Showtime

Necessity is the mother of invention and by rights this has been a necessarily inventive year. Boatbuilders the world over have been faced with extreme challenges and answered them with new, leaner and smarter ways of getting afloat. The crème de la crème of pleasure craft are at once timeless and high-tech, with hitherto new levels of efficiency and comfort.

Add the fact that there are more incentives than ever for jumping aboard and this really is a special boat-show season. But while boat shows are well-known shopping grounds, where all those salespeople under the one roof create a pressure-cooker of hot deals, this season is different. Prospective boat-buyers have extraordinary bargaining power.

The key word for the boating industry is incentive. Expect more cool kit for nix than you have seen bundled with new boats before, expect enticements by way of discounts, free fuel, and marina berthing, and expect the unexpected. Boatbuilders want to move stock and with interest rates low and the dollar on the way up, this is a perfect storm for buyers.

Of course, it all starts with this month's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the not-to-be-missed curtain raiser famous for the launch of new-season launches. This year is no exception, with local yards debuting plenty of new cruisers as revealed overleaf in our special boat-show preview.

While imports are down, there's a rash of long-range liveaboard motoryachts from Asian yards to carry you into the sunset. What you won't see is a flotilla of here-today-gone-tomorrow high-fashion boats. Instead, timeless, classic and practical is in vogue.

That said, the big European brand-names still have a toehold on the luxury yacht market. Sunseeker is back with a 34M Yacht priced from $23 million sans crew. Lazarra is making waves, Princess has a line-up and then there are the big Americans.

Even in choppy times, a boat show is exciting. It only seems like yesterday that I was knee-high to a would-be sailor, holding my dad's hand - a Pluto pup dripping in tomato sauce in the other mitt - as we trawled the hardstand at the old Sydney Showground during its annual boat show.

There was no on-water exhibition space back then and a big boat was a Hood or an Endeavour yacht. Following one particular show, I remember sitting bolt upright in bed for weeks pining over the brochures. And from those formative years, from those seeds sown at those boat shows, an enduring love of boating began.

Enjoy our detailed preview to the all-important Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where we unearth all the latest boats, gear and gadgets, and where we will be on the ground and in the water with video crews shooting and uploading images and interviews to tradeaboat.com.au

We have also included a review of the recent Dubai Boat Show by our in-house tech head Scott Fuller, a story of the Palm Beach Boat Show in Florida by our American correspondent Captain Ken Kreisler, and a calendar of boat show events from all around the world. It's showtime! Pull on the white-soled shoes and cruise the aisles for miles. Do the legwork and nothing surer, you will drive a bargain this season. If not a new boat then you will find it in a share of a boat through the ever-increasing syndications, and in the latest cool kit to upgrade your existing craft.

Showcase SCIBS

One of the strongest boat shows on the national calendar opens on May 21 with plenty of fanfare and a flotilla of cool new-season craft, efficient engines and groovy gear. KATHERINE STAUNTON reports

It's not every day that you see a hand-painted old world map recessed in the ceiling of a pleasure boat. But head to the 21st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show between May 21 and 24 and there it is. Along with the aforesaid hand-painted map, the Endurance 650 by Hampton Yachts, which took more than 60,000 man hours to build and is priced at $3.2m, features an exotic stone feature floor and a timber fitout complete from just one tree to ensure grain and colour-matched timber joinery. Then comes the accommodation, in three sumptuous cabins and separate aft self-contained crew quarters. Lizard Island, anyone? Steer me there, James.

But far, the Endurance 650 being the only new vessel tempting you to sail off into the sunset. A whole raft of supremely comfortable long-range cruisers has set sail for Sanctuary Cove, which is always considered THE place to unveil your best new-season boats. The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, with Trade-a-Boat as one of its sponsors, will usher in a whole new fleet of liveaboard semi-displacement and trawler-style yachts with pilothouse helm stations.

Despite economic circumstances, we are promised some 60 world and Australian marine launches along more than five kilometres of on-water marina space, pavilions and open-air hardstands. And as with any good boat show, the full spectrum of boats for all bents and budgets will be tugging at your purse strings. Buy a super yacht, luxury cruiser, sailboat, trick traileraboat or tender, watercraft and inflatable. Or accessorise your existing craft with the latest marine electronics, engines, designer interiors and bedding, accessories and bling.

There will be at least 370 exhibitors at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, including 80 first-time exhibitors, with delegations expected from China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Put it all together and you have a truly international show with a chic spread of cosmopolitan craft. But let's not forget our local marques…

AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE

Among our big new launches from the big Australians are the Maritimo Aegean 60 and Aegean 55 (tested in Trade-a-Boat 386 and online at www.tradeboat.com.au). The Aegeans are based on the company's Cabriolet range of single-level entertainers, but with a low-profile flybridge. Speaking of Cabriolet, Maritimo's new C55 and C50 will début. The fifth new release and world first will be the Maritimo 56 Cruising Motoryacht, a flybridge motoryacht with all-new styling. (Visit www.maritimo.com.au).

