Memorabilia for 50th show

Back in 1961, when the first Melbourne Boat Show was first held, boat prices ranged from 30 quid to a then-staggering 6000 quid ($60 to $12,000) – but before you start drooling remember that 30 quid was two week’s wages for most workers in those far-off days and 6000 quid was a major lottery win.

To mark the 50th Annual Boating Industry Association Melbourne Boat Show the organizers will mount a fascinating display of marine memorabilia including classic boats, photograps, programs and advertising.

The display will highlight one important point – then, as now,  the show features the latest boats available from across the country and around the world.

The first shows were promoted as "the ideal family outing" with ample parking. "Professionals, amateurs, mums, dads, kids and all will find hours of absorbing interest at this educational display," one orginal advertisement proclaimed.

Sailing boats, speedboats, dinghies, runabouts and cabin cruisers were all on display at the first show and one of the highlights was a competition for the best photograph of the "Girl in the Bikini".

The early shows saw the introduction of fiberglass boats and revolutionary deep vee hull shapes that sliced through the chop rather than pounding.

By the mid 1970s boating was following fashion and popular trim colours were pale purple and burnt orange. A 14 foot runabout could be bought, complete with a 60hp outboard motor and trailer for less than $3000.

Landmark changes for the show arrived in 1978 when the BIA Victoria  bought the right to stage the show from entrepreneur Trevor Riddle. In 1996 it shifted to then brand-new Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

The 50th anniversary show opens on Thursday, July 1, and runs until Monday, July 5, opening at 10am daily. Online discount ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, $1 for children and a two-day adult pass $25.