Gold Coast Intl Boat Show– Fantastic Fleet of Firsts continues to grow

by Gold Coast International Boat Show on 2 Mar 2017 Just a fortnight out from the first major Australian boat show of 2017, the excitement surrounding the Gold Coast International Boat Show’s growing Fleet of Firsts is now starting to reach fever pitch.

This award-winning boat show at Coomera from 17-19 March is set to break all its previous records not just in the number of new releases but also in terms of boats for sale and exhibitors on display.

“Boating enthusiasts will be able see it all first here at Queensland’s biggest boat show,” said Event and Marketing Manager Emma Brown.

“We’ll have over 600 boats for sale on our just-expanded waterfront precinct and across a giant 3km display circuit on the land,” she said.

“There will also be a vast array of engines, accessories and electronics, live entertainment and boating education every 15 minutes across three fun-filled days.

“With over 98% of exhibitor space now sold or reserved, and the boat show office continuing to take last-minute exhibitor bookings every day, 2017 will be our biggest boat show ever.”

See it first – on the water

Bavaria-Nautitech 46 Open – Gold Coast International Boat Show Premiere: This catamaran is the only one of its type in Australia and the only Bavaria-Nautitech in charter in Australia. She is a true sailor’s catamaran that is strong, light and exquisitely finished inside and out and will be on display by Whitsunday Escape prior to sailing home to Australia’s iconic cruising grounds.

Aquila 44 – Gold Coast International Boat Show Premiere: The Aquila 44 on display through Multihull Central boasts a panoramic 360-degree view from the spacious saloon and galley as well as an oversized flybridge with added enclosure, electric grill and sunpad seating on either side of the central helm station.

Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats – World Premiere: The new Lux/Fish models from Australia’s Premiere builder of luxury and sports pontoon boats – from manufacturer Highgate Engineers – feature a range of new styling options that enhance their appearance and appeal.

See it first – on the land

Karnic – Multiple Australian Premieres: Stefan Boating World presents the Australian Premieres of the new Karnic SmartONE 48 and the Karnic SL702, which are built in Cyprus and are renowned for European styling superior handling and broad range of custom features.

Stabicraft – Queensland Premiere: Northside Marine will Premiere Stabicraft's first 2750 Centrecab model. It has a wide walk-around past the main cabin up to the forward deck giving the 2750 a fully utilized fishing deck. Northside Marine will display 15 individual boats including Surtees and Whittley models.

Sea-Doo SPARK TRIXX – Australian Premiere: The 2017 Sea-Doo SPARK TRIXX on display by JSW Powersports takes playtime on the water to the extreme, not only changing the game but also inventing new ones. Equipped with numerous innovations including handlebar with adjustable riser, step wedges and extended range variable trim system to help riders effortlessly perform tricks like a professional.

See it first – marine technology, services and accessories

Humminbird – Australian Premiere: You’ve never seen anything like Humminbird’s new MEGA Imaging – delivering nearly 3x the output of standard Side Imaging. MEGA Imaging has you covered from multiple angles – to the left and right of your boat – and below. Also being launched by BLA are the Generation 2 HELIX 5 and HELIX 7 series units.

SystemX Australia – Australian Premiere: System X offers boat owners a complete marine protection package, protecting your investment by prolonging and enhancing the appearance of gelcoat. Whether at sea or the dock, System X preserves the fiberglass and painted areas on your boat or yacht, above and below water.

See it first – family fun attractions and boating education

Berkley Supertank: See what the fish see at the Berkley Supertank – a 15m x 3m giant mobile fish tank where angling gurus Brett Thomson and Michael Cooke will demonstrate many different types of Berkley lures and show how fish react to them, as well as share the different techniques used by many of today’s top anglers.

Boat show exhibitors feeling very positive

Trevor Rees from Whitsunday Escape is excited about showcasing the only Bavaria-Nautitech 46 Open in Australia.

“It’s always a great pleasure to come to the Gold Coast and share the many rewards of bareboat chartering in the wonderful Whitsundays.

“This catamaran will be sailing up to the Whitsundays after the show and we will be accepting charters in April.”

Stefan Ackerie from Stefan Boating World has applauded organisers for moving the boat show forward to March when boating is top of mind for those looking to repair, repower or refit their vessel and its systems and have the work completed in time for the following boating season.

“There will be more exhibitors, more people and more choices in 2017 than ever before,” he said.

Craig Winch from manufacturer Highgate Engineers said his team looked forward to the Gold Coast boat show every year.

“The fact this is the first major boat show for the year means there will be plenty of new designs for visitors to come and see,” he said. “We’ve got some exciting new concepts and we look forward to catching up with everyone and sharing them with our suppliers, our past customers and our future customers as well.”

Multi-media marketing campaign creates excitement

Mrs Brown said the Gold Coast International Boat Show’s aggressive marketing campaign will confirm the city’s credentials as Australia’s boating industry capital.

“March 17-19 be a huge weekend of boating fun and we are doing all we can to help spread the word,” she said.

“Our campaign spans Australian and international websites, print mediums, television and radio as well direct and outdoor marketing all highlighting the fact that our boat show is the only one in the world held right in the heart of the biggest recreational boat-building facilities and shipyards in the host country.

“We look forward to welcoming our boating community and families who are looking to get out on the water and enjoy all the rich and relaxing rewards that only boating can offer.”

More exciting Premieres to come

Mrs Brown said even more World, Australian and Queensland Premieres will be announced over the next two weeks.

“Visitors will be able to come to the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera and discover everything from luxury motor yachts to sailing catamarans, engines and accessories to tenders and trailer boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to jet skis and fishing equipment … and everything else in between.

“Queensland’s largest boat show is going to be an incredible experience and you’ll definitely need more than one day to experience and enjoy all that there is to see and do.”

If you love boating, see everything first on the Gold Coast from 17-19 March 2017.