With the largest on-water display at the Show covering nearly 4000m², Riviera will launch two exciting new boats: the 5800 Sport Yacht and the new 3600 Sport Yacht Series II with Volvo Penta IPS.

The 5800 Sport Yacht boasts a roomy four cabins and is powered by triple, yes triple, Volvo Penta IPS drive systems. The 3600 Sport Yacht Series II has some major revisions including a revamped aft cabin across the full beam of the boat. Riviera will also have the full range of open and enclosed flybridge models on show, as well as the 43 and 48 Offshore Express sport-utility vessels, and the complete range of sportsyachts. (Visit www.riviera.com.au). Riviera Syndication will be offering shares in a range of new Rivieras for sale in various ports around Australia. (Visit www.rivierasyndication.com.au).

Acclaimed Brisbane boatyard Norman R Wright and Sons, celebrating 100 years of boat manufacturing this year, will launch the Navigator 42 lobster-style cruiser. The Navigator 42 is a family dayboat and coastal cruiser built on one level, and with the cockpit connecting to the saloon via a door and dropdown window, areas merge as one. The vessel will retail around $800,000. (More at www.navigatorboats.com.au).

Allan Barnett Motor Yachts is launching its new High Seas 63ft. The vessel is built in Tasmania, using Australian products wherever possible. The twin 301hp Cummins diesels give a frugal 11-knot cruise and a range of up to 2000nm. Two steel skegs improve stability at rest and allow the vessel to be beached while remaining upright and intact. (More at www.highseas.com.au).

What about Mustang? Mustang will be displaying in the Hyatt Pool at Sanctuary Cove, as per last year, with a big function on the Friday night. The 480 Sports Euro is making its debut and a new range of Sports Cruisers will be announced: the 2850 will be released this year, with the 3350 and 3850 to follow. The new 430 Sports Coupe with twin Volvo Penta IPS 600s will also make a splash. (Details at www.mustangmarine.com.au).

The acclaimed Marten 49 luxury Australian-made yacht will make its Queensland debut before heading up to the Ocean Dynamics' charter-fleet based out of Hamilton Island (see news item this issue). With carbon fibre construction, lifting keel, retractable bow prod and superbly appointed interior, the yacht is bound to be a showstopper. (More at www.martenyachts.com).

Whittley Marine Group's Cruiser 2600 will make a northern show debut. The CR2600 is touted as the perfect boat for those who want the comforts of a cruiser with the flexibility and economy of a trailerboat. There's room aboard for day cruising for eight and berths for four. (See www.northsidemarine.com.au).

For the gamefishing set, CJH Yachts is launching its 26ft Sportsfisher. The vessel is trailerable, built to Queensland 2C survey and features a custom aluminium tower, teak deck and covering boards, 450lt fuel capacity and a large cockpit with facility for an 80lb fighting chair. (Check out www.cjhyachts.com).

Okay, they're not strictly our kin, but from across the ditch, Kiwi boatbuilder Salthouse Marine will release the 65Q, a flying flybridge yacht with quad Volvo IPS600 power plants. Salthouse will also be showcasing the Salthouse 57. (See www.salthousemarine.com). And there's bound to be something from compatriots Formula. Meanwhile, New Zealand designer Warwick Yacht Design will be promoting the Warwick 85 Sportsfisherman and on the sail front, the company will be showcasing details of its latest patent lift keel Warwick 82LK. (See www.warwickyachts.com). A CLUSTER OF CATS Given the shallow channels, the inshore cruising grounds and the tropical climate, catamarans - both power and sail - are exceedingly popular in Queensland. If you're looking for the perfect cruising cat you can't afford to miss Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where a contingent of locally built cats is stronger than at any other national boat show.

Australian catamaran builder Lightwave Yachts is launching the new 45 Grande as a sail, power or motorsailer catamaran. With an optional spa on deck, protected cockpit seating for 12 and a raised helm station with all controls in the cockpit, the 45 is a rearing to go. If the kids won't leave home, take them with you. Plenty of room aboard. (More at www.lightwaveyachts.com).

Perry Catamarans is showcasing the Perry 57 sailboat. In traditional Perry style, you can expect classic timber finishes, large staterooms and wide sidedecks for simple access forward and aft. (Details at www.perrycatamarans.com.au). Compatriot Southern Clipper Boats is launching the Southern Clipper 31 power/auxiliary sail catamaran built using a revolutionary plastic-cladding system that is said to result in a high-strength, low-draft vessel with an extremely slippery underwater section. (Details at www.southernclipperboats.com).

