Auckland on the Water Boat Show - Showers don't deter crowds on Day 2

by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com on 30 Sep 2016 A tsunami of boating fans of all persuasions swept through the gates of the Auckland On the Water Boat Show at opening time this morning.

Whether it was a result of the morning weather forecast or Friday was just a convenient day - who knows?

For a few hours, it was standing room only in the Viaduct Events Centre as a capacity crowd moved through the three floors of exhibits before proceeding into a further three pavilions and then onto the marina.

Although rain was forecast it held off until mid-afternoon and then bucketed down with three hours left until closing time.

Fortunately, a big proportion of the Show, the biggest on the water boat show in New Zealand, is under cover and the punters took the opportunity to have a close look at the many exhibits covering the full gamut of marine toys and essentials.

The stands are all manned by some of the top people in the New Zealand marine industry, and with the rain pouring down outside, no-one is going anywhere in a hurry, and it was a great time to chat and quiz the experts on their products with summer looming and maintenance or upgrades to be done.

Many new products are on display for the first time.

One of these is the new pedal-powered SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) by Hobie which is on The Water Shed's stand, and was demonstrated on TVNZ1's morning show yesterday.

Featuring Hobie's unique underwater propulsion system first seen on their pedal kayaks, the first shipment has sold out and orders are being taken for the second.

Olympic sailing coach, Dan Slater who runs The Water Shed says the pedal powered SUP is proving popular with those who feel the regular paddled SUP's are too daunting physically.

Being able to just walk on water is much easier physically for most people, and that is motivating the buyers for the modestly priced SUP, Slater says.

The Show is also a great place to check out and compare the latest safety equipment - both personal and to be installed on board.

Several suppliers are represented including Safety at Sea, RFD and Hutchwilco - all with major exhibition areas and experts available for discussion and advice on the various options. Coastguard Boating Education and Coastguard Northern Region are also represented.

For those interested in power and engines there is the full range of small outboards through to 300HP Yamaha's, plus a big range of diesel engines - all under cover. Many of the sports fishing boats and all of the jetskis are also under cover, and even though the rain came late in the afternoon, there was still plenty to see.

Showers are expected for both days on the weekend, but as is usual in Auckland if you don't like the weather at present, wait five minutes, and it will be different. Check out the variety of stunning craft on the marina's during the fine spells and retire to the pavilions if it rains would seem to be a smart battle plan for the weekend.

The Auckland On the Water Boat Show continues through until Sunday – opening at 10.00am each day at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Tickets can be purchased at www.iticket.co.nz

In keeping with the spirit of the school holidays, visitors under 15 years old are free.

For further information see the website on www.auckland-boatshow.com