Bumper weekend in sight for Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

by Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 23 May 2014 Spirits were running high for the second day of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show today.

There’s a definite positive vibe to match the sunshine throughout the boat show precinct as exhibitors express that this year’s event is 'a boaties’ show'.

And sales have echoed their upbeat response, with more than $5 million worth of boats already sold amid an 18 per cent increase in visitor numbers. Official ticket sales suggest 8,531 visitors passed through the gates on Thursday alone.

'There are lots of people here who have boats or who have had them and are seriously looking,' explains Brett Flanagan from Integrity Motor Yachts. With the world launch of the Aspire 45 Sedan at SCIBS this year, Brett says there has been a lot of attention on this boat and the others he has on display. 'We sold this boat, the second of the Aspire range, and have a third on order.'

This year’s show is working well for Integrity and the Aspire brand. 'It’s a great show for us!'

From Multihull Solutions, the incredibly popular Summerland 40 power cat is drawing steady visitation. 'This is as good as last year for us,' says Conrad Gair. 'We have three sea trials lined up so far and hope they will convert into sales.'
The Helia 44 too is attracting large numbers – and any wonder! 'It’s actually the most popular multihull in its size worldwide,' he states.

Sports Marine, representing Meridian Boats have had a great show – selling their one and only boat on display on the second day of SCIBS. 'But if people come through and like it, we can order another one from Florida,' says a contented dealer, Max Sutherland, who hasn’t been at a SCIBS for 10 years and is thrilled with the quality of people through this year.

'We have had good steady flow, very good quality – lots of boaties. Absolutely we’ll be back next year.'

With no actual boat on the water, but a high-tech demonstration of the soon-to-be-realised first hull under the Elandra brand, Luke Durman is heartened by response to the concept – a 53-ft luxury motor yacht built for long-range cruising.
Luke’s impression of this year’s SCIBS is that it has returned to being 'the lifestyle show it once was'. 'Sanctuary Cove was always synonymous with celebrating the boating lifestyle. It feels like that again with the mix of exhibitors and the atmosphere.'

Back up in the marine village, Scott from boatshoesonline.com.au says the second day of SCIBS has been 'flat out and frantic'. From their prominent position on Masthead Way the shoe retailer is experiencing a constant flow of traffic, back and forth. 'People pass us a few times and they pop in, and buy! A lot of people are previous clientele we’ve acquired over the years at SCIBS. This is our 16th boat show!'

Just down the avenue, Glacier Bay with dealer Fishing & Leisure Boats is attracting some major interest from the fishing and boating crowd, returning to the market after several years away.

'We are very close to some sales,' says dealer Jamie Neilsen, who also has the Carolina Cat and Livingstone pro-fishing boats on display. 'We have some solid leads and hope they will buy post-show.'

Kevin Barr from BarzOptics says SCIBS is his first or second best show globally for sales and leads with trade. 'We are having a good show. People are back to spending for sure.'

Steve Ackerie, known as Stefan, has an awesome location at SCIBS, complete with bright pink RazarCat, banners and the make-up booth for the ladies. He says that his second SCIBS is proving very fruitful. 'Business is hard these days, you have to hunt for it. So we are here in force, with 25 boats and 100 more at our showroom.'

On show under the Stefan Boating World signage are the Scout Sportsfish boat, Smartliner – excellent value for a 21-ft boat with 90hp Yamaha engine for under $30,000 – and a few boats from the Karnic range. 'I have sold two so far,' says Steve, adding that he should have brought some of his tinnies along too, judging by customer enquiry in to the sturdy, well-priced product.

Northside Marine is enjoying the traffic that has come out with the sunshine, prominent in the trailer-boat section. In the Whittley range, dealers are very busy and have booked in plenty of demos for next week and well as two sales and lots of enquiries.

In the Superacht and Marine Pavilion, P&W Marine Engineers have enjoyed steady trade and customer enquiry. For them, SCIBS is all about networking, meeting companies they supply to as well as boat owners, to reinforce the brand and inform them of new products.

This year, P&W have a new exhaust mixer, deck hatch, nominated for its innovation at the recent ASMEX awards, and new trailer jack to make changing tyres easy. The glass-topped propeller coffee tables too are a hit with the boaties!
'We supply 95 per cent of all OEMs in Australia,' says Ross Cameron. 'We are the most awarded marine engineering companies in the country, with a focus on innovation and creativity – all manufactured here in Brisbane.'

Aqualuma is ecstatic by traffic at today’s show, after a relatively quiet first day. 'We sold out of all our product by the second day – which hasn’t happened in 10 years of exhibiting. Today has been very, very busy!' says Carl Amor.

Adit Marine, opposite Aqualuma are selling gel mat, Fuel’s Gold diesel cleaner and Barnacle Buster, as well as the practical gadget, the EasyKlip. An exhibitor for five years, Greg Maxwell says it’s evident the market is 'getting better'.

'People seem more confident to buy,' he says. 'We have had a massive day today, people have been three deep. Looking forward to the weekend!'

Colin Creed who is on the marina edge with his product TrackSat says his second day has been steady and satisfying. 'It comes in waves,' he says. 'This is our first SCIBS and we are very happy with our spot. We will definitely come back next year – especially if we can have the same spot!'

The 2014 Boat Show showcases a wide variety of international boating brands, products and technologies on display alongside the superb backdrop of the award-winning Sanctuary Cove marina and The Marine Village.

Tickets are on sale now at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com and at the gate. Adult day passes are $25, with concession passes available for seniors and students. Children under 18 are free. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.au for more information.