Montebello Yachts will be launching the 12.5m power catamaran, Kai Lana, designed by naval architect Roger Hill. (Click www.montebelloyachts.com). And from Markham Marine, the Markham 9800 fishboat is available in flybridge or express cab and powered by inboard shaft drive, sterndrives or outboards. (More at www.markhammarine.com.au). Sanctuary Cove will also see the launch of Koya Ocean Cat range that includes two models; the 6.85 and 8.2, both made from aluminium using foam cell insulation technology and designed and built to survey standards. (See www.koya.com.au).

If the budget doesn't stretch to a new cat visit Multihull Solutions, the offshore and cruising multihull specialist making its debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The company has a huge range of new and pre-owned big-brand sail and power multis, some of which will be on display at the show. (See www.multihullsolutions.com.au).

BIG BOATS FROM ABROAD

Recession? What recession? As ever, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will play host to plenty of beautifully big and comfortable imported motoryachts. Outer Reef Yachts will be showcasing the 63ft Raised Pilothouse Motor Yacht (see our scoop boat test in this issue). The 63 has a semi-displacement hull and a top speed of 15kts from C9 Caterpillar engines delivering consumption of just over two litres per nautical mile at eight knots. Be sure to check out the galley fitout created in collaboration with LG Electronics. (See www.outerreefyachts.com and our video at www.tradeboat.com.au).

Don't miss the aforementioned Endurance 650 from Hampton Yachts, a classic with world map ceiling feature sure to knock your silk socks off. (More at www.australasianmarineimports.com.au or www.enduranceyachts.com.au). Fleming Yachts is exhibiting a new Fleming 55, a timeless raised pilothouse motoryacht designed for serious cruising, for the first time at Sanctuary Cove. We tested the long-range passagemaker last year. (See www.flemingyachts.com). R Marine will be displaying the Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU with Zeus drive units and joystick control, plus a Grand Banks 65 Aleutian RP and a range of Princess flybridge and sportsyachts. (More at www.riviera.com.au).

Sunseeker Australia is set to make a huge splash with the launch of its 34M Yacht. The superyacht and luxury private liner has three decks, accommodation for up 10 guests and five crew, and a top speed of up to 26kts. The starting price is $23 million but will vary depending on engine and option choices.

Also making its debut in Australia is the Sunseeker 60 Manhattan Mark II. The flybridge cruiser features a new upper saloon layout and picture windows to the master stateroom. Starting price is $3.2 million but varies depending on engine and option choices, of course. (See www.sunseeker.com.au).

Seahorse Marine, a newcomer to Australian shores, will be presenting a 52-foot trawler-style motoryacht priced from under-$1 million. Debuting at the show, the Seahorse 52 Pilothouse is a displacement passagemaker with a cruising range of more than 3000nm and a keen price tag of $950,000. (More at www.seahorsemarine.com.au)."

What's hot in imported yachts? Hunter is debuting the Hunter 27 Edge, a hybrid powerboat and sailboat (see test this issue) named for its cutting-edge engineering and performance. Distributor US Yachts will also have the Hunter 27 (tested this issue as well), Hunter 45CC and Hunter 45DS at the Show. (See www.usyachts.com.au).

Countrymen, Blue Reef Yachts is launching the US-made West Wight Potter 19, a pocket trailer-sailor popular in the US for the past 40 years. (Check out www.bluereefyachts.com.au).

GET MOVING

MTU will launch its newest Series 2000 marine engine at Sanctuary Cove. This latest version of the Series 2000 boasts the highest horsepower in its class and an improved power-to-weight ratio. This engine conforms to worldwide emissions standards and comes standard with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) certification. (See our MTU news feature in this issue of Trade-a-Boat and www.mtudda.com.au).

Other launches include Power Equipment's Yanmar ZT350 sterndrive that is designed to support Yanmar's popular BY2 and 6LPA series marine diesel engines. (More at www.yanmar.com.au).

And Seapower Australia is debuting the new generation MAN V8 and V12 diesel engines for yachts and pleasurecraft, while showcasing the MAN R6-800 inline engine. (See www.seapower.com.au).

Solas Propellers, who reckon they can find the exact propeller to give your boat the best-possible performance, will launch the OverDrive range of boat 'wheels' at the show. (More at www.solas.com.au).

FOR ELECTRONICS JUNKIES

There will be plenty of new electronics to drool over. Furuno Australia's new releases include the FCV-295 Digital LCD Fish Finder, FCV-1150 Digital LCD Fish Finder and the FI-50 range of navigational instruments. (Read about them at www.furuno.com.au).

Garmin is launching the VHF 100i and 200i marine radios with Position Tracking, which allows the skipper to locate and keep tabs on up to three other boats that use a Garmin system. Garmin is also showcasing the GWS 10 wind sensor and GHP 10 autopilot and GPS Map 620, a portable and apparently rugged touchscreen navigator that accepts optional street, topographic and marine charts. (More at www.garmin.com.au).

