Stessco, Anglapro face uncertain future as liquidator moves in

Queensland-based Merlin Marine and Leisure is a family-based business that has a purpose-built manufacturing facility north of Brisbane.

A notice published on the Australian Securities and Investment website this week shows a liquidator was appointed on February 7 after a company meeting where it was resolved to wind the company up.

The liquidator, Ian Currie of BRI Ferrier, was asked for comment. The fate of Gulf Runner, a standalone boat brand developed for a new retail model with outdoor lifestyle retailer Anaconda, was not mentioned in the documents.

Stessco is a boat brand with around 25 years of history behind it. It currently produces a range of side and centre consoles, runabouts, bass boats, tinnies and fully blown offshore boats rich in standard equipment under names including Albacore, Sunseeker, Amberjack, Renegade, Tornado, Tripper, Catcher and Squire.

It carved out a niche in the Australian market with its range of affordable and premium models suited to a range of uses and budgets.

Stessco most recently made over its Albacore range in 2022 featuring a new design and 4.0mm bottom and side sheets as part of a refresh of the brand – and its first-ever plate boat.

In 2022, Merlin Marine and Leisure also brought back the Gulf Runner name as a standalone brand built for a new retail sales concept, with the boats sold exclusively and for a set price via the Anaconda chain of outdoor lifestyle stores. 

Anglapro, meanwhile, was launched in 2009 as a cut-price trailer boat brand in the wake of the global credit crunch that crippled Australia’s boating industry.

The brand was established by Derek Rodway from Sydney-based Good Times Marine after he was unable to buy a cheap, well-built boat that suited his needs.