Western Australia's Club Marine Hillarys Boat Show

AFTER a five year hiatus, the Club Marine Hillarys Boat Show returned to its home at the Sorrento Quay Boardwalk and surrounds.

There were plenty of new boats on display both on water and on the hard stand with fine weather prevailing for the whole three day event. Organisers said serious buyers turned out to grab the end of season “run out” bargains which were plentiful.  Some of the larger boats housed on the floating jetty, which was constructed for the show, had been reduced by between $50, 000 and $60 000.  The smaller trailerable boats which were displayed at the end of the footbridge in an area which also housed marquees containing trailer, electronic, fishing and diving gear as well as the stage, also reported steady sales too as a result of their fiercely competitive pricing.

Consumer feedback indicated that the show represented value for money, with consumers being able to shop at over 100 boating Retailers/Brokers, all conveniently located in the one spot. The prizes were numerous with Amore & Sorvete swimwear being given away on the spot, as well as a charter in the Abrohlos with Steve Starling aboard a Mills Charter and a Montebello Charter courtesy of Blue Juice Charters, three lucky people will also win a dive course from the Perth Dive Academy.

The organisers of the show, the Boating Industry Association of Western Australia (BIAWA), was pleased with the show.  General manager Sherry Donaldson said: “The venue is just fantastic, everyone has fun – the exhibitors, the patrons and even the event the organisers! People have really missed the show being at Hillarys while site works were undertaken.”

“We are delighted to be back, thanks to the staff at the Department of Transport and McGee’s Property Management who have been incredibly helpful and made us feel so welcome. Next year the show will be even bigger,” said Donaldson.

Sponsorship of this year’s show included the City of Joondalup, the Department of Transport, Honda Marine, Club Marine and Grand Toyota.