Even a bird brain knows it's a good time to buy a boat

by Mark Rothfield on 24 Jul 2012 The human race’s greatest attribute – intelligence – also happens to be its Achilles heel.

What other species, especially a predatorial one, is smart enough to know the world ain’t perfect and, accordingly, experiences the pessimism and confidence dearth we’re currently seeing on a global scale?

Here we are, just days away from the Sydney International Boat Show, and even the humble ostrich, whose eye is bigger than its brain, could recognise that it’s a great time to buy a boat.

This is the biggest recreational boat show in the Southern Hemisphere, with a record attendance rate (93,500 approx) that can stand proudly alongside international exhibitions like Barcelona and Athens.

Our booming economy, buoyed by mining and ticket sales to One Direction, means Sydney is likely to be incredibly successful where it counts … in sales.

As it has long done, the economy is shaping the type of craft we’re likely to see.

Sirocco Marine, for example, will have the largest display of inflatable boats ever, with 27 models. That includes the first Williams 445 Turbojet in Australia and the launch of the Sealegs 7.7 Cabin Boat into the Sydney market.
Europeans cottoned on to inflatable craft and perfected the concept well before any other continent, just as they’ve done with coffee, cars and cuisine.

They’ve embraced the blow-up alternative because of ride softness, stability, fuel efficiency and downright sexy looks. But there’s also the fact that backyard storage in the average Italian villa is at a premium and their farty little Fiats can barely haul the skin off a panna cotta.

Well, guess what – quarter-acre blocks and big Aussie towhorses like the Falcon are going the way of the dinosaur, so suddenly the RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is making a lot of sense here.

The manufacturer has chosen Australia to make its worldwide debut of the Brig Eagle 645.

Every moulding above the waterline is new, resulting in sharper aesthetics. For easy boarding there are now larger steps flanking the engine well, which will allow a wider boarding ladder to be fitted.

The only thing not getting smaller in Europe, it seems, is Europeans themselves.

That’s confidence you. Here's hoping that buyers return the favour …