Gold Coast International Marine Expo - Boats to behold … and much more

by Emma Milne on 9 Oct 2014 Boaties are in for a real treat – a multitude of esteemed boat-builders have reserved the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo to unveil their latest new models to the public.

The vast range of new and innovative vessels covers the entire spectrum of on-water enjoyment, from luxurious sports yachts and specialist fishing vessels to family recreation boats and inflatable dinghies.

Expo chairman Patrick Gay AM said the event will feature ‘all things aquatic – from super yachts to kayaks, jet skis to fishing equipment … and everything in between’.

'There is always plenty of interest in the latest boats and we are really excited that so many manufacturers have chosen the Expo to introduce them to the public – some will be seen for the first time in Queensland, some for the first time in Australia … and some for the first time in the World.

'This massive vote of confidence from the entire marine industry augers well for the future of the Expo as a key event on the marine industry calendar,' he said.

Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne said the Expo would deliver on its promise of being ‘a boat show and so much more’.

'The Expo is a massive marine industry showcase and we have a huge array of product premieres all designed to make this summer one to treasure,' she said. 'This goes beyond the latest release boats and includes futuristic and fun toys, safety and maintenance products, fashion as well as all types of handy gadgets and gizmos.

'We also have live entertainment and demonstrations every 15 minutes, including factory tours, fishing and cooking demonstrations, an extreme high-diving show, the 12km Coomera Cup paddle race, as well as face-painting, Segway rides, OzBobbles ball rides and the Sirocco Bumper Boats that are introducing a new generation to the water.

'However, the beautiful range of new-release boats certainly never fails to inspire the dreams and aspirations of the general public, and this year will be no exception.'

The not-for-profit Expo will again offer free on-site parking for visitors. Tickets cost $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children under the age of 15 years are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. All proceeds will go towards supporting beneficiary charities – Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability Gold Coast, Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service and Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation.

Simply visit event website to pre-purchase tickets for any of the three days.

Boats to behold

Big boats, small boats … medium sized boats. Boats built for serious offshore fishing, boats built for ultimate cruising and entertaining, boats specifically for sport … and boats aimed squarely at family fun – there’s a boat to suit every purpose at the Gold Coast International Marine Expo from 17-19 October.

Riviera – which along with fellow boat-builder Quintrex will conduct guided factory tours at the Expo – has confirmed it will be bringing its 6000 Sport Yacht ‘home’ for its Queensland premiere. Billed as ‘the ultimate entertainer’, the 6000 Sport Yacht has been described as ‘a high-performance yacht akin to a floating six-star resort’. The full-narrated Riviera factory tour will be via The Riviera Express train.

Expo will also see the Queensland release of the first semi-custom build from Gold Coast-owned Elandra Yachts, the game-changing, three-cabin 53 Sport Yacht. The brainchild of boating industry stalwarts, naval architect Grant Senior and business development manager Luke Durman, Elandra plans no more than three vessels within the next year.

'It’s not the mass market we’re appealing to,' says Mr Durman. 'Our buyers are looking for that something extra … people who have owned a number of boats over many years and know exactly what they require for their next purchase, be they coastal cruisers, retreat seekers or entertainers.

'We are a small group and every person has given an extraordinary effort to build a boat that is as close to perfection as we could have hoped.'

Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne said there was also much anticipation about the world premiere of the Whitehaven Motor Yachts 6000 Flybridge at Expo, which was designed on the Gold Coast and aims to redefine the flybridge category of luxury pleasure craft.

'We also have the latest release from United Motor Yachts, the Fairway 43 Flybridge, which is purpose-built for coastal cruising; and Integrity Motor Yachts will unveil its 320 Express, incorporating the key features synonymous with the Integrity brand, yet at a price that will surprise most people in the market for a quality cruiser,' she said.

The list of new-release boats to premiere at the Expo also includes the versatile Element XL from C Worthy Marine, the smooth and sexy Cobalt R3 bowrider from JD’s Boatshed, and the Super Air Nautique G21 wake boat from Nautique Central, which enables wake-boarders, wake-surfers and wake-skaters to customise wakes and waves.

'There’s also a lot of interest around Sea Ski Australasia’s new high-speed 23ft vessel which is designed to defy ocean waves at speeds that would be dangerous and uncomfortable for normal boats to attempt,' said Ms Milne.

'Johnny Boats will be bringing the first Twin Vee Catamarans to be seen in Australia, Australian Master Marine will launch its 7800 Tournament Bridge Deck for fishermen, and Queensland Marine Centre will be taking the wraps off the new Boston Whaler 345 Conquest.

'Add to that list the adaptable new Brig Falcon RIB 330 tender from Sirocco Marine North and you have quite an impressive line-up of new boats ready for inspection at the 2014 Expo.'

But wait, there’s more – a whole lot more!

A new range of Pontoon Pools from Sailor Safe – designed to ‘liberate lovers of the sea’ – will also make their formal premiere at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo.

'Sailor Safe is helping people to overcome their fear of swimming in the deep and open waters,' said Ms Milne. 'Pontoon Pools provide a happy, safe, secure and in-sight environment for people to enjoy a swim either off the back of a boat or from a jetty.'

Truline Seawall will be unveiling its latest reinforced revetment wall product, the Crocwall; and Demop Imports will release its patented Hook & Moor that eliminates the risk of going overboard when mooring and removes the need for assistance when anchoring or docking.

'Expo will also feature everything from non-skid sitting cushions that are perfect for the boat or beach, innovative platform lifters, desalination systems, EPIRBs, new generation underwater lights, satellite TV systems, GPRS devices, generators, trailer turntables, cruise generators, oils, thrusters, actuators and pumps,' said Ms Milne.

'We will also have a huge range of paint, resins, anti-fouling and other marine maintenance products too – right down to vessel manuals, marine business directories and insurance services … all new and all designed to you make the most of your time on the water this summer,' she Event website