The Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo in March

WITH just eight weeks to go, the anticipation and excitement of seeing all the latest releases from the world’s leading boating businesses and brands is certainly starting to build ahead of the Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo in March.

The first major boat show in Australia for 2017, this massive marine showcase will be held over three fun-filled days from March 17-19 right in the heart of Australia’s recreational boating industry capital: the Gold Coast Marine Precinct in Queensland.

“The growing number of boat and product premieres – in addition to record exhibitor demand for additional display space both on the water and on land – is a strong indication of how much there will be to see and do,” said Event & Marketing Manager Emma Brown.

“Already over 80 percent of exhibitor space is sold or reserved, and more world-leading marine businesses and brands are coming on board every day in the countdown to the boat show.

“With over 600 boats on display, over 230 exhibitors, factory tours, live entertainment and interactive family demonstrations every 15 minutes across two marinas and a giant 3km display circuit, you’ll need more than one day to experience and enjoy everything boating on offer.”

See it first – on the water

Pacific Motor Yachts – Australian Premiere: The Marlow 53 will be showcased for the first time in Australia at the Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo. The Marlow 53 is an economical, pilothouse trawler style cruiser that features three luxury cabins, including a full-beam king-sized master suite, crew quarters, gyro, utility room, hydraulic swim platform and a luxurious fit-out and finish. The 53 model also includes ground-breaking technology including a joystick docking system supplied by Cummins for ease of maneuvering in marinas and berthing, and a Seakeeper Gyro Stabilisation system.

See it first – on the land

Voyager Catamarans – World Premiere: For the first time at a boat show with the new hardtop, the V625 SportFish is easily towed and combines luxury and practicality with a stand-up bathroom plus twin single bunks that convert to a full king-sized berth. The 2017 trailer boat design features a new-generation planing hull with much greater forward buoyancy and wave riding capabilities giving better sea handling and stability, offering a remarkably smooth and dry ride and suiting a range of uses from the perfect blue-water fishing platform to an ideal couples or family sports getaway vessel.

See it first – marine technology

All Marine Spares – Australian Premiere: The WASPcam 9906 adventure camera is a high-quality, action-sport camera that is simple and straightforward for both professionals and amateurs alike. The complete line of these waterproof new high-definition cameras and accessories will be on display at the Boat Show. Specifically designed for outdoor use, you can turn off the camera noises and lights from your wireless wrist remote and it is compatible with smartphones. You can even order a camouflage version for your fishing adventures.

See it first – engines and accessories

AMI Marine – Multiple Australian Premieres: From Sidepower comes the PPC520 and PPC820 proportional thruster controllers that provide increased vessel control when compared to normal on/off thrusters. From Parker is the LTM-500 Modular Watermaker that provides 79L per hour, making it ideal for commercial and leisure applications. And from Macris comes the MIU-L10 powerful lighting option for small boats up to 8m. The new MIU-L10 underwater light is small in size and big on performance, measuring just 200mm and featuring Macris’ ultra thin impact resistant profile.

See it first – family-fun attractions and boating education

Free learn to sail: Visitors to the Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo will be treated to family fun on the water and on land. Stretch your sea legs and experience the freedom of sailing with free lessons provided by Southport Yacht Club’s qualified instructor to help families enjoy the thrill of boating. These lessons are a great introduction to the sport of sailing and absolutely no experience is required. Lessons, which last 30 minutes, will be held at 10am and 3pm daily.

More exciting premieres to come

Mrs Brown said a raft of additional Premieres will be announced in coming weeks, some being showcased for the first time Australia, and some for the first time in the world.

“Our growing list of major first-releases spans the full boating spectrum – everything from luxury yachts to tenders, kayaks to jet skis, engines and accessories to fishing equipment – in fact you’ll find everything you need for you and your family to have fun on the water,” she said.

“We are receiving the strongest support from our valued marine industry exhibitors in seven years and there are more exhibitors coming onboard every day to showcase their products for the first time at our award-winning boat show.”

Mrs Brown said March was a fantastic time to visit the Gold Coast, especially for the growing number of interstate and international visitors seeking to purchase a new boat, repower or replace their boat’s systems and accessories to enhance their leisure time with their families next season.”

If you love boating, see everything first on the Gold Coast from March 17-19, 2017.

Visit gcboatshow.com.au for all the latest show information.