Melbourne Boat Show Selling Out

The 50th annual Melbourne Boat Show, in early July, promises to be the biggest for years with almost all the exhibition space booked out six weeks before the opening.

Organisers say major exhibitors have returned in force as the boat market recovers from the global financial crisis and the Melbourne Exhibition Centre is almost sold out.

Several new models are scheduled for their debut at the show including new boats from Streaker, Bar Crusher and Evolution Boats. A new flybridge model from Caribbean, the largest boat on display at the show, will also make its first appearance.

Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Victoria general manager Clyde Batty says there is impressive confidence from exhibitors, both large and small. He says exhibitors are anticipating serious buyer interest to justify the increased stand sizes and the new model offerings.

"Whereas last year we saw exhibitors trimming their marketing budgets, this year they are back in full force and they have got in early to be sure of their preferred positions," Batty says. "Clearly the industry's leaders see value in being at the show and we can take that as a promising sign for the whole industry as it recovers from its recent challenging times."

Batty says the 50th show is shaping up to be a milestone birthday and he predicts the show will be a special celebration of boating and life on and around the water.

JV Marine World will be the show's largest single exhibitor, closely followed by New World Honda and Regal Marine. Leon and Paul Savage's Streaker Boats, Phillip Island Marine and BL Marine round out the top six.

Online tickets sales for the show have already opened and they offer significant discounts for buyers, as well as the chance to win one of 50 prizes.

There is a $2 discount on all adult and concession tickets bought online as well as a half-price children's ticket and a $25 two day pass that is only available online.

Online ticket buyers will be in a draw to win one of "50 prizes for 50 years" -- marine products ranging from sunglasses, through fishing rods and life jackets to a Hobie kayak.

The Melbourne Boat Show will open at the Exhibition Centre on Thursday, July 1 and close on Monday, July 5. Adult tickets at the gate are $17 AND $2 for children aged between five and 16. Children under five accompanied by an adult are free.

Check out MelbourneBoatShow.com.au for more details.