Sydney Boat Show powers up

The Sydney International Boat Show is just a week or so away and one of the best ever display of powered craft is shaping up as the spotlight of the Darling Harbour 'party'.

It will be one of the largest ever collections of new luxury cruisers yet to be seen in the harbour-city.

The newly dedicated David Lockwood Marina will be the place to be once the show opens on August 2. And all of the boats will be there — from sturdy trawlers to sleek sportscruisers, to Miami-Vice centre console sport-fishers and super-expensive superyachts, ready to explore the seven seas.

Major new releases this year include the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht and its 'baby' sibling, the new 39 Sports Motor Yacht. The latter is a welcome trend as the sub-40 foot cruiser market has been somewhat neglected in the past decade.

With the fleet of production cruisers in the 30-40 foot bracket rapidly aging, it's high time boaties had a new-generation of choice!

Keep in mind, the decision to buy new will not only be about 'gloss and glam.' Major technical advances in recent years are making these next-gen cruisers a smart choice. With goodies like joystick control and GPS positioning and the modern comfort conveniences, they're not only more comfortable, they’re also a whole lot safer and easier to handle.

Here's just a sample of the cruiser class of 2018, set for display at this year's SIBS.

Arvor’s European built range of small fibreglass cruisers is big on space and ready for family boating or fishing.

This year Arvor will be displaying eight models across three distinct types - the inboard diesel range, the Weekender with more cabin space and the Sportfishing range.

The Flagship SF 905 Sport Fish is a perfect blend of blue-water fishing and family boating needs. It's deep, walk-around side decks and comfortable enclosed deck saloon make the SF 905 tops for overnight cruising as well. It's got an uncompromising approach to fishing and safety of twin outboards, so deep water fishing is definitely on the agenda!

Originally designed for rich Scandinavians to zoom off to their summer holiday homes, Axopar has developed into a popular sports brand across Europe.

The Finish-speedsters are now well established in Australia too, with 75 boats sold in three years.

The current range provides a number of models across three hull sizes -- 24, 28 and 37.

This year Axopar is displaying three each of its popular 37 and 28 foot models on the marina plus a 24-footer on a trailer. All feature outboard power and with self-draining cockpits are suitable for mooring or dry-stack.

The Axopar 37 comes in several models including the Sun Top (pictured) traditional cabin and sports cabin models. It also has a dedicated sport fishing model.

In the Sun Top the Targa roof provides semi-protection for the helm and passenger/dinette areas and there's a cabin forward with double berth and toilet.

This year on show is the latest version of the very popular Aquila 44 cruising cat. A key point of difference with this power cat is the sponsons (hulls) have hard-chines and Vee bottoms.

With the deck superstructure literally covering the craft from bow to stern, it delivers impressive deck and interior space for a 44-footer. The enclosed foredeck also has a large electric anchor locker and wrap-around railing.

The grand proportions of the Aquila 44 makes it ideal for long stays aboard. The owners’ suite is spread across the front end and provides a King-size island berth, spacious bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.

Also on display is the new Aquila 36 which is an exciting blend of fast outboard-powered dayboat and family cruiser.

The French Beneteau brand will be making a stylish splash at SIBS with four new craft.

The Italian-designed Gran Turismo 50 and smaller Gran Turismo 40 will provide some real head-turning style plus chic interior decor. These new sports cruisers are also ideal for entertaining with one-level living space that incorporates helm plus comfortable lounge areas and sun-beds.

Beneteau says the boats’ Air-step 2 hull technology ensures a smooth, comfortable ride without compromising speed. A submersible swim platform at the stern is another feature that makes these Beneteau sports models stand out from the crowd.

Joining the Beneteau party is also the Monte Carlo 5 - an elegant 50-foot with amazing accommodation and luxury living over three levels. It is another impressive example of Italian design and motor yacht comfort.

Also on display will be the new Swift Trawler 35.

This shapes up as a perfect liveaboard choice for Aussie couples wanting to go 'nautical walkabout' in a safe offshore boat. A fully-glazed wheelhouse ensures safety at sea plus a panoramic view.

This year Bavaria unveils its brand new E34 Sedan, a smaller sibling to last year's European Power Boat-of-the-Year, the E40.

Thanks to the advanced vertical bow design the E34 has the volume and space of a much larger cruiser.

Key features of this clever German cruiser also include centrally positioned helm within the saloon with the galley on the same level.

There's an electric sunroof and rear sliding doors for cooling air-flow in summer and huge glass windows provide panoramic views of your surroundings.

There's two separate sleeping cabins in the E34 each with their own bathroom, ensuring maximum privacy and comfort aboard.

With a large foredeck sunbed, easy walkways and bow/stern thrusters, you have the makings of a cruising legend!

Power cats are now making in-roads in the cruiser market and a good example is this new release, the Heliotrope 48.

Its lean hulls mean speed without using as much fuel from twin diesel engines. Another benefit is rock-solid stability and loads of deck space the 48 has the largest flybridge you'll see in this boat size.

