SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: Trailerboat showcase

Known for its luxury line-up superyacht pavilion and big-boat launches, Sanctuary Cove Boat Show added The Boatyard in 2016 to support the affordable trailerboat and fishing markets.

An additional 1500sqm has now been released near the pavilions to cater for the upsurge in trailerboat exhibitor demand, organisers say. Now that Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and the Gold Coat Boat Show and Expo don’t clash, the industry can show their wares — big and small — at both major Queensland events.

JSW Powersports, Queensland Marine Centre (QMC), Northside Marine, Cobalt Boats, Stefan Boating World, Brisbane Yamaha, Game and Leisure Boats, Fishing & Leisure Boats, Tigé and Nautique Central are among the first brands to secure their spots in the expanded 2017 Boatyard area.

SCIBS sales and exhibition manager Dominic O’Brien said show visitors can expect an extensive collection of day boats and fishing boats, wake and ski boats, and everything in between.

"There is no question that the under 10-metre vessel registrations are the bulk of the industry in Australia, and for the Gold Coast lifestyle it is a great way to enjoy our waterways with family and friends."

"This sector of the market offers a lot of accessibility and flexibility for people which is reflected in the terrific demand we’re seeing in The Boatyard and other trailer boat exhibitor displays located throughout the Show."

LATEST SEA RAYS AND WHALERS
Among those who have secured display space is Queensland Marine Centre. Dealer principal Andrew Bennett is planning to display at least a dozen Sea Ray and Boston Whaler boats.

"We will have the new models from Sea Ray’s SLX range of luxury bowriders, as well as Boston Whaler’s latest Outrage range," Mr Bennett said.

"QMC is also bringing the newest outboard-powered Sea Rays, which are experiencing a big rise in popularity."

SEA-DOO, SEA FOX AND MALIBU
Lina Heldon of JSW Powersports, one of Australia’s leading Sea-Doo, Sea Fox and Can-Am distributors, said the company was bringing a diversity of watercraft to SCIBS this year.

"We have the leisure, fishing, wakeboarding and ATV markets covered," Mrs Heldon said.

"We will have the latest Sea-Doo Spark Trixx for the first time at a Gold Coast boat show, as well as Sea Fox craft in five layouts and CAN-AM’s Maverick X3 ATV.

"Our most exciting news is that we have just been appointed as the Malibu Boats dealer for the Gold Coast, so we will definitely have a selection on show at SCIBS 2017."

GRADY WHITE AND REGAL
Graham McCloy from Game and Leisure Boats is a long-time SCIBS exhibitor who has chosen this year’s Show for the Australian unveiling of the latest Grady White vessel – the Freedom 375.

"It’s the flagship of the Grady White fleet so we are expecting it will draw a lot of keen interest," Mr McCloy said.

"We will have Grady Whites and Regal Cruisers in water, as well as Grady Whites, Carribbeans and Regals on trailers in the hardstand area."

AFFORDABLE BAYSPORTS
One of the country’s largest selling trailer boat dealers, Brisbane Yamaha, will be launching two of the latest models from Baysport Boats to the Australian market.

Brisbane Yamaha owner Aaron Goodchild said he was bringing a fleet of nine Baysport Boats to SCIBS 2017 because they were consistently the best-selling fibreglass boats in Queensland.

"We are launching the 6.4-metre Overnighter, which is ideal for families and fisherman, and we’ll also be unveiling the 6.4-metre Weekender, which comes complete with fresh water, sinks, toilet and new-look wraparound lounges in 2017," Mr Goodchild said.

STEFAN’S SPREAD
Stefan Boating World is returning to SCIBS to stage the Australian launch of the Reflex 720 Hardtop. They will also bring an expanded display of up to 30 boats including Fibrefort, Karnic, Reflex and the latest revolutionary tinnies from Morningstar.

"Morningstar is the tinnie of the future and it has unbelievable potential," owner Stefan Ackerie said.

"It is designed like a tinnie and built in a car parts factory, but looks like a fibreglass boat."

NAUTIQUE
Nautique Central dealer principal Sam Greenland will be exhibiting at SCIBS for the first time in 2017, saying it’s the perfect arena to display their wake and ski boat brand.

Nautique Central will unveil the highly anticipated Super Air Nautique GS22 for the first time in Australia, following the model’s unveiling in the United States in December.

Describing the vessel as the "best 22-foot tow boat on the market," Mr Greenland said he has taken orders for the GS22 before it has even arrived in Australia.

STABICRAFT, SURTEES AND WHITTLEY
Northside Marine sales manager Bill Hull said the Brisbane dealership will have a larger display at this year’s Show, with 16 boats reflecting a diversity of brands and styles to suit an array of interests.

"We will have a total of eight fishing boats from New Zealand brands Stabicraft and Surtees, and two sports bowriders from Glastron," Mr Hull said.

"There will also be five Whittley cruisers and, for the first time for Northside, we’re bringing a Jeanneau, which will be the new NC9 model."

Running May 25 to 28, 2017 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts more than 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a marine showcase 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.