Gates close on 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

More than 50,000 people were expected to have passed through the show’s gates before they closed yesterday, 

Crowds flocked in over a perfect weekend to view more than 700 boats on static display and another 300 on the water, and more than 100 Australian and global premieres of everything from new boat models to anchors.

Once again, the event showcased the best and brightest of Australia’s boat manufacturing industry, with those at the bigger end of town making the larger impression.

Maritimo launched its largest model yet, the $6.1 million single-living level Maritimo S75 sedan. The launch of the new boat was something of a bittersweet moment for those falling in love with it, as Maritimo’s order books are so full that if you want to buy one, you’re likely looking at late 2025 or early 2026 before you can step aboard.

In fact, so intense was the interest in Maritimo’s new model that even stepping aboard for a look was booked out for a couple of days in advance.

The new model is the largest motor yacht worldwide using Scania’s 1150hp DI16 V8 engines to power it. Top speed is expected to be around 35 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of around 28 knots.

Maritimo also used the show to announce that its first M75 – the flybridge-equipped version of the S75 – was already in build and scheduled for a US debut later this year. The first Maritimo M75 is expected to be handed over to new owners who will use it to pursue a passion for surfing.

Over at Riviera, interest in its all-new $3.35 million Riviera 585 SUV was just as palpable. 

The new 585 SUV is the new flagship of Riviera’s specialist single-deck-level motor yacht range, featuring Volvo Penta D13 1350 power to provide a top speed of around 35 knots with a fast cruise speed of around 28 knots.

The Riviera 585 SUV is a sub-60-foot boat with three cabins, three bathrooms, and a utility room that can be configured as a crew cabin for those who like some support out on the water.

Over at Princess Yachts Australia, the focus was on the global debut of the all-new Y75 flybridge motor yacht. 

Uniquely, this boat features a private companionway entrance to the amidships master stateroom that takes up the full beam of the boat.

The motor yacht also features a midship galley, leaving the aft section to form a large entertainment space that connects with the cockpit.

Horizon Yacht Australia used Sanctuary Cove to show the very exclusive Horizon RP125 superyacht – viewings were strictly invitation-only – and the Horizon V74 “pocket” superyacht.

The V74 features a wide beam and a plumb bow to create a huge amount of internal space, with four staterooms and three bathrooms, and even a bridge deck head – handy for the skipper while making the long passages this motor yacht is designed for.

The new-model action was just as interesting among the smaller boats.

Marine engine maker Yanmar is using the Australian market as the platform for the global launch of its boat brand – this is the first time a Yanmar-built boat has been offered for sale outside of Japan.

The Yanmar EX30B is aimed squarely at Australian fishing enthusiasts and features something that’s popular in Japan but yet to make an impact in Australia – a small sail mounted on the stern.

The sail is used in lieu of an electric trolling motor and allows the boat to drift side-on to the wind, and even hold its position, acting like a sea anchor.

This boat will sell in Australia for around $420,000 on the water including a genset, bow thruster and an airconditioning system for controlling the climate in the enclosed wheelhouse and cabin that includes an enclosed head.

The show was also the first opportunity to see the complete Quintrex Freestyler X boat-motor-trailer package.

The new models featuring the new Rotax S engine system won’t officially go on sale until later this year, and at last month’s launch, the boats were already sitting in the water.

The trailer under the Freestyler X looks just the same as one for a conventional boat apart from an extra set of bunks that extend hull support a lot further forward.

Also making a splash at Sanctuary Cove was Brazillian motor yacht maker Okean, with distributors JR Nautical showing a tri-deck Okean 52 on its stand.

The $2.95 million price tag will get you a pair of fold-down cockpit terraces that includes a bar on one side, an offset companionway below decks that gives space for an extra-large bunk room, and a flybridge deck made with a passage-friendly second helm for the skipper and a social hub for everyone else while at rest.

Power comes from a pair of 550hp Volvo Penta IPS systems complete with joystick control 

RIB specialist Marineco had a surprise on its stand with a couple of walkaround boats on display from Norwegian dayboat specialist Cormate.

Marineco originally planned on launching the brand in Australia at August’s Sydney International Boat Show, but with a couple of boats – a 35 Chase and a 23 Super utility – lobbing into Australia early the two new models were added to the stand.

Both models come as either a sterndrive or outboard-engined version, with the larger 35 Chase rated at up to 700hp to push the deep 24-degree deadrise hull across the water at blistering speed.

Australian ski and wakesports specialist Malibu had two exciting new models at Sanctuary Cove, showing the Malibu 22LSV Wakesetter and the Axis A225.

The green-on-black Malibu 22LSV Wakesetter is hull No.1 off the brand’s Albury-based production line and priced from a whisker under $210,000 sitting on a trailer and powered by a 360hp Monsoon M5Di V8 inboard engine.

Axis is Malibu’s no-frills sub-brand. The new A225 boasts the same engine as the more impressively tricked-out 22LSV Wakesetter, but is priced at a much sharper $160,000. Of note, its pickle-fork bow allows it to carry up to 15 people, compared with just 14 for the traditionally bowed Malibu.

Across the street from Malibu, JSW Powersport had the all-new Sea-Doo Switch Cruise – a unique portmanteau of a jet ski and a pontoon boat – on show.

JSW is waiting on the new line of 2024 models to come on stream before officially launching the $114,000, eight-seater Switch in Australia but had a couple of 2023 models on hand – one on land and another in the water – to give potential customers a taste of the formula.

The 6.4-metre Sea-Doo Switch will sell in Australia sitting on top of a single-axle galvanised trailer, meaning it will be easy to tow behind a mid-size family car, and just as easy to move around at home. The modular interior also allows owners to launch the Switch as a blank canvas for fishing, or kit it out with seating for a summer beach party.

Marine engine makers were also out in force, with Yamaha providing a glimpse of its new 450hp 450 XTO Offshore outboard engine, and numerous boats around the Sanctuary Cove site wearing Mercury’s new V10 Verado.

One stand even had Mercury’s new 30hp tiller-steer outboard engine on display.

Diesel outboard engine specialist Cox was also present, showing a static display of its 300hp Cox CXO300 turbo-diesel outboard engine. The display was expected to have a bit more colour and movement about it, but the New Zealand-made Hurley Elite trailer boat that wears it could not be readied in time for the show.

Over at Volvo Penta, the brand was keen to talk down engine supply issues that had been affecting some customers, with the company’s production lines now working 24 hours a day to ensure supplies are not limited.

The electronics specialists were also out in force, with power balancing, navigation and fishfinding specialist Navico attending the Sanctuary Cove show for the first time. Brands including Raymarine and Furuno were also highlighting their new gear.

Marine electrical systems specialist EcoFlow, a relative newcomer to Australia, launched at Sanctuary Cove with a $9890 plug-and-play electrical grid system that’s available in 12- or 24-volt versions.

As for next year’s show? The Sanctuary Cove marina will soon undergo yet another expansion aimed at adding another 11 berths catering to superyachts, lifting the total to 63.

It was up to Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate to sum up the 2023 show’s sentiment. 

“You see families come [to the boat show] with their kids, and the kids were introduced to the boating way of life and that part of fun and enthusiasm, especially when they can paint their dreams that one day they can afford one of those megayachts,” Tate said.

“That really is the lifeblood of the Gold Coast.”