Boater’s bonanza ready to set sail on the Gold Coast next weekend

by Gold Coast Marine Expo on 9 Mar 2017 A massive $150 million marine showcase – Queensland’s biggest boat show – sets sail on the Gold Coast next Friday with a record Fleet of Firsts and more diverse marine displays than ever.

Organisers of the Gold Coast International Boat Show and Marine Expo have spent the past week creating additional exhibitor space for Australia’s first major boating event and are expecting over 20,000 visitors through the welcome gates from 17-19 March 2017.

“Real boating enthusiasts will come to Coomera from around Australia and the world to see all the new-year releases first right here in the heart of the largest recreational boat-building facilities and shipyards in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Event and Marketing Manager Emma Brown.

“Here, you will find everything families need to have fun on the water – there will be over 600 boats for sale on the water and on land, over 230 exhibitors across our giant 3km display circuit and an incredibly diverse array of marine engines, equipment and accessories.

“You’ll discover luxurious motor yachts, stunning sailing and power catamarans, serious fishing platforms, ski and surf boats and family cruisers – in fact there will everything from lightweight tenders to jet skis, kayaks to state-of-the-art fish-finders to thermal imaging cameras and everything else in between.”

Mrs Brown said the award-winning Coomera boat show confirms the Gold Coast’s position as the Boating Industry Capital of Australia.

“Here at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct there are over 13,000 boats manufactured each year, some 6000 boats are slipped, serviced, repowered, refitted or repaired.

“Our visitors will be able to speak with the experts about everything from boating systems to the technology that makes boating today so much easier and more enjoyable.

“This is the boat show for everyone who loves to go boating.”

See it all first at the 2017 Gold Coast International Boat Show and Marine Expo

This week the boat show’s impressive Fleet of Firsts continues to grow with even more new-year releases confirmed.

See it first – on the water

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage and 345 Conquest – Australian and Queensland Premieres: Huge comfort, legendary capability and unmatched technology make the 420 Outrage a boat like no other. With 4 x 350hp Mercury Verado outboards, the 420 on display through Queensland Marine Centre is a champion at onboard entertaining and pleasure cruising, whether close to home or way offshore. The 345 Conquest, with triple 350hp Mercury Verados, is a dual-purpose bluewater boat and an awe-inspiring expression of Boston Whaler’s outboard-powered, unsinkable centre console bluewater fishing and cruising weaponry.

Pacific Blue Cruise Cat – 2017 Premieres: Award-winning designer James Key will showcase the Weekender 40 and CC35 designs – two of the most spacious and comfortable multihulls on the market. High tunnel clearance and incredible stability offer a soft, dry ride while large fuel and water capacity make them ideal for long-range cruising.

See it first – on the land

Sea Ray 21SPX – Australian Premiere: The embodiment of pure adrenalin, the 21 SPX has great looks and loads of seating, a 200hp Mercury engine to ensure smooth and easy handling and that your day on the water is a blast and a half. On display through Queensland Marine Centre.

Cobra Cat 525 – Australian Premiere: The new fiberglass multihull from Mallards Australia is a fishing machine, 5.25m in length with two 70hp engines and with a stainless T-top, two large kill tanks, live bait tank, a heap of rod-holders and volumes of storage.

2017 Kawasaki SX-R – Australian Premiere: Jet Ski World will display the fastest-accelerating production stand-up Jet Ski ever. The 1498cc four-stroke marine engine boasts double the power of the previous 800 SX-R, and with a 25% quicker top-end speed.

Spitfire Trailers – Australian Premiere: This new anodized aluminium trailer from Spitfire Trailers can be easily bolted together at home. Rated to 750kg and made to Australian standards, the new Spitfire includes a Torsion axle rubber suspension system.

The Swift 165 Centre Console – Australian Premiere: The perfect boat for the serious fisherman that enjoys comfort and versatility. The Swift 165 – displayed by Mallards Australia – is full of extras to assist the angler and his family whilst out on the water.

Wavebreak 20 – World Premiere: A real Couta-style classic and her nice sheer certainly will turn heads on the shore. The big-volume timber river launch from Troy Dibben Boat Building will cruise the canals and estuaries comfortably and in style with up to eight people aboard.

