new accessory – the Cordpro – which reels and separates cords, hoses or cables into two chambers, preventing tangling between the two ends.

To secure those accessories, SeaSucker will be displaying their powerful vacuum-cup mounts which are far superior to standard suction cups. The mounts are much stronger, and safely and securely attach a range of accessories from rod holders, cutting boards, dive tank holders, iPads, iPhones, GPS, cup holders and much more to any boat without drilling holes, using screws or marking.

The amazing strength of the SeaSuckers is combined with an incredible safety feature not found on suction cups. When a SeaSucker starts to lose vacuum it will let the user know by exposing an orange band. However, there’s no need to take the cup off and remount; it simply requires a couple of pumps to get it back to maximum strength. All parts are made from stainless steel or high-strength plastic to resist corrosion and are made to withstand the harshness of the salt water environment.

Of course safety from the sun is always an issue for boaters, and Tonic Eyewear, Australia’s new leader in high quality fishing sunglasses, is offering a special bonus gift for show guests.

Patrons who buy their Tonic high contrast glass polarised sunglasses at the show will also enjoy special introductory pricing on the whole Tonic range, including a no-cost upgrade to photochromic lenses.

They combine Tonic’s unique de-centred VistaView lens technology for distortion-free viewing at any angle with a MultiCut full-spectrum anti-reflective coating on the back of the lens to cut bounce back glare. With scratch-resistant polarised glass lenses, comfortable lightweight frames and resistance to salt water, they are designed for fatigue-free all-day vision in even the fiercest glare.

Finally, for any of those last minute, on-the-spot jobs that might come up, ULTRA BOND is showcasing their aluminium repair rod which is a strong, easily applied weld or braze for repairing or fabricating aluminium and other non-ferrous metals. ULTRA BOND is highly useful for repairing broken aluminium or fabricating aluminium pieces because the rod is applied at a low enough temperature to avoid melting, warping or crystallising the base metal. In fact, the rod has a higher tensile strength than aluminium. In addition, ULTRA BOND is easily applied “in house” with a small torch and is much less expensive than conventional aluminium welding, welding contractors or part replacement.

Melbourne Boat Show 2012 to feature iPhone App available for FREE

May 21, 2012

The Melbourne Boat Show 2012 will offer its visitors the availability of an iPhone application created specifically for the event. Moreover, there will be a wide range of new products as well as services to satisfy all boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Melbourne Boat Show

Melbourne Boat Show

The Melbourne Boat Show App will provide visitors with an interactive boat show guide meaning they can get real time information on the various products, activities and presentations taking place throughout the weekend taking place 5-9 July 2012.

The application will appeal to show visitors of all ages, is free to download and also includes product reviews, customer ratings and screen shots. Information will be updated right up until the launch of the Show. The Boat Show App can be downloaded to an iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

The app will offer direction to a myriad of exhibitors featuring new product this year including International Paints, Haines Hunter, Quality Craft Coverings, Boats & More, JV Marine and Streaker to name a few.

International Paints will feature a very interesting boat display whereby their products were used on half of a rundown vessel to illustrate just how well their products work on restoration projects. The end result can be seen at the Show and free copies of a booklet detailing how the ½ boat project was achieved will be available.

Haines Hunter’s is set to release the Enclosed Range at this year’s Show which has been designed specifically for serious anglers looking for protection from the elements while still offering many options to suit various applications. Built to commercial standard these new models have the traditional Haines Hunter soft, stable ride and are towable by a large size 4WD. The Enclosed Models feature 400 HP rating, a massive kill tank of 500-600lt, cockpit and cabin lights,130lb Haines Hunter engraved rod holders, moulded side pockets for gaffs and fenders, storage locker over the fuel tank and approximate towing weight of 3250kg.

The new Streaker 5700 Bluewater will also be making its debut at the Show, with production kicking off in June, and is being positioned as a great offshore boat with Streaker quality at an affordable price. This boat features side decks and maximum beam.

