Melbourne Boat Show opens today!

It's time to get down to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre for the Melbourne International Boat Show. Whether you're a novice or avid boater, there's something for everyone at this year's the Show.

This year, many manufacturers and importers have chosen the Melbourne Boat Show to launch their latest and greatest boats. And what a lineup there is. If you're a ski boat fan, then you can't miss the new Mastercraft NXT which will be displayed for the first time at the Show. Mastercraft boats are world renowned for their quality fit and finish as well as their performance on the water. We'll bring you more on this stunner after we've checked it out at the Show.

Iconic Aussie manufacturer Whittley is bringing its new models to the show in the form of the CW range. From the estuary- and bay-focussed Whittley CW1580 to the offshore-bound CW2150, Whittley says there is now a boat for every application. With a tow-away price of $29,990, the CW1580 Runabout is an easy rig to own, tow and store. The range is sure to cause some waves with its pricing and at the show they'll be throwing in a quality GPS/sounder for a dollar. Yes, a sounder for a buck!

As we reported in our scoop story recently, Haines Signature is launching its all-new design, the 650F, which looks every bit the serious fishing rig. The 650F from the company's Fishing series will appeal to keen trailerboat anglers looking to upgrade into a long-range rig, as well as big boaters wanting to downsize to a mobile sportsfisher in which they can chase the fish more cost effectively, towing up and down the coast and interstate to the hot bites.

Chaparral Australia is going all-out at the show with an exciting new range of Chaparral jet boats. The 203 Vortex VRX Jet boat is the first in a series of three new jet-powered models by Chaparral featuring Rotax engines. The range will include the 223 and 243 models later this year.

Scott O’Hare from Chaparral Australia has driven the 203 Vortex and was impressed with how Chaparral has taken its unique DNA and added the dynamics of jet power to the all-new hull.

The Chaparral team is also the importer of stablemate Robalo and has a new category of bass boats dubbed the Cayman series on debut in Melbourne. The R206 Cayman is designed to cover rougher bay and inshore coastal cruising, providing fishos with a safe and dry ride to their favourite locations, while doubling up as a great day boat for general family and fishing duties.

The new Robalo Bay Boat range was launched earlier this year to critical acclaim and is already a best seller for the 46-year-old fishing boat manufacturer.

"I have driven a 206 Cayman in the U.S. and was amazed at the soft, dry ride and stability at rest," said O'Hare. "The new Caymans tick a lot of boxes for anyone considering a bass boat but wanting to do more than just flat-water fishing."

Not to be left at the starting blocks, Haines Hunter is also bringing two significant new boats the Melbourne Boat Show. The big debuts from the Melbourne yard are an all-new 625 and 675 Offshore in three different configurations: Standard (bimini), Hardtop (GRP lid) and Enclosed (full windscreen).

The company says that the lid mix will cater for a broad range of serious offshore fishing requirements right around the country. The new models will be built upon Haines Hunter's unique and tested 21-degree Performance Deadrise Vee (PDV) hull.

Another Melbourne-based manufacturer, Streaker, will also debut its new hard-top model. The new Streaker 6100 Commander Hard Top is based on the original 6100 hull but features a new hard top (not previously available) and also a new transom layout. The new transom features a live-bait tank, twin battery storage, stainless-steel tackle compartment and transom door.

According to Streaker's Wayne Adolphson, this rig will be priced at $88,500 at the show fitted with Yamaha’s new 175hp four-stroke outboard.

The new Hard Top is loaded with features. The new top features a fibreglass hard top on a quality stainless-steel frame with front and side clears. There's a stainless-steel rocket launcher with two LED spotlights and an LED strip light.

At the helm, you get a Lowrance HDS7 colour sounder/GPS, 27Mhz and VHF marine radios and hydraulic steering.

Avante Marine will have no fewer than three new Bayliner models on display at the show. Making its debut in Australia will be the exciting Bayliner 18ft Element X. This boat's smaller, 16ft sister, has taken the boating world by storm and some of these bigger 18ft models are already pre-sold before they arrive.

Avante Marine will also have, for the first time, the new Bayliner 170 Bowrider and the new Bayliner 642 Cuddy Cabin. Both boats have exciting innovations and layouts and we're told there's going to be a long queue waiting to see them.

Popular NZ manufacturer Stabicraft will be displaying the new 2900 Weekender complete with the new Arrow Pontoons and Game Chaser Transom performance characteristics. The 8.8m 'weekend away' vessel boasts a newly designed interior complete with ergonomic viewing, cooker, fridge, storage and a seating package that has been specially design by Stabicraft’s own industrial designers.

Also on display at the show will be the all-new Stabicraft 2050 Supercab which supersedes the company's most popular Supercab ever.

There's also a host of new motors on display including Suzuki's new 25hp and 30hp four-stroke outboards and latest high-tech electric trolling motors from