SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: Mid-range cruisers make a showing

Strong growth in the fishing, family and leisure market will see power boats in the 25ft to 45ft range take centre stage at the 30th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) from May 24 to 27, organisers say.

From fishing crafts to recreational or family cabin cruisers, Sanctuary Cove will boast an extensive on-water display of medium-sized powerboats, showcasing a diverse range of product that appeals to all market sectors.

This is good news given the languid market for boats in this segment globally. From trailerboats and rigs to 30ft there's then been a big gap to the popular 50 footers. The traditional 35-40ft market has been quiet, leaving an opportunity for some key brands to capitalise.

Among the line-up of powerful international and Australian brands on display in the 25ft to 45ft range are Arvor, Axopar, Bavaria, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Cruise Cat, Fjord, Four Winns, Greenline, Hudson Bay, Jeanneau, Maritimo, Riviera, Sealine and Sea Ray.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said there will be an exceptional line-up of manufacturers on display at this year's anniversary edition. He also seemed to refute the global trends elsewhere with this segment.

"The powerboat segment is very popular in the 25ft to 45ft range, as they are such versatile vessels, while they are easy to run and upkeep, and are quite affordable compared to the larger boats," Mr Hasser said.

"You can use them as fishing platforms or for recreational cruising with family and friends. They are the perfect size boat to cruise through the waterways and take out on day trips, especially on the Gold Coast with our abundance of canals and protected waterways.

"Feedback from manufacturers is that medium-sized power boats have gained significant popularity over the last 12 months and this is reflected in the already-stellar line-up of brands confirmed for this year's Show."

CLIPPER 390 CUTS IT
Clipper Motor Yachts managing director Brett Thurley said the iconic Australian company will have 10 boats on display at SCIBS 2018, including the world premiere of the Hudson Bay 390.

"We have always had a presence at SCIBS which we consider to be one of the premier boat shows on the annual calendar," Mr Thurley said.

"The fact that it is the 30th anniversary of the Show and we have the world premieres of several of our new vessels makes it a very exciting time for us."

A Hudson Bay 390 has already been sold (for about $600,000), one and is expected to arrive in Australia in March or April.

EUROPEAN LINES
Showcasing Axopar, Greenline, Sealine and Fjord models, Eyachts managing director Peter Hrones said the team is excited to be a part of the milestone edition, bringing with them a large selection of day boats catering to all budgets and lifestyles.

"Our display will have something for everyone, from outboard boats and sports cruisers with stern drives, to the shaft drive diesels for the conservative type," Mr Hrones said.

In an Australian first, the sleek Axopar 37 Sports Cabin (SC) and the triple-award-winning Axopar 28 T-Top, complete with a wet bar on back, will be on show for the first time.

Also making its Sanctuary Cove debut will be the Axopar 37 Sun-Top (ST) - the perfect boat for entertaining up to 10 people, with its extended shade top, walk-around side and spacious aft-deck.

Growing from 100 to 700 boats since its inception more than three years ago, Mr Hrones said Axopar is the fastest growing boat building company in Europe, thanks to their cutting-edge hull design, fuel efficiency, cool look, low maintenance and affordability.

"The Axopars are the perfect boat for pulling up on the beach or going to a restaurant with the family - it is like a car on water," he said.

"We have sold 50 Axopars in two-and-a-half years, which indicates the segment of day boats is on the rise. It is what people want - low maintenance, affordable and easy to use."

Mr Hrones said they would also be showcasing the "green-friendly" Greenline 39 on water - famous for its hybrid system and solar energy — and would be "borrowing" the sporty Sealine C330 for a return visit to the SCIBS, after being among the many boats sold at last year's Show.

"Visitors should also be sure to look out for the Fjord 40 or 42 Mediterranean-style," Mr Hrones said.

"This is the ultimate top-end day boat, with its inboard IPS diesel engines and plush finishes - it's perfect for entertaining."

BENETEAU BARRACUDA 8
The Yacht Brokerage operations manager Ian White said they are excited to showcase European boating brand Beneteau as part of their display.

Under a wider 'Beneteau Group' showcase, Mr White said they are unveiling both the Beneteau Antares 8 and the Beneteau Barracuda 8 and 7 on-water for the first time in Queensland at SCIBS 2018.

Boasting a new flared-out hull design together with optimum living space, the Antares 8 is the perfect motor cruiser to take out on a coastal escape, while the Beneteau Barracuda 8 and 7 come equipped with a large starboard walkway, an entirely modular easy-to-access cockpit and spacious design perfect for the avid sport fisherman or adventurer.

Both models are built on Beneteau's revolutionary Air Step hull, ensuring maximum safety, comfort and fuel-efficiency without compromising on speed and acceleration.

Noting the surge in popularity for day boats, Mr White attributes the broadening appeal factor to diversification in the market.

"In the past, the bowriders and fishing boats have all been very much boys' boats and, to an extent, have excluded the family and female component of boating," Mr White said.

"What we are now seeing are boats designed with family and female comfort and needs in mind - the market is no longer narrowed to 'boys' toys', it's very inclusive of everyone.

"We can particularly see this in our Antares and Barracuda models - the comfort levels of these are extraordinary for the types of boats they are. They are very different to what they were a few years ago."

More at SCIBS.