Melbourne – a boat show for boat buyers

by Bob Wonders on 2 Jun 2009 The 2009 Melbourne Boat Show, scheduled for the Melbourne Exhibition Centre over five action-packed days, July 2-6, is shaping up as the place for intending boat buyers to snap up a bargain.

Show organiser, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, says that with fuel prices and interest rates at ‘historic lows’ there will never be a better time to buy.

The association says boats will not be the only targets for keen buyers, with a wealth of new boating accessories, fishing and watersports equipment on display and on sale during the show.

Association general manager Robert Coco said the quality and variety of new offerings reflected the long-term commitment of major industry players to maintain their product ahead of market trends.

'The economic crisis has not prevented manufacturers from pressing ahead with new product development, far from it,' he said. 'Our boat manufacturers are telling us of new models for fishing, cruising, water skiing and wakeboarding and general boating, while there are outstanding innovations in everything, from anchors to fractional boat ownership to any amount of all-new marine electronics.

'What’s more, show visitors will be offered great deals on all these new products, so the value for the dollar is unbeatable,' he added.

This year’s Melbourne Boat Show also presents an innovative new floor plan, comprising ‘Accessory Alley’, along the north wall of the exhibition hall and three separate precincts for Fishing, Wake and Ski and Marine Tourism.

Novice boat buyers will be pleased to note that every new boat purchaser at the show will receive a free boat handling course supplied by the association to assist them to make the most of safe and enjoyable boating.

Well-known industry identities Leon and Paul Savage, brothers behind the Streaker Boats marque, will this year host the show’s largest single display. The company’s display will feature the first release of the Streaker 545 in a full walk-through version.

In addition to the popular Streaker range, the team will also be displaying the latest ‘tinnies’ from Quintrex and Yamaha’s brilliant WaveRunners.

For personal watercraft fans, all eyes will be on BRP’s Sea Doo stand where the company will show off the first ever on-water PWC with a braking system.

This revolutionary Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS machine has already claimed six prestigious awards for innovation, including the renowned US National Marine Manufacturers Award.

Incredibly, this all-new Sea-Doo boasts an advanced computer control technology that integrates the world’s first on-water braking system with intelligent Brake and Reserve (iBR) and rider suspension system with iS (intelligent Suspension) giving the rider more control then ever.

Another new model destined for a Melbourne show unveiling is the Bar Crusher 760 Hard Top (HT).

In recent years, I’ve tested a few Bar Crushers and never found fault, labelling the breed as 'tougher than a street fighter.'

The 760 HT has been designed to deliver the ocean-going capability of a game fishing boat with trailerable convenience.

It’s no small fry, measuring out at 8.0-metres overall and capable of handling 300 horsepower.

While accessories, everything from general boating equipment, fishing tackle, marine electronics, engines, nautical clothing and sportswear and various marine related items of interest will be featured throughout the exhibition centre, one item sure to grab some interest will be the new Sarca Excel Anchor.

Designed and manufactured in Melbourne, this innovative anchor has been produced as the most environmentally-friendly anchor on the market.

It is the first Australian design to be certified as offering Super High Holding Power, doubling the holding power of the world’s best anchors.

Manufacturer Anchor Right says the new anchor fits all bowsprit and internal pull-pit anchor housing arrangements.

All sizes and models will be available at the show and for all boat owners are well worth close inspection.

The 2009 Melbourne Boat Show will be open 10am to 9pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday (July 204), 10am to 7pm on Sunday (July 5) and 10am to 8pm on Monday (July 6).

Ticketing is available at the gate or on-line.

Admission charges are $17 (single adult), Student and Pensioner concession card holders, $12 and children under 16-years free admission if accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are discounted if purchased on-line - $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders and a two-day adult pass for $25.

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