Swan Super Lines salutes the Gold Coast Marine Expo

by Jeni Bone on 13 Nov 2012 Swan Super Lines enjoyed steady interest and has strong leads from the second annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo, held 2-4 November at the Coomera marine precinct on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

'We had two boats there – a Princess 45 Flybridge cruiser 2001 model with the asking price of $439,000 and a Sunseeker 56 Manhattan 2003 model going for $829,000,' says Ian Swan, principal at SSL. 'Both of these are exceptional vessels and at least $50,000 under the price of anything similar.'

Swan reports that while the boats did not sell at the Expo, he is confident of doing deals on them soon as a result of interest from the event.

'Friday was an exceptional day,' he says of the show. 'Saturday was great too, with people queuing to get on board. Sunday was more of a family outing day, but the crowds were good and the mood was great.'
One key trend this first time exhibitor at the Expo noted was the prevalence of the 'change of lifestyle' Baby Boomer market.

'They are thinking of selling up and living aboard, travelling up and down the coast or just living at a marina and commuting. We had four or so couples like this and I feel it’s going to be a great segment of growth for the industry and one we need to promote the boating lifestyle to. We had people from the Sunshine Coast, Hinchinbrook and Brisbane, all with the aim of buying a boat and living on it.'

Swan surmises that the cost of living, various life crises and the veritable 'bucket list' are fuelling this growth segment. 'Whatever their motivation, it’s a great opportunity for us to tap in to. They have the funds, they are keen and they’re ready to go. They just need the education as to what boats suit their intended lifestyles, some insight into what marinas can offer and for us to show them how marvellous boating really is.'

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo is perfectly positioned to do just that, adds Swan. 'People of all walks of life can get hands-on with boating at every level, see behind the scenes and ask the questions they might feel self-conscious asking at a traditional boat show. It has a great atmosphere and people take that away with them. It certainly fits with our brokerage and boat clearance sales division branding of ‘Live Life Now’.'

More at www.swansuperlines.com