Robalo Australia and its authorised NSW dealer Family Boats have enlisted Matt Short and daughter Caitlin to represent the brands in southern Sydney at their marina in Yowie Bay on Port Hacking.
Matt is the older brother of the late Andrew Short of Andrew Short Marine fame, once Australia’s biggest Sea Ray and Boston Whaler dealership.
Matt Short served his apprenticeship in the Seventies building Savage boats in Melbourne under the direction of his boat building father, Fred Short. Matt’s daughters, including Caitlin, are the third generation of boaties from the Short family and all work in the family businesses in Sydney.
Caitlin, who is studying for her Master Class 5 skippers ticket, has been involved in boating for all of her life, from offshore fishing to sailing dinghy andocean yacht racing.
Robalo boats have been a premium-boat brand in the USA since 1968 and currently hold the pole position there with a 25 per cent share of the fishing boat market from 18-30 feet.
"The boats themselves are renowned for their quality finish and tough construction, but I was surprised at how soft and dry the ride is," Matt says. "The hull didn’t slam even in poor conditions and the big beamy designs offer a comfortable platform for ocean fishing & good family fun."