Glacier Bay returns to Australia, re-launching at SCIBS

by Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 15 Apr 2014 For James Neilsen from Fishing & Leisure Boats, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show represents a milestone in the expansion of his business.

'A year ago we had one boating business, Century Boats, and 12 months on, we have 11 brands and changed our name to Fishing and Leisure Boats. This year’s show will be a big one for us!'

He still operates from the same premises at Ashmore near the Bowling Alley, but the new brands are swelling the ranks of his boats on display.

At SCIBS this year, James will have four boats on the main avenue (outside Café 19), including a 27-ft hard top Glacier Bay, which represents a return to the Australian market after a few years’ absence, a 19-ft Livingston, 18-ft Carolina Cat and 17-ft Century – monohull fibreglass boats ranging from 17 to 33-ft.

'We are excited to host the return of the Glacier Bay brand which has been out of the local market for a couple of years due to the impact of the GFC on the US parent company,' explains James. 'It has been bought out by the PowerCat Group, also US-based, which also has three other brands of cat they manufacture: World Cat, Carolina Cats and Livingston, making them the largest catamaran manufacturer in the world – from small tenders to live-aboard yachts.'

According to James, the quality and reputation of Glacier Bay boats are 'legendary'. The Glacier Bay semi-displacement hulls offer fuel efficient performance and a smooth ride. They’re beachable, trailerable, depending on their weight and great for shallow water usage.'

He continues: 'The quality of the build and engineering are unsurpassed. They build fibreglass cats from 25 to 37-ft, suiting broad range of owners seeking versatile power cats, specifically for coastal regions of Australia, and they’re great in the calm and can handle the rough.'

More at www.theboattrader.com.au

Tickets are on sale now at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com or through Ticketmaster. Adult day passes start at $20, with concession passes available for seniors and students. Children under 18 are free. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.au for more information.

For more information on this year’s SCIBS including exhibitor information, holiday packages and entertainment line up, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com