WA Marine Industry Award Winners 2010

by BIA WA on 7 May 2010 The winners for the 2010 WA Marine Awards were announced at a prestigious gala dinner at the Burswood on Swan.

The WA Marine Awards are organised by the Boating Industry Association of Western Australia and are designed to recognise and reward the boat builders and importers of WA.

This year’s awards were sponsored by Club Marine and The Department of Commerce. Both sponsors have shown great commitment to the WA Marine Industry award and the Boating Industry Association of Western Australia who wouldn’t have been able to continue these established awards without their support.

This year the Judging of the awards took place on the 2 and 3 February at the Fremantle Sailing Club. The sun was shining but the wind was causing some testing conditions for our entries. With an approx swell of 1.5m the boats were put through their paces in some of the wild boating conditions Western Australia has to offer.

The team of judges this year included; Sheryl Swarbrick from Dreamboats, Darren Heath from easyboatingnow.com, Mike Brown our local boating journalist, Bill Plug from Total AMS and Barbara O’Dowd from the Department of Transport.

The judges were not chosen at random: each boat is judged on a wide range of criteria, so we need a wide spread of expertise in the panel. Sheryl Swarbrick is our expert on ergonomics and interior design and fit-out. Darren Heath, a lifelong water sports enthusiast, is the high performance and skiing specialist. Barb O’Dowd is currently the Transport Department’s accident investigator so the natural choice of safety specialist. Bill Plug provides the vital skills of a naval architect. Mike Brown has been testing and writing about boats for years within the WA Media.

The judges armed with their clipboards and judging sheets rigorously went over each boat on land and on water, marking them on a number of categories; overall impression, presentation, ergonomics, performance and safety.

The Winners – Boat of the Year Categories

The 10m Naiad by Kirby Marine took the 2010 WA Boat of the Year, sponsored by Dreamboats, along with the Aluminium over 6m category. The judges were excited to see what Kirby Marine had to offer after taking the 2009 WA Boat of the Year. The 10m Naiad did not disappoint and made a real impression on the judges. The 10m Naiad is a long range sports weekender, ideal for day tripping to islands fishing and diving. The vessel is trailerable and easy to launch and retrieve.

WA Boat Builder of the Year, Sponsored by Premiere Events – Chivers Marine

Aluminium under 6m - Westerberg Bandit 5.4 by Westerberg Marine
The 5.4 Westerberg aluminium Bandit, is powered by a 90hp Honda and sits on a custom aluminium trailer. The boat is produced with a variety of uses in mind; fishing, diving, skiing and cruising.
Aluminium under 6m Merit - Chivers Shark Series: Reefshark 170CC by Chivers Marine
This centre console features the auto water ballasting of the Reef Series’ larger vessels, and has very good stability as a result. It also has the great strength of the longitudinal framing system. This is an effective fishing boat in popular size.

Fibreglass over 6m - Abrolhos 8000 Walkaround (Project Rat) by Commodore Marine
This vessel is built for long distance fishing and providing full walkaround access, sleeping capabilities, with loads of storage and fishing components

Aluminium Custom Built vessel – Wakemaker PDF by Wakemaker Marine
The Wakemaker PDF was built with a range or uses in mind. For fishing it has ample rod holders, three kill tanks and lots of deck space. For diving this model securely stores six full size dive tanks and features a bifolding dive ladder. For family use, you can’t go past the convenience of the kitchenette with sink, bbq, gas cooker, removable dining table and large fridge. Other features such as the shaded rear deck, fresh water shower and flushing toilet will appeal to the keen fisherman, diver and family member alike.

Fibreglass Custom Built vessel – Mako 9000 by Leisurecat Australia and the GivenPower Cat GT-11 by Seafest Marine.
The Mako 9000 has a fast paced hull with the space and styling of a fishing and diving boat with the creative comforts for an extended stay on the island.
The GivenPower Cat GT-11 is the first full engineered and infused G.P.R catamaran (in WA). Designed by leading international designer Mr Ron Given. Innovative in design, structure and out board powered.

Imported trailer boat of the year - Haines Signature 702L entered by All Boat Business
A 24 hour a day boat that suits all water activities with over night capabilities. It’s spacious and functional with ample storage for all your accessories.

Imported Ski Boat of the Year - Malibu Wakesetter VTX entered by Malibu Boats WA
A world class Australian built ski/wakeboard boat and the Industry leader for technology in ski/wakeboard boats. The Wakesetter VTX is a versatile/ safe family boat.
Imported Ski Boat of the Year Merit – Camero Vision Centre Mount entered by Offshore Marine
The Camero Vision Centre Mount is the ultimate fun machine. The rear mount configuration offers full surround seating, larger wakes and optional electric ballast to send the serious wake boarders to new heights.

The Winners – People award categories

The people awards are to recognise those working in the industry that go above and beyond what their role requires and are committed to the Marine Industry.


Young Boat Person of the Year – Matthew Marks from Commodore Marine
Matthew is employed as an apprentice shipwright with Commodore Marine. Matthew is highly dedicated to his involvement in developing sound product knowledge and learning. His relationships with his work colleagues are way above his age and he has quickly earned respect among his peers.

Marine Industry Member of the Year, sponsored by Westcorp Capital – Joseph Claussen from Dreamboats
Joseph has been working with Dreamboats as Fleet Manager for five years and has extensive boating experience. In his role as Fleet Manager he teaches Dreamboat members, who are often beginners, all about boating safety and navigating the waterways. He is a dedicated team member, who has shown great commitment to his work and the industry. Joseph is always willing to help, not just Dreamboat members but also members of the Flying Squadron Yacht Club where he is based. He has a great relationship with the club members and plays a pivotal role in their boating experiences.

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award, sponsored by JPW Marine – Tim Wright from R Marine Perth
Tim is a dedicated worker and his level of assistance to R Marine customers goes way beyond the normal call of duty. The hours of the day don't matter to Tim - he will be wherever he is needed at any time
His attention to detail and follow up any jobs he has organised is done to perfection.
Apart from his work at R Marine Perth, Tim is a long term volunteer with the Fremantle Sea Rescue Group (FVSRG). He drives their main rescue boat, R100 and is an invaluable member of their team. He has been involved in hundreds of rescues and tows.

BIAWA President’s Award for Contribution to the Industry - Mark Butchart from Challenger Tafe
Mark has supported every Rottnest Safety Convoy since 1997 and has helped many industry members to gain TL3 Certification or more recently Skippers Tickets. Mark always represents our industry in the best light with the public. The BIAWA uses the Rottnest Safety Convoy as a key promotional tool for letting the public know that boating can be fun and safe. Mark has spent the past 15 or so years not only attending the event, but also the countless meetings which occur behind the scenes to ensure that the event is so well received by the public. Not content with providing knowledge and input in terms of planning, Mark and the TAFE vessel Maritime Image are an integral part of the safety demonstrations. Not only that, he has assisted many BIAWA members to gain TL3 Certification and in some instances Skipper’s Tickets.

For further information regarding the awards please contact Nikki Joyce on 08 9271 9688 or nikki@biawa.asn.au