The best inboating comes to Melbourne - a must-see

Hosted by the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV), the 48th annual Melbourne Boat Show is designed to give visitors the best experience as they walk the open layout - the vista will be huge.

The show will feature a bold, new floorplan to give visitors the best ever access to the whole range of exhibits, from luxury boats to trailerable ski and fishing boats, accessories, and even licence testing.

Exhibitors promise exciting new products in every category, with many of the show's star releases kept under wraps until closer to the show dates. For example, there will be a new brand of fibreglass boats from a famous designer that has never been seen before anywhere.

Organisers have laid out long, open aisles for a clear view down the hall, and placed the BIAV information stand in the centre of the 30,000m² venue for easy access.

The central stand will offer general BIAV and show information, plus free independent advice on how to select the right boat for your needs. The boat buying advice team has doubled in size, with two experts on hand throughout the show.

The show offers entertainment, informa-tion and excitement for patrons of all ages.

Popular features: Flathead Fred's Fun Fishin' Show for Kids, Lulu Kids' Activities and the Anaconda Climbing Wall, with the Yamaha Superstage featuring the Yamaha Supertank and plenty of attractions on individual stands.

COAST GUARD'S LESSONS
Among the special offers are: the free boat-handling course supplied with every boat purchased at the show; free advice on boat selection; and, boat licence training and testing sessions conducted twice each day by the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.

Two of the Coast Guard's top trainers, Victorian training commodore, Ron Sheppard, and Geelong flotilla commander, Peter Barrow, will run sessions at 11am and 2pm, with each three-hour session comprising two hours of presentations and discussion, followed by the test and marking.

Successful participants will receive a handbook and a certificate of completion which they can present at any VicRoads office to receive their Recreational Boat Operator License.

The cost for the training and test is $70, and all proceeds go to the Coast Guard to assist in its vital voluntary work helping to keep the waterways safe.

Another attraction is the return of boating expert Alan Rice to provide free, independent advice on boat selection for all show patrons.

Rice will be at the BIAV stand and will be joined by fellow boating expert Glenn Powell to ensure there is always someone available to help throughout the show.

BIAV general manager, Robert Coco, said the service was designed to help boat buyers select the right boat for them to maximise their boating pleasure.

"Boating is about enjoying life with family and friends, but you need to choose the right boat to have the most fun," said Coco.

"Consumers need to decide what boat best suits their needs and sometimes you need expert advice to find the boat that suits you," he said.

The Melbourne Boat Show will again offer a specially developed Boat Handling Course as a free bonus to everybody who purchases a boat at the show.

The BIAV is offering the course free in an effort to boost safety and enjoyment.

Hundreds of boats will be on show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, and boat buyer's will receive a voucher entitling them to the course.

In a minimum two-hour course, boat buyers will cover maintenance and reversing of boat trailers, safe and efficient launching and retrieval, coming alongside, safety gear, weather and sea state, and after-use care of a vessel.

The Melbourne Boat Show features hundreds of beautiful boats plus all the latest in boating and fishing gear.

Best of all, visitors have the opportunity to win the fully equipped Quintrex 560 Freedom Cruiser, valued at more than $40,000 courtesy of JV Marine World.

Admission prices offer great value, especially with the $40 family ticket that covers two adults and up to three children.

The Melbourne Exhibition Centre is at Clarendon Street, Southbank (Melway Map 1C Ref G5).

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