SCIBS points to gradual market recovery

FEEDBACK from exhibitors and organisers at this year's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was positive overall with steady sales signalling a gradual recovery in Australian boat market.

The four-day Show drew 424 exhibitors and 576 boats and watercraft on display.

Visitor numbers were up from last year with Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Barry Jenkins giving the final visitor tally of 39,019.

Marine Business caught up with Greg Haines of Haines Suzuki yesterday who said his network of dealers reported good sales in small portable outboards.

“We had four dealers displaying outboards and we also have a strong relationship with our OEMs, with the likes of PowerCat, Kevlacat and VoyagerCat, etc, so we had a really good presence there from a corporate point of view,” said Haines.

“Some of OEMs did really well, especially in the big horsepower end and we also did well with re-powers and portables. The 8hps and 9.9hps were strong, that was the market we were selling to at the boat show.

“I think Sanctuary Cove is a very aspirational show now, many people go there to have lunch and dream about the big boats which is great, it gets people involved in boating.”

All Marine Spares, a Sydney trade only dealer of marine parts, used Sanctuary Cove to launch its new range of Craftsman Marine diesel engines. It was All Marine's first time at SCIBS and according to managing director Leigh Francis, the show was positive with the first sale coming only hours after the opening Thursday.

“We had better than expected interest and levels of inquiry," sad Francis.

“We had solid orders being confirmed at the show with more to follow up over the coming days.

Francis said Craftsman Marine engines respond to a definite need currently in the Australian marine trade market and Sanctuary Cove proved this.

Maritimo released a statement after the show reporting an “excellent” result.

“Sanctuary Cove is a strong gauge for the market and it has certainly picked up. We have achieved our best result for three years,” said Maritimo marketing director Luke Durman.

Riviera released a statement yesterday confirming 19 new boats were sold over the four day event, including the sale of nine new 43 Open Flybridges.

“The result firmly speaks of the markets continued love of Riviera design, quality and integrity. Our new 43 Open Flybridge has truly excited the market with its exterior timeless design,” said Riviera CEO John Anderson.

Local boat builder Bruce Allison was exhibiting his new range of Allison Alloy boats through gold Coast dealer White Water Marine.

Allison told Marine Business he sold two boats at the show with another sale imminent pending an on water test this week.

"Our dealer also sold about 18 motors, including a couple 140 and 190hp and had plenty more leads from the show,” said Allsion.

Inside the pavilions Navico debuted its Sonic Hub entertainment system and received strong interest in its Simrad range of marine electronics.

“We were really surprised about the huge amount of interest in Simrad, last year the focus was more about Lowrance HDS, now more people are becoming aware of the Simrad NSE. We had alot of people through the stand with Thursday and Friday being the busiest,” said Navico director of sales and marketing Damien Weber.

Nearby in pavillion A Fusion released its 200 series stereo. This small but feature packed stereo was attracting plenty of interest from visitors and OEMs. Fusion GM Chris Baird told Marine Business this year, from a business to business perspective, was very positive with a number of OEMs expressing strong interest in the products.

“They've seen that we've matured as a company and are interested in using our products, we've been around a while now, we've moved on from the green aliens, and this show has been very good for us,” said Baird.

Upcoming Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show dates Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22 in 2011.

Dates in 2012 are Thursday, May 24 to Sunday, May 27.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive boat show report in the July issue of Marine Business and check out the videos elsewhere on this site featuring news and products from this year's show.

All Marine Spares' MD Leigh Francis

Fusion GM Chris Baird