New Grady-White dealer in Sydney

Marine industry go-getters Ryan and Sam Short from their eponymous Sydney marine business have just been appointed Grady-White dealers.

Ryan says he was blown away by the Grady-White factory in Greenville, North Carolina, where the 20-something-year-old brothers recently made a big impression.

"They were sceptical about our age and experience, but we spent a few days with them and convinced them of our ability and experience.

"They have over 50 dealers, none as young as us, but they we're impressed with what we had to offer. Exciting times!"

Renowned as a premium offshore performance boats for serious fishers and family, Grady White hasn't had a NSW and Vic dealer till now.

The boatbuilder from North Carolina offers some 27 models from 18-37ft in centre console, dual console, bay, walkaround and express configurations.

FOUR NEW GRADYS ON ORDER
Confident of their impending success, the Shorts have ordered four new Grady White boats to kick off their new Sydney dealership.

"We have a 180 Fisherman, 236 Fisherman, Freedom 285 (dual console with Yamaha joystick function) and the largest model 376 Canyon with triple 300s. We will also borrow a customer’s 336 Canyon for demonstrations if we need to."

The four Grady White boats are now in production and due at their new waterfront dealership at Fergusons Marina at The Spit, Sydney Harbour, in June and July.

An on-water Grady White display will offer test drives for prospective buyers. Ryan says as they’re only five minutes from The Heads, they can easily demonstrate the boats' famous rough-water ride.

"It’s the exceptional performance and handling offshore and through the roughest water that really sells these boats," Ryan said.

"I think it's a great brand for The Harbour and am very impressed with the quality, build standards and especially their factory, operations and staff over in the USA.

FAMOUS SHORT FAMILY
Despite being the youngest operators in the global dealer network, the Shorts brothers are no strangers to boats.

While Ryan is aged 28 and Sam is 24, the boys have 15 years marine experience behind them. With another Short brother, Nick (26), helping out with admin while at Uni, they sure have plenty of drive — just like their Dad.

The sons of the late Andrew Short, who was pro-active in the Sydney marine scene, have grown up around trailerboats, outboard engines and the water.

There's still a big and loyal Andrew Short Marine following in Sydney that will help underpin their new Grady White dealership.

YAMAHA POWER
Short Marine was also recently appointed a Yamaha dealer on Sydney Harbour and has sold more than 40 outboards from 2hp to 250hp on new boats and repowered rigs.

With a yard in nearby Brookvale, Short Marine is working with other boat dealers to rig new craft. All the Grady Whites imported into Australia will come prerigged for Yamaha outboards.

Besides taking care of Yamaha sales, service and warranty work for retail and commercial customers, Short Marine has a travel lift, shipwright, and electrician.

"Our priority is customer care first and foremost," adds Ryan, whose pretty chuffed he has secured two blue-ribbon brands for his new marine business.

More at www.shortmarine.com.au.