SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: Expanded trailerboat precinct

Celebrating its 30th anniversary from May 24 to 27, the 2018 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) will be its usual impressive shrine to luxury afloat, but organisers are also acknowledging the role trailerboats and activity-based boating plays in today's market, with a Sports, Leisure and Fishing Boats precinct.

The dedicated trailerboat display area will boast a 5,000sq m outdoor space dedicated to local and imported craft that entertain a range of boating lifestyles from fishing and diving to wake sports and adventure.

Supported by the national Boating Industry Association (BIA), the initiative aims to benefit dealers and enhance the overall visitor experience at what has been more of a luxury-boat show in recent years.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said this new precinct will offer a show within the show, with watersports, leisure and fishing industries, including boats, engines, accessories and new innovations, on display.

"It will feature a brilliant range of boats up to 8m, from entry level to premium boats with all the gear on board, and here will also be an on-water sea trial area where visitors can a get hands-on experience of the boat they’re interested in."

BIA CEO Howard Glenn said the boating industry association welcomed the focus on trailerboats and it’s encouraging members to “get on board” the initiative.

"Eighty per cent of boats in Australia are trailerable, so it makes sense to have strong representation at one of Australia’s premier boat shows," he said.

"We are thrilled with the boat show’s family focus and its spirit of making boating accessible to all markets, all stages of life and all budgets."

Adding to the colour and flavour of the Sports, Leisure and Fishing Boats precinct will be several pop-up food trucks, a craft beer tent, the popular fish tank with expert demonstrations, workshops on topics such as the best hull design for your boating needs, plus plenty of entertainment over the four-days to delight visitors of all ages.

TRAILERBOAT DEALERS
One of the first dealers to book space in the precinct was Surf Coast Marine principal Paul Banning, who is making a return to SCIBS after a seven-year break. The Gold Coast Quintrex dealer will present a mix of fishing side console, bowriders and cabin boat-motor-trailer packages featuring Evinrude and Suzuki engines.

"We are very happy to be back at SCIBS and we are looking forward to displaying around a dozen boats," he said. "We’re excited to launch the new Apex hull design, which gives a soft, dry ride and is available in boats from 5.1 to 6.3m."

Whitewater Marine sales manager Steve Jenkins said his team is looking forward to the upcoming Show.

"We will have 10 to 12 Stacer aluminium boats from Telwater, ranging from recreational to serious offshore fishing, and a couple of boats from US brand Tigé, which are ideal for wakeboarding and wakesurfing."

Long-time exhibitor Northside Marine will have up to 15 boats under the Surtees, Whittley and Stabicraft brands in the trailerable precinct near the entrance to the Show, as well as several Jeanneau powerboats on water.

Northside Marine sales manager Bill Hull said they are very excited to be launching the new brand Sportsman, which originated in Florida in the US around six years ago.

"The Sportsman boasts a high-quality finish, strong construction and excellent, family-friendly, centre console layout," he said.

Beyond the precinct itself will be plenty more trailerboat options. JSW Powersports will have a full range of 2018 Sea-Doo watercraft on show for the first time in Australia, including the latest impressive platforms with the  wide and stable ST3 hull, plus a spread of Sea Fox centre console from the U.S., and 2018 Malibu towsports craft.

After a ring around our end, it looks like some really top-quality trailerboats will be at SCIBS this year, thereby expanding the appeal of the luxury-boat show to one that’s also popular with local families and fishos.

Running May 24 to 27, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts more than 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a showcase featuring hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days.

SCIBS offers FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid.

More at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.