All happening at Aussie Boat Sales

by Jeni Bone on 23 Jun 2009 Down in Melbourne at Aussie Boat Sales, it seems to be a case of 'what recession?', with consistent sales that have more than met monthly targets, as well as plenty of interest in new models, investment in new ventures and new premises at the brand new at Queenscliff Harbour.

Scott O’Hare, dealer principal at Aussie, says the market may be slow, but 'perfect boating weather', the dealership’s choice of brands and consistent customer service have combined to take the company through the recent months.

'It’s not going to be a stellar year, by any stretch, but we are still selling boats. We are selling two or three per week, across the range. May was fabulous – I sold seven myself, not to mention the sales from the rest of the team.'

As the east coast seems to be suffering grey skies and a dramatic drop in temperatures – still mild in comparison with a US or European winter – Melbourne has been enjoying brilliant boating weather.

Says Scott: 'There’s plenty of activity here. There are 60 boats out in the bay as we speak. As far as winter or an ‘off season’ goes, we can’t complain. It’s not frozen over, there’s no wind, so from a motor boat perspective, it’s ideal!'

Key to Aussie Boat Sales’ success is its complement of brands – Maritimo, Chaparral Sports Boats & Cruisers and Bavaria Yachts – which are all weathering the financial downturn in a similar way.

'They’re all in a strong financial position,' says Scott. 'Chaparral from the US is completely independent of Genmar and Brunswick. Business is still ticking over for them and they are very strong.

'Maritimo’s new models were very well received at Sanctuary Cove and we have sold one of the new 50 Enclosed Ageans. Plus there’s a lot of interest there. Maritimo does a lot of research following a boat show to make changes and improve model development to suit the market. That’s why they’re in a commanding position, even given the downturn.'

Another brand that Aussie had represented locally was Glacier Bay Catamarans, which Scott reports has all but suspended operations. 'Production has dwindled there. They are down to minimal production.'

Another facet of the business that has proven a good earner for Aussie is the investment in house boats at Lake Eildon. 'We have two, 12 person, 45ft house boats we’re running there,' says Scott. 'The water levels are great at the moment and people are gearing up for the fishing season this time of year.'

As for boat shows, Aussie will not be exhibiting at the upcoming Melbourne Boat Show. 'We’ve held off ordering stock from the US,' explains Scott. 'By the end of the year, we’ll have the new trailerable range, but in the meantime, we’re just chasing leads and working with the clients we have.'

Aussie Boat Sales can be found at Williamstown, at The Anchorage Marina, positioned near the mouth of Melbourne's Yarra River, a 100+ berth state of the art marina facility which includes the renowned Anchorage Restaurant; and in Gippsland at Morwell, a two-acre premises servicing the Gippsland Lakes region and beyond.

The team will soon have new offices, when Aussie Boat Sales opens a third branch at Queenscliff Harbour Marina, around 1 ½ hours from Melbourne, or by water, '2 hours or 8 hours, depending on what kind of boat you have,' jokes Scott.

The brand new facility, which will officially be unveiled in October, boasts nearly 300 wet berths and 150 capacity dry stack, slipping facilities up to 150 tonnes, as well as a retail and restaurant precinct. Sean Blackwood, a Master 5 Skipper, will take on the role of GM, Sales & Marketing at Queenscliff Harbour.

More at www.aussieboatsales.com.au