SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Grady-White staging a big launch

Marine industry dynamos Ryan and Sam Short from their eponymous Sydney-based marine business will be launching a hot fleet of 2018-model Grady-White boats at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show from August 3-7 at Darling Harbour.

The five-boat display will follow a special Open Day at their offices on Fergusons Marina at The Spit on Saturday July 29 prior to the boat show.

Would-be buyers will have the chance to run the new 2018 show boats offshore with Grady-White ambassador, powerboat author and expert driver Eric Sorenson, who is flying out from the US especially for the Open Day event.

Renowned as a premium offshore performance boats for serious fishers and family, Grady-White hasn't had a high profile and energetic NSW dealer till now.

The revered boatbuilder from North Carolina offers some 27 models from 18-37ft in centre console, dual console, bay, walkaround and express configurations that are well suited to local boating needs and very much on trend in the exciting sportfisher market.

FIVE HOT NEW GRADY BOATS ON SHOW
Regarded as a prestige offshore brand offering great seaworthiness, Grady-White will have a real show of strength at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show, with five new 2018 models.

These include the 180 Fisherman (centre console), the all-new 236 Fisherman (centre console), a Freedom 285 (dual console with Yamaha HelmMaster joystick function), the 336 Canyon (centre console) and the largest centre-console model in the range, a 376 Canyon with triple 300s.

The latest 2018 model Grady-White boats were due at the waterfront dealership at Fergusons Marina at The Spit, Sydney Harbour, this month (July 2017) as we write this news.

The pre-show on-water Grady-White display on Saturday July 29 will offer test drives for prospective buyers. As the on-water dealership is only five minutes from The Heads, you can get the chance to experience the boats' famous rough-water ride.

We’re told competitors’ boats will be put through their paces alongside the Grady-White rigs of similar size on the Open Day to reveal the performance differences.

YAMAHA BACKING
Short Marine was also recently appointed a Yamaha dealer on Sydney Harbour and has sold more than 70 outboards from 2hp to 250hp on new boats and repowered rigs.

With a yard in nearby Brookvale, all the Grady-Whites imported into Australia will come prerigged for Yamaha outboards and are easily fitted up.

FAMOUS SHORT FAMILY
Despite being the youngest operators in the global Grady-White dealer network, the Short brothers are no strangers to boats.

While Ryan is aged 28 and Sam is 24, the boys have 15 years marine experience behind them. With another Short brother, Nick (26), helping out with admin while at Uni, they boys represent the new generation of boaters and they’re going all out with Grady-White.

The sons of the late Andrew Short, who was pro-active in the Sydney marine scene, have grown up around trailerboats, outboard engines and the water. There's still a big and loyal Andrew Short Marine following in Sydney that will help underpin their new Grady-White dealership.

Besides taking care of Yamaha sales, service and warranty work for retail and commercial customers, Short Marine has a travel lift, shipwright, and electrician.

"Our priority is customer care first and foremost," says Ryan, who is also pretty excited about the Grady-White dealership, impending Open Day on July 29, and the 50th Sydney boat show display.

More at www.shortmarine.com.au.

(Grady-White boats are sold by Game and Leisure Boats in Queensland, by Short Marine in NSW, and by both dealers in the rest of the country.)