Marine Auctions is proud to announce the return of Bill Fankhauser

by Praneel Lal on 8 Dec 2014 After farming in Victoria and the Riverina for 20 years Bill Fankhauser and his family decided it was time for a 'sea change' so they sold the family farm and moved to the Gold Coast where in 1983 Bill started a boat sales and repair business called Boatarama at Labrador.

The business grew quickly and within 12 months with Hains Hunter, Stessl and Frazer boats from W.A. and universally recognised Yamaha jet skis and outward motors at the helm. All this added to great success and soon the business was recognised as one of the major dealerships in Australia. Sales awards were won in all categories and Bill had the luxury of being ‘chased’ by many brands wanting to be part of the Boatarama success.

In 1989 Bill expanded his business to Runaway Bay Marina, where the brands Cruisecraft, AllyCraft and Mercury were included Sea Doo jet skis and Honda outboards. Bill had a strong relationship with Mustang boats which began in 1985 and eventually he became the world’s largest dealer for Mustang Cruisers.

In 2008 Bill and Denise decided to sell the business with retirement in mind. During his retirement Bill gained his full Real Estate Licence and Auctioneers Licence which combined with his vast knowledge of business and the marine industry in general will help make Marine Auctions the most recognised in its field

Retirement was cut short when Bill realised he had much more to give and has now joined Adrian Seiffert and Marine Auctions, which the company is thrilled about. Bill and Denise set up Marine Auctions at Runaway Bay which became an outstanding success with 200 boats being sold in the first year. Unfortunately Bill ran into a few health problems and had to retire from Marine Auctions two years ago.

But as they say, you can’t keep a good man down, so he has bounced back to take up a new role with good friend Adrian Seiffert and Marine Auctions. Bill will be based at Marine Auctions' Runaway Bay office as Business Manager and Coordinator.

To contact Bill please email bill@marineauctions.com.au or call him on 0413612561.