2023 Melbourne Boat Show labelled a 'resounding success'

The Docklands-based outdoor show officially ended yesterday after featuring more than 100 exhibitors crammed in across an expanded space at Victoria Harbour in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district.

This year’s event also improved on last year’s, with a new retail island selling marine accessories and tackle, a display of ultimate trailerable fishing boats, live tank-based fishing demonstrations as well as a display space for heritage and wooden boats.

Steve Walker, the president of event organiser the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, said feedback from those who had visited the show was “fantastic”.

“Our members put on a great display of boats and boating lifestyle, and the new activations and features were really well received,” Walker said.

Geelong-based boatbuilder Edencraft, which was returning to the show circuit after a five-year absence, was awarded for having the best onshore display at the event with a large number of its iconic boats on display. Meanwhile, outboard engine maker Yamaha was rewarded for its efforts on the water, taking up an entire finger on the jetty with a display of boats featuring its powerplants.

Edencraft spokesperson Josie Maher said the Melbourne boat show was better than ever, and the Geelong-based boat brand was pleased to be a part of it.

“We want to give a big shout-out to the organisers for putting on a well-planned and well-executed boat show that has set a high standard for years to come,” Maher said.

This year’s show included several public events including the Women on Water networking session, the announcement of the BIA Apprentice of the Year awards, a boating industry careers desk, a Welcome to Boating stand for newcomers, Better Boating Victoria boat handling sessions and more.

Rohan Veal, the owner of Jeanneau specialist 38 South Yacht Sales, said his dealership was surprised at how busy the show had been.

“[The show] was well worth the effort as we will have a number of sales as a result,” Veal said. “Will be back next year.”

However, the question is where the show will be staged next year. Several industry players boatsales spoke with suggested the show could be looking for a new venue next year as the limited amount of space available at the Docklands site creates problems for some attendees.

No announcement was made of the likely venue for next year’s event, or the dates it is likely to fall on.

2023 Boating Careers Awards