Stefan Ackerie's bold foray into boat building with 'Smartliner'

by Rob Mundle on 30 Oct 2012 Boating legend Stefan Ackerie is poised to launch a new range of recreational boats and outboard motors, debuting at the Gold Coast International Marine Expo this weekend at Coomera on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Six-time Australian Offshore Powerboat Racing Champion and Queensland’s most famous hairdresser, Ackerie plans to make a bold entry into the marine industry in Australia with the release of the Smartliner range of aluminium and fibreglass fishing and leisure runabouts as well as the Stefan RIB Series of inflatable boats.

Also on offer will be one of the world’s fastest growing outboard motor brands, PowerTec.

The new venture is the culmination of years of research and planning by Stefan.

The boats will be making their Australian debut at Stefan Boating World during this week’s three-day Gold Coast International Marine Expo, which will be staged in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera from Friday, 2 November to Sunday, 4 November. Entry is free, and the Expo is open from 9am to 5pm each day.

Says Ackerie: 'I have dreamt for many years of one day being able to offer the lovers of boating some amazingly
different – and very affordable – boats for pleasure and fun, and that time has arrived.

'It comes after 40 years of successfully racing offshore powerboats and being associated with some of the most talented people in the marine industry across the world. The launch of Stefan Boating World is a consequence of every one of those wonderful experiences I’ve had on the water, in design offices and with some of the world’s best boatbuilders.

'As the business grows we will continue to offer boats that are safe, fun and easy to use. All will have a point of difference, and everyone will be a game-changer when it comes to concept and price.

'Most importantly, on the subject of price, to celebrate the opening of Stefan Boating World, and the launch of the Stefan range of boats in Australia this weekend, we will be offering signi?cant discounts to all buyers.'

The Stefan Smartliner boats and PowerTec outboard motors will be on display during the Marine Expo at Stefan Boating World’s newly acquired headquarters, which is located at 27 Waterway Drive at Coomera. The premises will not be difficult to find as Stefan’s large, pink offshore racing powerboat will be on display outside.

The Stefan Smartliner boats come in two distinct styles: the Stefan Aluminium Alloy by Smartliner and the Stefan Fibreglass Cuddy by Smartliner. All models are ideal for fishing or simply enjoying time on the water with family and friends. Every model represents decades of research, design and manufacturing expertise from a team of highly talented boating specialists from the USA, France, New Zealand and Taiwan.

THE STEFAN ALUMINIUM ALLOY by SMARTLINER: These boats are a standout in the world of aluminium dinghies in that they have a full-length fibreglass cockpit floor. This feature, which is strongly bonded into the aluminium hull, makes for a very sturdy, vibration-free, lighter and considerably quieter boat. Most importantly, the floor makes it much easier and safer for those on board to move around. The boats are also maintenance-free and unsinkable. Four models will be on display at Stefan Boating World during the Gold Coast International Marine Expo, starting with the 3.5 metre long 110, the 130 (4 metres), the 150 (4.5 metres) and the 170 (5 metres).

THE STEFAN FIBREGLASS CUDDY by SMARTLINER: Apart from its efficient hull design and robust, hand-laid fibreglass construction, the Stefan Smartliner Cuddy range is distinctly different because of the small ‘cuddy’ cabin, a feature which provides considerable protection for all on board. All models are noted for their seaworthiness, stability and durability, and the fact that they are unsinkable. There are three models in the range – the Stefan Smartliner 17, 19 and 21. The Stefan Smartliner 21 is also available minus the cuddy and with centre console steering.

THE STEFAN RIB SERIES: This seven-boat range of in? atable boats from Stefan Boating World will set new standards in the RIB market in Australia. The range starts with the 3.3 metre centre console model and goes through to an impressive 5.8 metre boat.

POWERTEC OUTBOARD MOTORS: Backed by the highly-respected skills of Latin American marine industry engineers, PowerTec two-stroke outboards are recognised internationally for their reliability, performance and durability. During the past five years the company has grown to a point where it is exporting some 25,000 outboard motors worldwide annually. Stefan Boating World will have PowerTec motors ranging from 3.5hp through to 40hp on display at the Marine Expo this weekend. Higher horsepower models will be available shortly.

For more information on Stefan Smartliner Alloy and Cuddy boats, the Stefan RIB Series and
PowerTec outboard motors, visit www.stefanboatingworld.com.au