Stacer raises the bar and unveils nine new models.

by Bob Wonders on 20 Apr 2008 Looking great in 2008 – that’s the catch cry from the Stacer division of Telwater as the company unveiled nine new models to a strong media contingent at the Gold Coast City Marina last week.

Telwater, of course, parent company of Quintrex and Stacer, currently rates as Australia’s largest boat manufacturer in terms of hulls produced.

The new models are certainly eye-catching, with an array of two-tone paint schemes carrying exotic names like ‘sunburn orange’, ‘platinum grey’, ‘dune’ and, wait for it, ‘toxic green’ joining the standard light blue, navy blue, red and black previously offered.

According to Damien Duncan, the company’s national sales and marketing manager, the new Stacer range “takes the brand in a new direction.”

This initial release of new models comprises the Sport Fishing, Nomad and Bowrider ranges, with the Runabout and Cabin boats to follow later in the year.

As Duncan explained, the new models retain the popular Evo Hulls, Mod Pod transoms and level flotation, but focuses on styling, storage and useable space aboard.

“Our research and development team has given the new models an enhanced interior update, with a new colour scheme, predominantly grey and cream, introduced for carpets, upholstery and dashboard trim,” Duncan said.

“We believe this brings to the boats a modern and stylish ambience.

“In addition to aesthetics, other new features across the range include increased storage capabilities, bright anodised bow and grab rails and new side pocket designs for maximum space usage and functionality,” he added.

Other features introduced include rolled side decks for comfort and a ‘clean finish’ as well as a new deck wash available on all Mod Pod models.

Stacer

has certainly catered well for the fishing enthusiast with the new range.

“Our designers have produced the exciting Barra Pro range in 459, 489 and 519 models with a highlight to the fishing range being the rugged and roomy 529 Northern Fisher,” Duncan said.

“The Barra Pro models are a first for the Stacer brand and they have been designed to compete head-on with the market leaders in aluminium and fibreglass tournament-style boats.

“Stacer has never previously had a range of boats that competed specifically in this market.

“Given recent strong sales in this sector for other brands, we believe Stacer now has a range that not only competes, but exceeds customer expectations with unsurpassed storage, space, styling, stability, safety and suitability,” Duncan declared.

Other desirable features of the Barra Pro range includes tournament standard live bait tanks (75-litres) and kill tank (120-litres), a revolutionary purpose-built side console helm with four rod holders, anodise grab rails, sports steering wheel and the new ’08 colour schemes.

All models in the range are built on 3mm hull bottoms and 2.5mm topsides, while the range’s ‘flagship’, the 519 Barr Pro can be optioned to feature 4mm hull and top sides.

Maximum horsepower rating for the range is from 60hp through to 115hp.

Needless to say, Stacer offers a broad range of optional extras to suit all models in the new line up.

The available ‘extras’ include marine electronics packages, bimini tops and covers, seat upgrades, additional rod racks, mounts for electric positioning motors and hydraulic steering.

Small ‘tinnies’ have never been what one would call “my go.”

Nevertheless, this new range of boats could only be termed impressive.

I was particularly impressed with the company’s attitude to ‘feedback.’

Many manufacturers employ the word, but Stacer takes it very seriously indeed.

“We invite feedback from our dealer network and from customers and every suggestion is passed on to our production team.” Duncan explained.

“If someone says there should be a grab rail here, a storage locker there, well, we look carefully at the suggestion and if it’s warranted we act upon it,” he said.

All nine models released will be available through Stacer’s Australia-wide dealer network over the next few weeks.

I think the company is on a winner.

For further information visit the website, www.stacer.com.au