Club Marine Hillarys Boat Show shines in the West

by BIA WA on 7 Apr 2011 After a five year hiatus, the Club Marine Hillarys Boat Show returned to its favorite home at the Sorrento Quay Boardwalk and surrounds, thanks to sponsorship from the City of Joondalup, the Department of Transport, Honda Marine, Club Marine and Grand Toyota.

There were some spectacular new boats on display both on water and on the hard stand with beautiful weather prevailing for the whole three day event. Serious buyers turned out to grab the end of season ‘run out’ bargains which were plentiful.

Some of the larger boats housed on the floating jetty, which was constructed for the show, had been reduced by between $50, 000 and $60 000. Many of them are expected to go to new homes within the week, after satisfactory sea trials with their prospective buyers.

The smaller trailerable boats which were displayed at the end of the footbridge in an area which also housed marquees containing trailer, electronic, fishing and diving gear as well as the stage, reported steady sales too as a result of their fiercely competitive pricing.

Consumer feedback indicated that the show represented value for money, with consumers being able to shop at over 100 boating Retailers/Brokers all conveniently located in the one spot. It was great to have such a wide range of boats available for consumers to view and climb aboard. There were even opportunities to see and test the brand new FJ Cruisers, only launched days before, which were being displayed by Grand Toyota.

The prizes were numerous with Amore & Sorvete swimwear being given away on the spot, as well as a charter in the Abrohlos with Steve Starling aboard a Mills Charter and a Montebello Charter courtesty of Blue Juice Charters, three lucky people will also win a dive course from the Perth Dive Academy.

The organizers of the show, the Boating Industry Association of Western Australia (BIAWA), were pleased with the show. General Manager Sherry Donaldson said, 'The venue is just fantastic, everyone has fun – the exhibitors, the patrons and even the event organizers! People have really missed the show being at Hillarys while siteworks were undertaken. We are delighted to be back, thanks to the staff at the Department of Transport and McGee’s Property Management who have been incredibly helpful and made us feel so welcome. Next year the show will be even bigger'

The BIAWA is a nonprofit organization which aims to promote an industry code of conduct, safe boating and environmentally responsible aquatic activity. All proceeds from the Club Marine Hillarys Boat Show are devoted to achieving these aims.

More at www.biawa.asn.au