How to mix business with pleasure? Ask Premier Marine

by Bob Wonders on 2 Sep 2011 Marine dealers exhibiting their product at major exhibitions such as the Sydney International Boat Show understandably take their involvement very seriously.

Sydney’s prominent dealership, Premier Marine, was no exception, but the team knew all work and no play could easily make for a rather dull outing.

Known as Australia’s premiere outlet for the famous American Marques, Chris-Craft and Regal, the company this year added another string to its bow with the introduction of the innovative Austrian-built Frauscher 717 GT, a virtual sports car afloat.

The good times however were paramount, with models cavorting and carousing throughout the show in fashions reminiscent of the 1930s; The Great Gatsby may not have been there, but the fictional character would have been there in spirit.

'We had a great time, no doubt about it, but we were extremely busy through what was one of the best Sydney shows we’ve done,' Premier Marine Brand Manager, Lee Poulson declared.

Dealer principal Steve Hannes rated the show 'right up there' and was able to confirm six boats sold (three Chris-Craft, three Regal) with some 'extremely promising' follow-ups on schedule.

On the Austrian boat, the Frauscher 717 GT, he described the interest as 'enormous.'

The unique European craft boasted a shaft drive, 6.2-litre MerCruiser inboard and sports a beautifully hand-crafted timber deck on a fibreglass hull.

Despite its $180,000 price tag, visitors to the Premier Marine stand were enthralled by the vessel.

Although many industry observers rate things as 'tight' due to the current economic conditions, Premier Marine is defying that outlook with its business 'booming.'

If visitors to the company’s Sydney International Boat Show display could be taken as a guide, Premier Marine is certainly facing some busy weeks ahead.

Among the many visitors to the display were two particularly high-profile guests in the form of Steve Heese, President, the Chris-Craft Corporation and Bonnie Frenkel, International Sales Director, Regal Marine.

Heese, based in Sarasota, Florida, knows Sydney well; he lived in the harbour city for 10-years, his wife Amanda is an Australian and his three children were all born in Sydney.

Bonnie Frenkel, hailing from Orlando, Florida, rates Sydney as one of her favourite cities and the Sydney International as one of her favourite boat shows.

In addition to supporting her company’s dealer, she also had the pleasurable duty of presenting the International Dealer of the Year award to Premier Marine.

'Receiving that award was a delight for us,' Lee Poulson said.

'Our next aim is to achieve similar status in the eyes of Chris-Craft.'

For further information contact Premier Marine, Rose Bay, Sydney, telephone (02) 9328-0999.

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