Bumper show for Melbourne

New boats, new motors, new PWCs and a host of new accessories and gear promise to make next month's Melbourne Boat Show one of the best for years.

Organisers of the event say the global financial downturn hasn't stopped exhibitors from planning to pack the Melbourne Exhibition Centre with marine goodies and a staggering range of entertainment for mariners of all ages.

The show will run from Thursday, July 2, until Monday, July 6, and be open from 10am to 9pm, except on Sunday when it closes at 7pm.

And, best of all, most exhibitors will be offering special deals to Boat Show buyers.

Melbourne leading boat builders Leon and Paul Savage of Streaker Boats will be the single largest exhibitors at the show and they will use the opportunity to launch a full walk-through version of the Streaker 545 -- following the successful launch of the 502 walk-through at last year's show.

Streaker managing director Leon Savage says there is continuing demand for the Streaker range, despite the economic conditions, and says there was an unexpected boost in customer demand early this year.

Also making its debut at the show will be the exciting new Bar Crusher 760 Hard Top. Designed for long-range offshore fishing, the 760 promises to deliver the ocean-going performance of a game boat with the convenience of a trailer unit.

Another of the highlights will be Sea-Doo's newest PWC which features a revolutionary on-water breaking system. The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS features a computer control system that integrates the on-water breaking system with ride adjustment and a new stepped hull shape.

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria is continuing to offer a free boat-handling course for everyone who buys a boat at the show. This will be the fifth year of the scheme which offers a half-day course with boating expert Alan Rice.

Rice gives one-on-one instruction in the essentials needed for safe, enjoyable boating. Included are maintenance of boat trailers, reversing a trailer, safe and efficient launching and boat operation.

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association will again be training and testing would-be boaters. Sessions will run from 10.30am to 3pm daily -- with three hours of presentations and discussion followed by the test. Successful participants will receive a certificate that they can present at any Vic Roads office to buy their Recreational Boat Operator Licence. The cost is $70, and $90 for those who wish to complete the PWC endorsement test. No pre-booking is necessary.

For children there will be Flathead Fred's fishing show and the free Giant and Titanic Slide, while a professionally staffed children's play area will allow parents to take a break and rest their feet. Older, more athletic types will find the Anaconda Pinnacle climbing wall a nice diversion.

The 'Superstage' will return for another year, whereupon various guest speakers and boating experts will talk about everything boating, from fish to marine safety and boat handling.

BIA general manager Robert Coco says the quality and variety of the new boats, fishing and watersports products on display -- and on sale -- reflect the confidence of the industry and the long-tern commitment of the major industry players.

Mr Coco says that for would-be buyers, values will be unbeatable.

As far as ticketing goes, a two-day pass is available on-line for $25 as well as discounted adult day tickets at $15 and children's tickets at $10.