Power up the kids at SCIBS

New power boats for children among the ‘toys’ launching at Sanctuary Cove.

The upcoming SCIBS 2018 show in May will see the launch of a new breed of power boats called StarterCraft which have been designed specifically for use by children.

Based on the Gold Coast, StarterCraft specialises in the production of fibreglass electric-powered boats designed for use in calm, non-tidal waters in good weather conditions. Each boat is around two metres long, weighs 80kgs and is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years old to operate. The boats are large enough to fit two young children, or even a child and a small adult for those initial training runs.

The top speed in calm waters is around 8 kmh or 4.5 knots but can be reduced using the five available settings to suit younger boaties, or for those who want to do a spot of fishing.

Each StarterCraft is equipped with a heavy duty 110Ah battery which equates to 2.5 to 5 hours of fun on a single charge. They are also designed and built with a significant air cavity which means they will always float regardless of the amount of water taken on.

The StarterCraft are just one of a range of new watercraft equipment – aside from the boats – which will be on display at the show.

“PWCs, ski and wake boats, tenders, RIBS, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and dive devices are always a drawcard at SCIBS,” said sales and exhibition manager Dominic O’Brien.

“Australians love taking to the water and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and they are just as enthusiastic about high-tech watercraft that harness the latest in propulsion, materials and engineering. In 2018, SCIBS will have the best of home-grown and imported watercraft in every category, plus inflatables such as slides and climbing walls.”

Get jet powered

Also making its debut at SCIBS this year will be the Scubajet, represented by GW Marine Sports, billed as the world’s smallest and easiest-to-use hand-held underwater jet. Greg Shipton from Scubajet said it is ideal for maximising water sport activities including diving, paddle boarding, canoeing, snorkelling.

“There’s the SJ200 and SJ400 models which offer the same power, the 400 just has a longer battery life,” he said.

“Thanks to its versatile adapter system, you can attach the Scubajet to a kayak, small dinghy or SUP. It is also lightweight, battery-operated and salt-water resistant and can reach speeds of up to 11 to 14km/h.

“The Scubajet is great for families with all the watertoys. It’s a tool not a toy!”

Featuring jets of a different kind, JSW Powersports will occupy a bigger space in its usual position on Masthead Way to make room for the complete line-up of SeaDoo PWCs, including the brand new 2018 three-seater model and a total of four models with the new ST3 hull.

“It’s the latest and greatest, offering a more stable, smoother and drier ride than any PWC before it,” said Jeff McNiven, dealer principal. “The ST3 is a version of the race hull modified to suit the recreational market. We are sure people will be impressed.”

JSW will also feature a selection of Malibu wake and ski boats alongside the Seafox family-friendly fishing boats.

Fun for all, all for fun

Aiming to put the fun into boating, Marine Riley will be exhibiting a range of leisure products, inflatables and accessories on E Arm at the marina, as well as having some of its products located on various vessels around the show.

“We will have a FunAir slide on show, an inflatable climbing wall on a Horizon motor yacht, the stinger proof swimming pool developed especially for Australia, the Splash Mat, jet ski dock and Seabob dock,” said Mark Riley, director.

The pedal-powered Schiller water bikes will be on show as well as the Mistral brand of hard and inflatable stand up paddle boards, Seabob water scooters, Nautibuoy inflatable pontoons, Ribjet inflatable, and Grande inflatable RIBS.

Powerdive is another return exhibitor having had a presence at SCIBS since 1997. Director Aaron Hawke said he and his team were looking forward to another successful show presenting the compact surface supply diving system.

“The Deck Snorkel, Double Deck Snorkel and Power Snorkel models are the market leaders in 12 Volt diving, perfect for family fun or commercial applications,” he said.

“PowerDive offers its users substantial benefits over traditional style hookahs which can have drive belts and oil filters. Our light, simple and maintenance-free PowerDive means easy, hassle-free diving.”

RIBS with everything

Long-time exhibitor Sirocco Marine North will return to its Masthead Way location outside The Marine Village Theatre, this year occupying a larger space to accommodate the largest inflatable display at SCIBS.

On show will be the full range of BRIG RIBS, a selection of Williams Jet tenders and Sirocco tenders, including the Queensland premiere of the BRIG Eagle 10 metre super-tender and the Williams 285 MiniJet.

At 10.5m long, the Eagle 10 is the largest model in the BRIG range and, powered by twin 300hp engines, is suited for a range of uses including as an island hopper, luxury boat tender, chase boat, aquatic sport platform, as well as for coastal cruising overnight and weekends onboard.

RIB Force inflatables will have as many as 30 boats on display in The Marine Village close to the Main Pavilion. Dealer principal Mike Orsmond said the team will be showing a variety of boats from the AB Inflatables brand, as well as hosting the release of the AB Jet boat and Oceanus 21, the Aurora V250 and 280.

“The team from RIB Force will be on hand to provide expert advice in the AB and Aurora brands,” he said. “We provide full service and support and have a strong background in handling commercial and military requirements. We anticipate a big SCIBS in 2018 and can already tell the show is back in all its glory.”

On the marina, SACS Marine Queensland will present the new Strider 13m RIB super-tender with ‘all the bells and whistles’, as well as the SACS Sports 9m and Sports 7m models.

The Strider 13 features a cabin, WC, joystick control, generators, air-conditioning, Fusion sound and Raymarine screens plus twin 370hp Mercury inboard diesel engines. It’s billed as the ideal day cruiser, entertainment platform, watersports boat for extended family and large groups, or overnighter for a couple.

No fuss sailing

Olympic sailor, Melinda Henshaw from Henshaw Yachting will return to SCIBS 2018 with the Tiwal 3.2 Inflatable Sailing Dinghy and its accessories, many of them new to the market.

“Tiwal is continually improving,” she said. “This year, we will present padded racks so you can keep your Tiwal alongside your boat to act like a fender, for towing on longer journeys, plus you can hike (lean out) off them and be more comfortable. In addition, there’s a new reefable sail for the ultimate in versatility and choice.”

Developed by French designer, Marion Excoffon, the Tiwal is finding popularity with cruising sailors who wish to get into sailing.

“They want a boat they can chuck on the deck, deflate and inflate quickly with no fuss and no cumbersome ropes,” said Henshaw. “It really is the most comfortable boat on your knees so that grandparents can go out with their grandkids, beginners can enjoy it as a starter boat and it’s something fun and fast for seasoned sailors.”

From its stand on The Promenade, Walker Bay Boats Australia will once again be exhibiting the Walker Bay Original Series rigid-injection moulded plastic dinghies as well as Airis inflatable kayaks and, new this year, the Airis inflatable airdock designed for watersports, sunbathing or cleaning a boat.

“We will also be selling a range of Feel-free gear, which includes waterproof tote bags, backpacks, travel bags and dry tubes, and a new range of tote bags under the Navig8tor brand which is waterproof and stylish, taking design to the next level,” said Ross Brain.