With comfortable accommodation in the hulls and the bridge-deck saloon, it’s a perfect weekender or choice for a longer cruiser up the coast.

The Heliotrope 48 lso incorporates a lot of functionality and safety features but it's the sheer size of the cabins and deck space that ultimately impresses.

Built in Thailand to Swiss manufacturing standards, it’s a craft that brings an interesting alternative to the motor cruising world.

Grand Banks has been building classic cruisers for more than 60 years, so you could say the famous American brand knows a thing or two about power cruisers!

The very photogenic Eastbay 44 is latest evolution of the brand's classic Down-East line. Clean, classic lines are accentuated by a beautiful teak interior and impeccable craftsmanship of the three-stateroom layout. Overnight accommodations for six people, plus entertainment space for a lot more, make it the ideal family cruiser.

The wide, full-beam salon and cockpit feature large electric windows that invite in cool summer breezes, and a traditional deep-Vee hull achieves a fast, smooth, dry ride and also very responsive handling in tight docking situations.

As the name implies the Greenline 39 is a cruiser designed to be as environmentally-friendly as possible in a power boat.

Key design aspects of this European cruiser include an easy-driven hull to suit lower speeds and efficiency through a vertical bow and long waterline.

Greenline is offered in an electric/diesel or conventional diesel. The one due to be displayed the show is the straight diesel version.

Either way you get a 1.2kW solar system that runs all lights and appliances aboard, even the reverse cycle air-con that's standard.

With a 380hp diesel the Greenline cruises at 7.8kt sipping fuel at just 6L/hr.

The 'big end of town' continues to drive a healthy demand for large, luxury cruisers and Australia's Maritimo is at the forefront of this trend.

This year the doyen brand will display the stunning-looking new X60 Maritimo Sports Cruiser.

This amazing craft draws on a race-boat heritage to deliver high speed performance along with super luxury living.

The one-level deck saloon and helm makes the X60 the ultimate summer entertainer, especially with the optional stern ‘Beach Club’ bar.

Also being announced at the show is a smaller X50 sistership that will also have the Beach Club bar feature.

Top of the Maritimo range at SIBS, however, is the mighty S70 sports motor cruiser. This design is a break-through in every sense of the term from its low-profile deck to trans-ocean capacity.

The magnificent owners stateroom and guest cabins are in a class of their own. Super-yacht is the best description!

It's great news Riviera is returning to the popular end of the motor cruiser market. Both in terms of size and price, the new Riviera 39 Sports Motor Yacht hits the spot for family cruising and live-aboard adventures.

This new cruiser is all the more appealing because it has the versatility of a flybridge helm station.

Like the Riviera 395 SUV sedan model (launched at the 2018 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show), the 39 benefits from the latest design concepts and technology Riviera has employed in its bigger cruisers. The result is a cruiser that its maker claims is very nimble and a joy to handle.

However, the really ' big news' is the Sydney premiere of the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht. This beauty delivers whisper-quiet performance and super-smooth running and an ability to do trans-ocean cruising.

Its wide decks and fully-enclosed flybridge with internal stairs makes it a superb motor yacht.

Accommodation options include Grand Presidential or Classic layouts with three or four staterooms and three bathrooms. It is surely the must see of the show…

Iconic American sports cruisers brand, Sea Ray, this year unveils its largest ever display at the Sydney Boat Show with 11 models including the brand new SLX 320.

The SLX is an impressive blend of bow-rider and day cruiser and features comfortable lounge areas in the bow as well as a mid-ships helm and rear cockpit.

This American beauty delivers luxury seating for up to 17 people and provides a fibreglass hardtop and an enclosed toilet as well.

Powered by twin MerCruiser 350hp engines, this is speedster but also one that delivers precision performance via its deep-Vee, Quiet Ride hull.

Other impressive Sea Ray models on show include the Sundance 320 launched last year, which is a fascinating blend of bow rider meets cabin cruiser!

This year Fleming Yachts display two of its most popular models at SIBS.

For lovers of long-range trawler-style motor yachts, the Fleming 58 and 55 tick many of the right boxes.

Their classic styling has hardly changed since the first Fleming 55 hit the market back in 1986, however, on the inside they feature the very latest technology including onboard Wi-Fi and ability to operate systems remotely via a tablet.

The Flemings have cruised the world and are based on a sea-kindly, heavy-duty hull that is designed for true blue-water voyaging.

They also come standard with a multitude of features that would be optional on most cruisers such as a walk-in engine room, stabilisers, thrusters and twin anchor winches.

The French brand’s Merry Fisher range has created a reputation for building small cruisers ideal for family boating because of their volume and saloon deck design.

The new Merry Fisher 1095 on display this year takes full advantage of the latest range of four-stroke outboards. Previously, cruising with outboard engines on boats of over 10m (34ft) was not a practical proposition but the new generation V6 and V8 outboards make this a great combination and guarantees exceptional performance and safety.

The Merry Fisher 1095 is the new flagship of this popular line, with a hull specifically designed for twin outboards.

