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Brisbane based Stessco, Anglapro’s owner, makes the call to wind up the business. boat
The future of iconic alloy boat brands Stessco and Anglapro, and potentially Gulf Runner, has been cast into doubt after a liquidator was appointed recently to wind up the business that makes them.
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 showed 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 about 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.
Such a shame i love boats always have especially if there Australian when i saw this article i was dumb struck i have unfortunately never heard of this Australian brand i regularly buy trade a boat to check prices and check out what goodies come with that or this. The brand Stessco i just have never heard of it i do hope they continue and people become more aware of the brand because you can not beat Australian owned Australian made products i will be keeping a look out for the brand now hope it can continue.