Mistral Santa Anna WindSup – Australian Premiere: A great performing all-rounder from Marine Riley for paddling or conversion to sail power in great retro colours – a real winner when it comes to versatility, performance and good looks.

Bayliner Element F16 – Australian Premiere: Taking the high value equation to a whole new level. C Worthy Marine combines the exceptional stability with a feature packed deck plan and high-performance hull, this is a great bay fishing boat that is as versatile as it is affordable.

Cobalt of Australia – Multiple Australian Premieres: See Cobalt’s new on-water sales and showroom display centre showcasing the new A25, R5 Surf, 220S, R3 and CS3 models for the first time in Australia.

Moda 8m Express Series – Australian Premiere: This trailerable new plate aluminium vessel is a serious offshore game-fishing platform with unique flared bow and features usually only seen in larger fiberglass cruisers, which also fulfills the requirements of a family sports bridge cruiser.

See it first – Marine technology, services and accessories

Infinity BBQ – World Premiere: From Southern Stainless comes the world’s first side-burner BBQ with patented burner technology, in marine-grade stainless steel. In-bench models are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and are extremely easy to clean as cooking fat falls through the grill and straight into a removable tray.

AquaProp and AquaRib – Australian Premiere: Made in the UK by coatings experts Aquamarine, AquaProp reduces drag across critical surfaces such as propeller blades, rudders and trim tabs. With AquaProp and the new AquaRib fouling release coating for tenders will both help you will go faster, and further. Displayed by Smart Surfaces Marine.

Catch n Release for PWCs and Kayaks – World Premiere: Easy to attached and simple to use, the award-winning Catch N Release system has proven so popular for recreational boats that its Australian inventors have now adapted a lightweight plastic version for PWCs and kayaks.

Kohler Marine Generators – Multiple Australian Premieres: Kohler Power Systems returns to the Australian boat show circuit for the first time in 10 years through its newly appointed Australian marine generators distributor Stella Systems.

Gineico QLD – Multiple Australian Premieres: Trusted and stylish Gineico Marine celebrates 40 years in the marine industry with a vast new range of products – everything you need to enhance your time on the water.

International Paint – Multiple Australian Premieres: Micron Extra 2 is a premium and high-performing anti-fouling paint suitable for power and sailing boats in both salt and fresh water while Marinecoat Classic Enamel features flexibility, toughness and resistance in protecting your boat topsides.

See it first – family fun attractions and boating education

Battle of the Boat Builders: Watch as the masters take on the apprentices – last year the TAFE trades teachers opted for stability over speed and won the keenly contested title. Construction starts at 9am on Saturday, culminating in a final on-water challenge where the skills of participants are put to the ultimate test on Saturday afternoon.

Gold Coast City Marina – Interactive Display Area: Discover how the GCCM’s 12t Wiggins Marina Bull and the 34t remote-controlled hydraulic trailer are able to cradle your boat from the water, take a personal tour through the GCCM, inspect the quality Black Marlin Towers as well as Boston Whaler and Blackwatch boats, see Sweep Marine Services demonstrate fuel ‘polishing’ systems and inspect the range of Line 7 nautical clothing. The waterfront Quarterdeck restaurant will also be open for coffee, breakfast and lunch throughout the boat show.

Just one week to go until you can see it all first

Mrs Brown said the biggest-ever Gold Coast International Boat Show and Marine Expo in 2017 would feature even more live entertainment and interactive family attractions every 15 minutes throughout the event precinct.

“In recent weeks we have announced free sailing lessons for adults and children, factory tours of Quintrex and Riviera, a free Fishing Masterclass and the giant Berkely Fishing Super Tank demonstrations, and also the chance to get on the water with The Mercury Edge without obligation or charge.

“If you love boating, our boat show is most definitely the place to bring your family from 17-19 March,” she said. “We have thousands of free car parks and free shuttle buses operating continuously along Waterway Drive, Shipper Drive and Beattie Road.

“In fact there will be so much to see and do you will need a multi-day pass to experience and enjoy everything on offer.”

If you love boating, see everything first on the Gold Coast from 17-19 March 2017.

Visit website for all the latest show information.