Melbourne Boat Show celebrates 50 years in style

Major exhibitors are back in force, and last year’s all-new layout returns with further enhancements, according to Melbourne Boat Show organisers. Accessory Alley now runs almost the entire length of the display hall, and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIA) hopes the show will set exhibitor and visitor records. It runs from Thursday 1 July to Monday 5 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, opening at 10am daily.

True to its tradition of presenting major new boat models, especially in the trailerable sector, the Show will give patrons their first look at new boats from several leading manufacturers including Streaker, Bar Crusher and Evolution Boats. Bar Crusher will add two new models to its range of plate aluminium boats, Evolution will show its all-new 552, and Streaker has the biggest-yet version of its popular walk-through design, and New Zealand-based Stabicraft will debut its new 2150 Super Cab.

The biggest boat booked in at time of writing was Caribbean’s eye-catching new 35 Flybridge Cruiser Mk III. With its curvaceous new styling, the Mk III flybridge delivers extra room, smoother finish, a larger hardtop and easy access via a lockable hatch. St Kilda Boat Sales will have the brand new Mk III ready for sale, offering a wide selection of options to complement its roomy layout and the 30 knot top speed of its twin Cummins Electronic QSB330 330hp Turbo Diesel Shaftdrives.

The new Streaker 6100 Navigator (pictured above) builds on the success of the 4.85 and 5.45 Navigator models which launched the Streaker ‘Walk Thru’ concept at last year’s Show. This big boat has a hull length of 6.1 metres, a generous 2.49 metre beam, 20º deadrise and flared bow for a smooth ride, but still comes in at a tow weight of approximately 1.8 tonnes. It is offered as a complete turn key package with Yamaha 150hp four stroke outboard and custom Easytow tandem trailer at a special “tow away no more to pay” Boat Show price.

Efficiency and economy are bit themes for this year’s power plants, headed by Yamaha’s next generation of V6 Offshore four stroke outboards, the F300, F250, and F225. All featuring a 4.2 litre V6 displacement and major weight reductions, all models can use Yamaha’s new Command Link Plus rigging system and feature the first marine application of plasma-fused sleeveless cylinders.

In addition to the many new boats on offer, the Show also features a strong presence by Victoria’s major retailers. JV Marine World is the biggest single exhibitor, closely followed by New World Honda and Regal Marine. Also mounting large displays are Leon and Paul Savage’s Streaker Boats, Phillip Island Marine and BL Marine, ensuring both quantity and variety in the boats on show.

A subtle but important change is an expanded focus from the promotion mainly of boating and fishing to a showcase for all the many ways for people to enjoy themselves on the water.

Ticket prices have been kept to last year’s levels to ensure good value, with additional discounts for online ticket buyers. Prices at the door are $17 for adults, $12 concession, $2 for children aged five to 16, and children under five free when accompanied by an adult.

Online ticket buyers save $2 on adult and concession tickets, at $15 and $10, with children aged five to $16 just $1, and a special $25 two-day online-only pass. As an added bonus for online tickets buyers, and to celebrate the Show’s 50th birthday, online ticket buyers can win one of 50 prizes. More at  www.melbourneboatshow.com.au.