Cash registers ring at Brisbane Boat Show

by Marine Queensland on 28 Aug 2012 They came, they saw and they bought: that is the word from Marine Queensland as exhibitors at the 52nd Brisbane Boat Show report good sales across the weekend.

Marine Queensland President and MD of Northside Marine, Greg Nickerson said that 2012 was always going to be a tough year for the State’s Industry and the association went into this year’s Brisbane Boat Show with one objective – to provide a platform for marine dealers and manufacturers to sell product.

'We have achieved what we set out to do,' Mr Nickerson said.

'Some of the biggest names in the marine business used this show to release new models both nationally and to Queenslanders including Bar Crusher, Boston Whaler, Cruise Craft, Haines Signature, Hobie, MasterCraft, Malibu and Stabicraft – this event was definitely a case of quality not quantity with serious and first time boaties in attendance.

'The Brisbane Boat Show is where industry and the end user come together to showcase and share in the best of everything marine in Queensland.'

Marine Queensland CEO, Don Jones said that it was important to remember that the key messages surrounding boating extend to far beyond those that attend the show.

'Research from boat shows across the globe indicates that these types of events are crucial to keeping the industry on both the public and government radar,' said Mr Jones.

'On the Friday of the show, opposition leader Tony Abbott used his visit to detail a Coalition bid to stop a plan for a network of marine reserves around Australia. It is good to see action on behalf of the marine industry, and what better place to launch a Private Member’s Bill relating to Marine Parks than at a boat show.'

Marine Queensland Vice-President and Director of Cruise Craft Boats Nathan Nichols said economic climates would wax and wane but it was vital the marine industry remained proactive and continued to promote the very best it has to offer – even in the most difficult economic climate.

'This was our 52nd year exhibiting at the show and I was proud to again be involved with this showcase,' Mr Nichols said.

'It was evident at this year’s show just how much our local industry has contracted over the last twelve months which was sad to see. But, the efforts that were put into displays both by dealers and manufacturers determined to put their best foot forward were amazing.'

'There was a great vibe and a definite energy that the industry is feeling more optimistic about the future than it has over the past eighteen months.'
Yamaha Motor Australia indicated that sales at the show across their outboard range exceeded pre-show expectations.

'We achieved a better result across our out board range at this year’s show compared to last years' said Yamaha Motor Australia National Sales Manager – Marine Products Iain MacLeod.

Yamaha Motor Australia Marine Divisional Manager, Yogi Oshige was also in attendance at the show and was impressed with the diversity of product type of display across exhibitors.

'We were also impressed to see the transom share that Yamaha obtained at the show, it is always great to see such good support from our dealer network at boat shows' said Mr Oshige.

'This year it was very important that we put on a show that was affordable for industry and that delivered results for our members' said Marine Queensland Events Manager Jason Plant.

'It was great to have the support and corporate presence of all five major engine manufacturers.'

'This was by far one of the smoothest Brisbane Boat Shows I have worked on and all exhibitors should be commended for their efforts at this year’s event.'

Ben Triebels, Qld Regional Sales Coordinator for BRP Australia, said the show delivered positive sales results for their line of PWCs.

'We had great support from our dealer network across the weekend' said Mr Triebels.

'The show delivered a qualified audience, on a visitor to sales ratio this was a really good show for BRP'.

This year’s Brisbane Boat Show also provided a stage for industry groups to come together to address key issues. Industry groups that met at this year’s show included Marine Queensland’s Marine Brokers Division, Marina Division and the AGM of the Queensland Recreational Boating Council.

Marine Queensland was also proud to host a meeting for a state industry skills training group with representatives from the Queensland Government and Automotive Skills Queensland who toured the show and met with industry representatives to discuss marine industry vocational training needs.

Four lucky show visitors including someone from Mackay also left with a Hobie Kayak thanks to Sunstate Hobie as part of the Brisbane Boat Show’s daily door prize promotion.

Marine Queensland’s next show Power, Sail & Paddle will be Brisbane’s first on the water marine industry show to be held at Manly Boat Harbour in September (22-23). Exhibitors who participated in the Brisbane Boat Show will be eligible for special space rates at Power, Sail & Paddle contact events@marineqld.com.au