For those looking to purchase in the medium size range, JV Marine will have the all new and modern looking Four Winns V275 on display. The Four Winns features a nice mix of sporty low profile lines, whilst at the same time offering spacious accommodation for four. The sleek, modern design includes big view windows on the side and top of the decks and the vessel is available in a choice of five colours for hull and the colour band. Power choices include five petrol gas engines from Mercruiser and Volvo, starting at 300 up to 380hp.

Also powered by Mercruiser engines, Larson Boats have an immaculate finish, impressive performance and family focused features. Priced from $28,990 for a boat, motor & trailer package, Larson’s are available in several models including cruising, watersports and fishing. This is the first time Larson Boats have been displayed at the Melbourne Boat Show, and exhibitor Boats & More will be have both the LX850 and LX710 models on hand for visitors to see.

Boats & More will also be displaying Aqua Yak Kayaks, an Australian made product with all components sourced locally to ensure safety and long life. They come with a 10 year warranty, are light-weight, hassle free and easily transported on even the smallest car roof. All Aqua Yak Kayaks’ cockpits are deep moulded, which lowers the kayak’s centre of gravity making them extremely stable.

To complement their range, Boats & More will have Evie Inflatable Rashies available to purchase. Evie are the worlds first rated water safety wear, sun smart, inflatable rashie. They are ideal for all water sports where protection or buoyancy is required, and are available in kids and adult sizes. Available with oral, manual or automatic inflatable options, Evie Rashies have a 50+ UV rating which is a huge advantage if you are out in the sun for any length of time.

Finally, for cleaning products and aids for all of these yachts and products, Quality Craft Coverings will be displaying Imar cleaning products, Swobbit cleaning aids and Makefast stainless steel fittings; all designed to keep one’s yacht in the best condition possible.

Australian Compliant Product at the 52nd Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show

April 18, 2012

Relaxation, adventure, adrenaline sports and competition are all provided by boating for pleasure of families and friends. Australia boasts both unique climate as well as waterways that make boating accessible to all, with waters offering some of the best fishing in the world.

Melbourne Boat Show

In fact, it is estimated that over 3 million people per year are involved with recreational fishing alone, a considerably higher proportion of the national population than in many comparable countries.

One of the more important topics being addressed by the industry at the moment is that of ‘grey imports and the relationship to boater safety and compliance´. Anyone wanting to find out more about this issue, as well as the future of the fishing industry will want to attend Australia’s next big public expo on the calendar for the year, the 2012 Melbourne Boat Show being held July 5-9, 2012 at the Melbourne Exhibition centre.

All of the marine dealers and brokers in attendance at the Show are authorised to sell specific product brands in Australia, all of which must comply with Australian standards. Product which is sold through non-authorised channels is known as a ‘grey or parallel import’.

According to Boating Industry Association of Victoria‘s Clyde Batty, grey (or parallel) imports may seem very cheap on the surface, however, it is a risky investment in the longer term both financially and in terms of safety.

“By importing a boat, PWC or engine into Australia, the buyer is taking on a number of additional liabilities. They become personally responsible for all the compliance issues associated with the product and in the event of a failure – be it safety or related to build standards or emissions – they will be the one bearing sole liability for compliance,” he said.

“The best way to avoid this situation is to buy from a reputable dealer such as those who will be at the 2012 Melbourne Boat Show” or any BIA dealer /outlet.”

A number of dealers will, as always, be showcasing new product all of which feature the latest in technological advancements and are fully compliant with Australian standards.

Sea-Doo will have their new GTR 215 on hand, featuring the manufacturer’s exclusive Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system and a supercharged engine offer playful yet predictable handling now with more power from the supercharged Rotax 4-TEC marine engine. The new GTR 215 is so fully equipped with the Sea-Doo iControl technologies including iTC and award winning iBR system allowing the rider to stop 100 feet sooner than any other watercraft.

Sea-Doo will also be introducing the all-new 2012 RXP-X 260 RS offering a new look, new hull and new ergonomic design that allows riders to aggressively lean into corners and penetrate chop better than any of its musclecraft predecessors.