Roomy accommodation, galley, enclosed bathroom and really comfortable cockpit lounge make the MF 1095 a great choice for the first-time cruiser buyers.

Horizon Yacht Australia will showcase two luxury yachts at SIBS -- the E88 and the all-new Horizon V81.

An addition to the well-known V series and a design advancement on the popular V72 model, the V81 offers unparalleled interior volume and expansive exterior entertaining areas with uninterrupted interior spaces. Other design aspects include flush deck galley-to-saloon transition, floor-to-ceiling windows on the main deck.

Below deck, there's spacious accommodation for up to six guests in three ensuite staterooms, plus crew quarters aft.

The Horizon E88 is an enclosed bridge motor yacht, which it’s maker says is a contemporary-styled vessel combining a performance-oriented hull with a sleek superstructure.

The Sealine C330 is one of the latest in an exciting new breed of cutting-edge cruisers coming out of Europe right now.

This pace-setting design features a practical vertical cut bow that makes for a longer waterline, better performance and more cabin room below.

With the chine edges starting further forward the Sealine C330 delivers more hull volume up front and this helps performance and wave-cutting ability.

The C330 cleverly maximises cabin and cockpit space and with a single diesel is an ideal vessel for cruising local waters.

Below decks it sports a proper bathroom with shower, while the saloon incorporates a full-function galley.

This year the iconic British Sunseeker brand unveils two stunning-looking models at SIBS.

The Manhattan 66 is a newly configured flybridge that feels like a much larger craft, with large sunbathing areas forward and a well-equipped wet-bar.

The sociable aspect of the 66 extends to a wide bathing platform (capable of launching a RIB) and transom ‘beach club’ with fold-away seat and overhead rain-shower.

Also on show is the Predator 57 MK II - a sleek sports cruiser that's every bit as fast as it looks!

With a top speed of 40kt it will get you to places fast and does so with exemplary sea-keeping ability.

The Predator features over-sized hull windows that flood natural light into the interior cabins.

The transom zone also features an optional mini beach club too! Meanwhile, an electric door between the saloon and cockpit and an electric sunroof can open up the living space for a unique experience on warm summer nights.

The trawler motor yacht concept has been around for many decades but Integrity is a brand that brings a really fresh approach.

It has managed to blend a number of modern design concepts and user-friendly aspects into the traditional trawler style.

The all-new Integrity 440 Sedan is the latest evolution of this popular brand blending style, safety and comfort in one package. Its generous 14ft 2in beam equates to great stability and allows the 440 to have wide side decks without spoiling the room of the deck saloon.

High safety rails also ensure extra safety for the crew and children.

The spacious cockpit with wrap-around seating and overhead shelter is an entertainer's dream.

Below the Integrity 440 provides two full Queen-size cabins and a separate toilet and shower.

Anglers will know the Grady-White range for its solid, deep-Vee trailerable fishing boats. However, lately the famous North Carolina brand has moved into much bigger boats that are definitely in the cruiser-class.

This year Grady-White unveils its largest display of models at a boat show outside of the USA.

The Grady White Express 330 perfectly illustrates the big outboard trend by running twin Yamaha 350hp for a top speed of 42ktS. It’s got all the fishing must-haves but also has a comfortable cabin for family boating.

Topping that though is the Canyon Runner 376 centre console sporting triple 300hp Yamahas! This mega-rig has a top speed over 46kt and would double as a great day cruiser with its console cabin plus comfortable seating.

This year Aussie marque Palm Beach will display its flagship motor yacht, the PB65.

It's not the first time at SIBS but it is still sure to draw crowds and wide acclaim thanks to its sleek and elegant lines.

The PB65 features high-quality finishes and timeless teak styling. Its clean, uncluttered decks and aerodynamic cabin also captures the eye. A vast, light-filled interior features a deck salon and a rear cockpit that comfortably seat up to eight people.

Detailed styling and luxurious amenities enrich the cruising experience and bring comfort to a new level.

This new model also has a transom tender 'garage', laundry and all the mod-cons you'd expect on a motor yacht of this scale.

With twin shaft-drive diesels it has a top speed of 36kt and cruises at up to 30.

This year Whitehaven debuts the new Whitehaven Motor Yachts 6000 Flybridge at SIBS.

The 6000 is the latest model of this semi-custom motor yacht range and is based on the flagship 7000 borrowing many of the same high-end qualities and finishes of the larger model.

Key features include a three-cabin/ three-bathroom layout plus large swim platform and tender garage aft.

The 6000 has a covered cockpit with electric awning for alfresco dining. An ultra-spacious saloon features a full-size dining table for seating eight in complete comfort. The full-beam master cabin features an ensuite and other luxuries.

Also making an appearance at SIBS is the Whitehaven 7500 Sports Yacht. Again, this yacht has been customised to suit its owner's desires.

At a touch over 22m 'Finito' is an impressive cruiser with a large single-level, open-plan living space perfect for entertaining.