2018 Sydney International Boat Show closes on a high

The curtains close on the 2018 Sydney International Boat Show today, and one of the most impressive pleasure boat displays yet seen in Australia.

This year Sydneysiders warmly embraced the Sydney International Boat Show’s return to the refurbished Darling Harbour venue. There was a real positive vibe from day one as the crowds surged into both the two-level Exhibition Centre and the David Lockwood Marina on Cockle Bay.

The show was a visual treat with Sydney putting on its best sunny face against the dramatic backdrop of the high-rise CBD. With a healthy display of 200-plus craft on the water, and more undercover, the 2018 show was close to a boatie heaven.

This year two levels of the massive ICC Exhibition Centre were filled with smaller craft covering all aspects of boating from family fun to fishing, sailing, diving and paddle sports.

The sheer size of the show, with 32,000 square metres of exhibition space, meant there was something for every taste and budget from 100-footer superyachts to glamour sports cruisers, sturdy trawlers and even inflatable stand-up paddleboards you can throw into the car boot.

The mood of the 2018 show was definitely upbeat with deals being done at all levels from small craft through to the multimillion-dollar numbers on the marina.

A key drawcard at this year's event was a large number of genuinely new boat releases, including the world premiere of one of Europe's most significant sailing yachts of 2018, the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1.

Visitors weren't short-changed on luxury powered vessels.

This year marked the release of the Riviera 39-foot Sports Motor Yacht that, along with its sedan (SUV) sister ship, is expected to breathe new life into the family cruising market.

It's amazing what Riviera designers have achieved in these new-generation cruisers in terms of accommodation. Thanks to the packaging options delivered by Volvo Penta IPS pod drive system, the interior encompasses both a luxury en-suite owner's stateroom, as well as guest cabin and an entertainer's dream saloon-cum-galley.

Riviera also unveiled its magnificent 72 Sports Motor yacht. This flagship provides a triple-deck treat of opulent living including an enclosed flybridge with its own “sky saloon” and separate rear deck.

Riviera makes the point that these two craft represent the effective limits to its core market; it's the size range in which they feel they can deliver comfortable family-friendly motor cruisers that owners can skipper themselves.

Australia's other home-built premium cruiser brand, Maritimo, unveiled its stunning X60 Sports Motor yacht and announced plans for a smaller X50 model.

With its innovative stern “Beach Club” bar, this is a breakthrough concept that perfectly suits the Australian summer lifestyle. Here owners and family can swim, shower and enjoy drinks and a barbecue without the worry of messing up the saloon.

Expect to see even more of the X Series cruisers in future.

Among the new releases in the popular 50-60 foot sports cruiser category was the eye-catching Longreef 60SX.

This model was designed in Australia but built in China, and developed by an experienced boating team from Australia's largest boat syndication company.

Longreef chief executive Andy Young said his team had put a wealth of experience into the development of the fast cruiser range with strong emphasis on easy to operate, reliable systems and a practical layout to suite the Aussie boating world.

The range will shortly include 50-, 60- and 90-foot models suitable for syndication or private ownership.

For the fishing-minded, the Arvor SF 905 Sport Fish was an outstanding release. The sturdy craft blends a traditional fishing flavour with modern cruiser to perfectly meet bluewater fishing and family needs.

The French-built boat’s deep, walk-around side decks and comfortable enclosed deck saloon make the Arvor SF 905 a great choice for overnight cruising. Twin outboards mean fishing the deep waters off Sydney Heads will definitely be on its owners’ agenda.

The Greenline 39 and the stylish French Prestige 460S gave buyers food-for-thought with clever use of space and modern decor. Deep side-deck walkways are a practical safe approach to boating for children or older relatives.

The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 was this year's major star-turn for sailing buffs. The French yacht is a break-through design incorporating many innovations.

The more obvious is the very distinctive “motor cruiser” hull chines which greatly expands cabin living space, and tweaks the performance. Other advances include a more aerodynamic deck, twin rudders and large hull windows to draw more natural light below.