With their new range of small boat AIS solutions, Australia’s GME has certainly raised the bar when it comes to performance, ease of installation and affordability with their recently released Automatic Identification Systems.

GME will be launching the GME AIS range at this year’s boat shows including the AISR120- Dual Channel AIS Receiver, AIST120- Class B AIS Transceiver and AISS120- AIS antenna splitter.

Cranbourne Boating Centre will be showcasing the newest Tournament Pleasure Boat – a new entry level model, a 5.45 meter cuddy cabin designed to get young families out on the water in style yet at a respectable price. Priced at just $36,750 this vessel comes with safety gear and registration, with Cranbourne Boating Centre offering custom options for the buyer.

Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Tab™ trim tab system has been specifically designed for its award winning range of Australian-made, plate aluminium boats. Performing the same function as other trim tabs, the significance of the Bar Tab system is in its registered-design hinge mechanism which uses an electric actuator, doing away with the old-fashioned hydraulic system and alleviating problems caused by leaking hydraulic pumps and hoses.

The trim tabs themselves are constructed from super-strong 6mm anodised plate aluminium. A concept that came out of Bar Crusher’s R&D department, the anodised aluminium construction eliminates the problem of stainless steel trim tabs causing corrosion and paint disturbance – a common occurrence when stainless steel plates are fitted to aluminium boats.

52nd Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show, 5-9 July, 2012
Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, South Warf, 3006
(Melway Map 1C Ref G5)
Thursday & Saturday
5 & 7 July
10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Friday
6 July
10.00 am – 9.00 pm
Sunday & Monday
8 July
10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Door Admission: Adults – $18;
Children aged between 5 and 16 – $2;
Children under 5 accompanied by an adult – FREE;
Students & Pensioner Concession Card Holders $15 (with ID)
Online (early bird) Prices: Adults $16;
Concession $13;
Children $1;
Online-only two-day Adult Pass $30.

Melbourne Boat Show 2012 to be held from 5th to 9th July

March 19, 2012

This year’s Melbourne Boat Show, to be held from the 5th to 9th July, 2012, will offer its visitors the latest in boats, innovation and accessories. The Boating Industry Association of Victoria has secured 100% of the exhibition space and its goal is to fill it with recreational boating products, information and safety advice for the patrons.

Melbourne Boat Show

Melbourne Boat Show

The 2012 show will feature two stage of entertainment at either end of the display hall. One end will feature fishing and related products and services whilst the other end proudly shows off the exciting Wake, Ski and tow sports. We expect to engage professional speakers along with sports and trades persons to explain and demonstrate the many aspects of these exhilarating sports. If you are a fisherman or water sports enthusiast it will be here at the 2012 Melbourne Boat Show.

The latest in ski and Wake boats will be supported by the manufacturers and dealers to provide the punters with decision making information. Fishing and tuna boats will again be exhibited alongside cruising power boats. We are also aiming for a sailing component to complement the whole recreational boating experience.

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association continues to provide its boat license course again this year to give the new boater a thorough training to obtain their license. Transport Safety Victoria and Parks Victoria will be there to provide the latest information and education on safety and safe boating zones.

The Melbourne Boat Show now in its 52nd continuous year has ‘gone overboard’ this year to provide the best show yet in Melbourne. Everything from inflatable’s to tuna boats fishing to skiing, or wake to wine will be there to entice the punter into a lifestyle of recreational boating where we say “life’s better with a boat”

Ticket sales (Foxtix) will be available online soon for the Melbourne Boat Show. Details and prices are as follows:

52nd Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show   –  5-9 July 2012
Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, South Warf, 3006
(Melway Map 1C Ref G5)
Thursday & Saturday
5 & 7 July
10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Friday
6 July
10.00 am – 9.00 pm
Sunday & Monday
8 July
10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Door Admission: Adults – $18;
Children aged between 5 and 16 – $2;
Children under 5 accompanied by an adult – FREE;
Students & Pensioner Concession Card Holders $15 (with ID)
Online (early bird) Prices: Adults $16;
Concession $13;
Children $1;
Online-only two-day Adult Pass $30.