Boats and much more at final day of Auckland On Water Boat Show

by Kate Gordon-Smith on 29 Sep 2013
Trailer powerboats, dinghies, RIBs, motor launches, sailing yachts and all the products and services needed to maintain them are on show for the final day of this year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show.

With more than 180 exhibitors and over 90 boats on the water of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, the vibe at this year’s show has been extremely positive with a number of boats of all sizes already sold.

Auckland On Water Boat Show CEO Michelle Khan says: 'Feedback from the marine retailers and manufacturers exhibiting at this year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show indicates a definite trend toward a more positive retail environment. Every exhibitor we’ve spoken to says they have made sales and/or have many leads to follow up after the show.

'As an example, Terry Bailey, from Bailey Marine in Waipu, said that for the first time he can recall, he’s physically signed a deal at the show with a show visitor who had just seen the boat for the first time today.'

Bailey imports the European Arvor Boats’ range and the Arvor 280 sold retails for around $240,000 depending on the extras required.

In a similar vein, Lance Fink of Hamilton’s Tristram Marine has enjoyed talking with really enthusiast boaties keen to find the right boat for their lifestyle.

'The Auckland On Water Boat Show is a great venue for people to see the latest models, like the Tristram 741 Offshore Sterndrive which is attracting a lot of attention. We have sold a number of boats already and expect to receive confirmation of further orders after the show.'

Hundreds of visitors to this year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show have written messages for Emirates Team New Zealand in a special book being created for the team on the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron site at the show. The squadron has the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup on display and invites anyone attending the show to contribute their written messages to the team. After the show, the book will go to the RNZYS headquarters at 101 Curran Street, Westhaven where members of the public are welcome to visit and add their own messages.

Khan adds: 'Whether people are looking for a replacement diesel engine, a new paint to re-finish their boat or new marine electronic components, theys can find a range of exhibitors to talk to who are keen to share their knowledge and passion for on-water activities at this show.'

The Auckland On Water Boat Show is open from 10am to 5pm on Sunday 29 September with tickets available at the gate. Children 15 years of age or younger are free of charge.

See www.auckland-boatshow.com for full details or find the show on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OnWaterBoatShow.