New precinct puts trailerable boats centre stage at SCIBS

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said this new addition will offer “a show within the Show”. “The precinct will be home to everything imaginable from the watersports, leisure and fishing industries, including boats, accessories and new innovations,” Mr Hasser said. “It will feature a brilliant range of boats up to 8m, from entry level to premium boats with all the gear on board. There will be Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) positioned as practical tenders or fully kitted up as luxury day boats, aluminium and fiberglass fishing boats, high-performance ski and tow boats, plus a good mix of imported and Australian made vessels.”

There will be an array of trailerable boats in several areas throughout the Show, including at the entrance, throughout The Marine Village and adjacent to the Marina, complemented by the latest engines and accessories. “Visitors will be able to compare the boats’ features and speak to the experts all in one place and take advantage of special Show packages,” he said. “There will also be an on-water sea trial area where visitors can a get hands-on experience of the boat they’re interested in.”

BIA CEO Howard Glenn said they welcomed the focus on trailerable boats and are encouraging members to “get on board” the initiative. “80 percent of boats in Australia are trailerable, so it makes sense to have strong representation at one of Australia’s premier boat shows,” Mr Glenn said. “We are thrilled with the boat shows   family focus and its spirit of making boating accessible to all markets, all stages of life and all budgets.

Adding to the colour and flavour of the Sports, Leisure and Fishing Boats precinct will be several pop-up food trucks, a craft beer tent, the popular fish tank with expert demonstrations, workshops on topics such as the best hull design for your boating needs, plus plenty of entertainment over the four-days to delight visitors of all ages. One of the first dealers to book space in the new precinct was Surf Coast Marine dealer principal, Paul Banning, who is making a return to SCIBS after a seven-year break. “We are very happy to be back at SCIBS and we are looking forward to displaying around a dozen boats,” Mr Banning said. We are the Gold Coast Quintrex dealer and will present a mix of fishing side console boats, bowriders and cabin boats. We’re excited to launch the new Apex hull design, which gives a soft, dry ride and is available in boats from 5.1 to 6.3m.”

Surf Coast Marine will also have boat-motor-trailer packages on offer, featuring Evinrude and Suzuki engines.

Whitewater Marine sales manager Steve Jenkins said the team is looking forward to the upcoming Show and bring numerous trailerable boats. “We are particularly pleased to be back in 2018 with the new format specific to trailerable boats,” Mr Jenkins said. “We will have 10 to 12 boats in the Stacer aluminium boats from Telwater, ranging from recreational to serious offshore fishing, and a couple of boats from US brand Tigé, which are ideal for wakeboarding and wakesurfing.” Whitewater Marine will have special boat-engine-trailer packages at the show with Evinrude and Honda motors.

Long-time exhibitor Northside Marine will have up to 15 boats under the Surtees, Whittley and Stabicraft brands in the trailerable precinct near the entrance to the Show, as well as several Jeanneau power boats on water. Northside Marine sales manager Bill Hull said they are very excited to be launching the new brand Sportsman, which originated in Florida in the US around six years ago, and is the product of two highly-respected dealers who wanted to design and build “the ideal fishing boat”. “The Sportsman boasts a high-quality finish, strong construction and excellent, family-friendly, centre console layout,” Mr Hull said. “They are experiencing huge growth internationally and we think they will have great appeal at SCIBS.”

Exhibitor applications are now open. To register as an exhibitor, contact the Boat Show office on +617 5577 6011 or visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au