Gold Coast Marine Expo gains momentum

Since its launch last month, the Gold Coast Marine Expo has gained momentum with strong exhibitor interest from marine industry leaders.

Gold Coast Marine Expo spokesman Stephen Milne said it was pleasing to see such a high level of interest within weeks of the launch.

"There’s been a very strong level of interest towards this event from all aspects of the Australian boating industry including electronics, sailing yachts, prestige powerboats and trailer boats," said Mr Milne.

"People are really embracing the Expo’s ideal of showcasing a totally different dimension of boating exhibition with practical demonstrations and the chance to see boats being built and serviced from runabouts through to luxury multi-million dollar craft.  The added bonus of free admission will help attract healthy crowds."

Many leading marine industry brands have already confirmed they will be exhibiting at the show including Princess Yachts, Grand Banks, Raymarine, Flemming Motor Yachts, Geoff Lovett International, AMI Marine, Catalina Yachts, Cummins, Springwood Marine and Relax Enterprises.

There will be a range of practical demonstrations held across the three-day event from reputable organisations such as International Yacht Paint and Australian Marine Enterprises, both based at Gold Coast City Marina.

General manager of International Yacht Paint Tony Keegan said people would gain a valuable insight into marine painting and the various paints, materials and processes involved in painting a new boat or refurbishing a 20 year old classic at their 160sqm working display.

"We will have three boats on display that have been partially completed with different paint systems such as primer coats, undercoats and top coats," Tony said.

Founder of Australian Marine Enterprises Joe Akacich said they would demonstrate the various stages of refit and repair in their 400sqm factory.

"We will be showcasing traditional timber boat work in the factory, some cabinetry work, stainless steel fabrication and polishing.

"We can provide refitting of any craft from six metres to 100 metres. Our most recent project was the restoration of a 23m sail racing vessel which was called Bobsled and now it’s called Whitebirds," said Mr Akacich.

The Gold Coast Marine Expo will be held from November 4-6 across 36 hectares at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct.

For more information about the Expo or to register as an exhibitor contact the organisers on http://www.gcmarineexpo.com.au/ or email info@gcmarineexpo.com.au or phone Jodie Hall, Event Administrator on 0447 758 884.