Hundreds of fishing and trailer boats on display at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

BOATIES and avid anglers clear your diary – the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show returns from May 24 to 27, featuring a treasure trove of vessels, gear and gadgets on display for all interests and budgets.

This year’s 30th anniversary event features a jam-packed program with more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the industry’s latest brands and products, along with more than 150 boats on water, including plenty of imported and Aussie-made boats in the popular 7.5-12m segment.

This year, the new Sports, Leisure & Fishing Boat precinct is literally a ‘show within a show’, comprising 10,000sq m of outdoor and undercover space dedicated to boats up to 8m, including rigid inflatable boats, day boats, weekenders, aluminium and fibreglass fishing boats, high-performance sports and ski and tow boats. The huge selection will provide visitors a unique opportunity to compare boat features and speak directly with the experts all in one place.

There will also be some terrific show packages with excellent deals on trailers, engines and accessories. In the Main Pavilion and throughout the Marine Village there will be a massive array of PWCs, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and myriad new-to-market navigation, sonar and fishfinding gear, watermakers, entertainment systems and all the devices to make your day on the water successful, safe, stable and fun for all the family.

No matter what sort of fishing you’re into, whether it’s saltwater, freshwater, kayak fishing or spinning, you will find the latest kit on show at SCIBS, along with product experts who are avid anglers to quiz about all your fishing needs. Expect to get hands-on with the latest high-tech products from Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G, Humminbird, Lewmar, Clarion, Fusion, Aqualuma and more.

There will be charts, books, offshore apparel, rods, reels, tackle, marine insurance experts and marinas offering great berthing deals.From the big guns to portable props, engines galore will be on display in an area dedicated to propulsion and engineering. Off Quay St, Suzuki Street will be dedicated to the brand’s engines, complemented by a brilliant display of boats from Australian Marine Centre, including Haines Signature.

The Berkley Supertank, a spectacular 15m-long and 3m-high Perspex-sided giant mobile fish tank is back, hosting informative and entertaining sessions over the four-day show. Brett Thomson and Michael Cooke will demonstrate many different types of Berkley lures and show how the fish react to them and the different techniques used by many of today’s top anglers.

SCIBS ambassador and fishing guru Paul Burt will present his fishing masterclasses scheduled daily on the Main Stage, with workshops on which features suit your boating needs featuring alongside a program of family friendly entertainment. Get set for the 2018 SCIBS Live Bream Shoot Out Fishing Tournament, this year with a tantalising prize pool up for grabs for anglers young and old.

Teams must be a minimum of two and have their own boat to compete, so grab a buddy and put yourself in the running to take out the top prize. For more information and to register, visit sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Over at the Marina, providing a spectacular on-water display of trawler-style boats, cruisers and superyachts, will be a line-up of world-class boat brands including Maritimo, Riviera, Integrity, Clipper, Alaska, Hampton Yachts, Palm Beach, Grand Banks, Fleming, Gulf Craft, Ocean Alexander and many more in power and sail.

SCIBS sales and exhibition manager Dominic O’Brien said, “Even if you are an ‘old hand’ at SCIBS and think you’ve seen it all before, you will be amazed at what we have in store in 2018.” “We have a fantastic line-up of exhibitors spanning the entire range of marine, aquatic lifestyle and leisure segments. “We can’t wait to open the gates and let the 30th show begin!”

Tickets are now available and you can save by buying online.
Kids under 15 years enter for free, providing a great incentive to bring the whole family along.
SCIBS offers free park and ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World.

Visit sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au for more information and to grab your tickets.