Sailing performance on the new Oceanis 46.1 is enhanced through a bigger rig, with even the cruising version a sporty number with her tall rig and self-tacking headsail.

Other eye-catching sail offerings included the mighty German Hanse 548 featuring a deluxe cockpit with twin dining tables and targa roof, and the Solaris 47 from an Italian yard that specialises in high-end yachts with a racing pedigree.

Trailer boaters were spoilt for choice in the exhibition halls with an incredibly diverse range of craft. It was gratifying to see Australian manufacturers continuing to dominate this popular sector of boating with home-grown craft.

The much-heralded Mercury 300-350hp V8 outboards were on show. Along with their new V6 siblings these monster four-strokes represent a new era in marine propulsion, making it possible (and very practical) to run larger size in the 30-40 foot sports cruisers category once dominated by inboard and sterndrive engines.

An impressive display of the latest US Sea Ray sports cruisers with Mark Chapman Marine dramatically underscores the trend now to the big Mercury four-stroke outboards.

Dual, and even triple, sets of these motors are now the preferred choice in North American fishing boats – and partly the reason why Sea Ray recently announced it was getting out of plus 40-footers altogether.

The iconic American brand will in future concentrate on sports cruisers under 40-footers that run outboards.

Sterndrive engines will still be an alternative but in Australia outboard versions are likely to win sales – many 30-foot plus boats are moored, and being able to tilt the leg out of the water is a huge advantage.

Judging by other major brands such as Jeanneau, Beneteau Antares and Arvor, the big four-stroke outboard revolution is also sweeping Europe.

Still on the subject of outboards, a rather special craft on show was the new 8.5-metre alloy cabin amphibious craft by Sealegs. This Kiwi design can be driven from the shore to water without need of a boat ramp. It is outboard-powered on the water, but uses an independent hydraulic system to operate bow and stern-quarter folding wheels.

Newcomers to boat shows might get the feeling boating is a rather expensive pastime, so it was good to see plenty of cheaper alternatives on show. A great example was the TR Marine Quintrex Renegade 420, a small but stylish side-console fishing tinnie you'd be proud to park in the driveway and Priced from just $22,975 including trailer and 50hp Mercury.

Personal watercraft (PWC) are another way people are getting into boating affordably, and enjoying themselves. They also can be accessorised for fishing.

The PWC packages started from as little as $8490 for the new entry-level Seadoo Spark. Even with a trailer the Spark still meets a $10,000 budget.

Staring in the trailer sailer category was the Corsair 760 trimaran optimised for either fast-lane sailing or cruising. This sleek machine has clever fold-up floats so it can be easily trailed home. The sail-away price with trailer is from $117,990.

A bit more affordable and traditional trailer-sailer is the pretty Cygnet 20 with four-berth accommodation and safe family cruising priced at less than $50,000. However, if you are up for a bit more spray a low-cost alternative is the Hobie Wave catamaran for $8350. Without a boom and a tough plastic construction this little catamaran really ticks the box for newbie sailors.

The Boating Industry Association partnered with the NSW Government this year to promote lifejacket use with the memorable punchline: “Wear a lifejacket: It never ruined a day on the water!”

This initiative also donates old life-jackets to poor countries where the death rate from drowning is about 15 times higher than Australia.

It was also pleasing to see the BIA honour the late editor of boatsales.com.au, David Lockwood, for his services to boating. This year the marina was named in David’s honour, and he was inducted into the BIA Hall of Fame at the show’s official opening breakfast on August 3.

Another pleasing aspect of this year's show was a stronger emphasis on family visitors. Many families this year were able to enjoy the rooftop event deck, which serves up great city views along with a bar and cafe. Here they could sit back and enjoy a beverage in comfort while watching the view or boating videos on a giant cinema screen. Children could also enjoy a bumper-boat ride on a custom 16-metre pool.

Visitors could also join fishing clinics, while the International Dive Expo was another popular stop-off point along with Ken and David Warby’s amazing Spirit of Australia II water speed record challenger.

Sydney International Boat Show returns next year on August 1-5.