Navico is releasing the Lowrance High Definition System that offers a series of multifunction displays to combine built-in Lowrance broadband sounder technology with what it says are innovative chartplotting and intuitive operation. (See www.lowrance.com.au).

Raymarine will have the new A Series range of chartplotter/fishfinders that claim to combine the technology and performance of the company's top range of multifunction displays in a truly compact unit. (More at www.raymarine.com.au).

Globalstar Inc's Spot Messenger from Pivotel is worth a look. The neat personal tracking device uses the Globalstar constellation of satellites to monitor your location. The device has four functions: locator, emergency, help and tracking which can be followed through Google maps. The device notifies pre-defined contacts via email or SMS and costs $299, plus an annual subscription. (See www.pivotel.com.au).

Fusion Electronics is debuting a new 600 series marine entertainment system which, along with a host of improvements, has a CD/DVD player so you can listen to high-class sound while viewing DVDs on the screen of your choice. (Bop into www.fusionelectronics.com).

And don't miss WAECO's RV-Marine/LCD underwater colour video system which allows you to see below the surface. The camera, equipped with LEDs, is said to deliver clear images of the target at a distance of up to two metres, even in darkness. WAECO will also be exhibiting a range of inverters. (More at www.waeco.com.au).

Other innovative releases include Finscan's keyless starting, cabin entry and power control biometric product range (reviewed in this issue). The finger scanning technology has been specifically designed and developed for marine application and is an Aussie invention, no less. (See www.finscan.com.au).

Sure Systems is showcasing Boat Sure, an ultrasonic transducer that apparently eliminates the need to use antifouling on your hull. Now we'd like to see that. (Read all about it at www.surewatersystems.com.au).

Meanwhile, Mastervolt's New Digital Switching, which operates both DC and AC loads, 'ties' the two sides together using an intelligent one-cable system. Some of the benefits are the 'follow me home' function (lights remain on until you have left the yacht) and an update via your phone of your battery status. Cool. (See www.powersolutions.com.au).

SeaVision Technologies is showcasing the AC-ROV for first time at an Australian boat show. This underwater robot has gained worldwide acclaim for its use in underwater inspections of hulls and running gear. (See www.seavision.com.au).

Superior Jetties is releasing details of an innovative new berthing application called Project Neptune which includes recessed storage areas within the deck and floats of the marina, plus recessed cleats and integrated Aqualuma underwater lights. Here fishy fishy. (See www.superiorjetties.com).

Need a new windlass? Maxwell Marine is releasing the new RC6 and RC8 windlasses (more at www.maxwellmarine.com), and Lewmar the V6 and V8 vertical windlasses, while Wichard (visit www.wichard.com) will have Speedlink, a new version of its famous trigger snap shackle.

Manson Anchors is launching the Manson Racer, the first anchor specifically tailored for racing yachts, it says. (See www.mansonanchors.com).

If you love a shiny hull as much as we do check the US-made TRAC boat cleaning products that are said to be safe, non-toxic, non-corrosive and 100 per cent effective. (More at www.stellasystems.com.au).

We're excited about Sunworld International's launch of the OverBoard range of waterproof backpacks, dry tubes, technology cases, dry pouches and duffel bags, as well as waterproof headphones.

The Waterproof Aqua Phone Case is guaranteed to be waterproof and submersible to depths of up to six metres, while the back window allows for clear photos and the phone can be used when sealed in the case. Phone home from the seabed. The case floats should you drop it overboard with phone inside. (See www.over-board.com.au).

And between all that, we reckon you can lose yourself for a week at the 21st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. See you up there.

WHAT: The 21st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

WHERE: Sanctuary Cove is midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, up the mighty Coomera River, and with the Hyatt hotel, a village and estate, and two golf courses on its sprawling verdant grounds..

WHEN: May 21 to 24. HOW: There is no on-site public parking at the Show but there are plenty of transport options including water taxi or ferry, limousine or taxi drop off or helicopter drop off. There is no private boat mooring but boat owners can moor at the Coomera River with transfers for a gold coin donation by Volunteer Marine Rescue.

WHY: Because it's the curtain raiser in the national boat-show circuit, the place for many important new launches, and a truly international nautical extravaganza attracting boats, boating bits, buyers and delegations from all corners of the globe.

SUMMARY: As far as national boat shows go, Sanctuary Cove is a bonanza. A recent study by Griffith University found that the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show generates a direct impact of more than $310 million to the Gold Coast, which is more than five times the impact of the Indy and three times more than the Magic Millions, making it by far the biggest event on the Queensland calendar.

BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION: The Show is open from 9am to 5pm and entry prices are $22 for adults, $19 concession and free for children aged 14 years and under. Slight discounts are available if tickets are purchased online. (For further information, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au).