3:53 AM Wed 13 May 2009 GMT
Boat owners and those intending to become one, make up a large percentage of visitors to major boat shows.
Needless to say, there's a very good reason for attending major exhibitions; a boat owner can check out what new models the manufacturer of his own vessel has released, can check out others he/she may be considering changing over to.
The novice buyer seriously considering the purchase of a boat can receive good advice from member of the various State Boating Industry Associations and can view an enormous array of craft which otherwise would involved driving all over the city of residence visiting different dealerships.
It's very much the norm for boating writers such as myself to write about the new releases planned for a forthcoming show and in this case we're talking about the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show scheduled to open next Thursday (May21) for four action-packed days.
Informing Powerboat-World readers of new releases at Sanctuary Cove is no easy task; the show's 390-plus exhibitors will be showcasing more than 80 Australian or world releases!
There'll be boats, big ones, small ones, there's marine electronics, engines, outboards, stern drives, inboards, diesels and gasoline; need a new propeller, a pair of binoculars, maybe a pair of the latest deck shoes?
Whatever your nautical needs, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show next week is where you will find all your requirements.
With 80 brand new releases planned, detailing everyone is simply not possible, but here's a selection of unveilings that rate as world firsts and will attract the attention of all who love the sea.
Tasmania's Allan Barnett Motor Yachts will display the superb High Seas 63', a magnificent motor yachts built to USL 2B survey and with a cruising range in excess of 2000 nautical miles.
What to get away from it all? Here's the way to do it.
Industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, CEO of Maritimo, regards the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as being in how own backyard.
He always strives to release a new model at the Cove and this year has outdone himself with the launch of five new models never before seen in public.
Vessels making their debut include the stylish Aegean 60 and Aegean 55, two vessels based on the highly successful Cabriolet range introduced last year, but with a sleek flying bridge added to the superstructure.
Other Maritimo vessels on the company's impressive stand will include two smaller versions of the Cabriolet C60 I the form of the C55 and C50, together with the all-new cruising motor yacht the Maritimo 56.
For those who would like to see how that fabled 'other half' lives, don't miss the chance to visit the imposing motor vessel 'Fantasea Ammari, a stunning four-decker which recently cruised the Mediterranean.
The sad news related to Riviera has become well documented lately, but fortunately for all involved the receivers of the company, Deloitte, have signalled 'all ahead full' for the boat show circuit.
Riviera will unveil its sensational 5800 Sport Yacht at the show, an innovative craft with a triple-engined Volvo Penta IPS delivering a new level of efficiency.
Other models sure to please include the Riviera 43 and 48, available in both open and enclosed flying bridge designs.
Another world debut hails from Montebello Yachts, showing off for the first time anywhere the 12.5-metre power catamaran Kai Lana, sold off the plan, in real estate talk, to a client who knew a good thing straight away.
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The legendary Brisbane yard of Norman Wright and Sons needs little introduction.
This year the company will debut its Navigator 42, able to do duty as a dayboat and a costal cruiser.
Dual Yanmar 380hp diesels, 1200-litres of fuel a fabulous fit out available in either teak or cherrywood.
Why don't you grab one, a snip at about $800,000?
Ranger Tugs will be releasing for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere the R25, a fabulous 'mini tugboat' that has generated plenty of interest worldwide.
With a Cummins 150hpo diesel, this tugboat can lope along at an easy pace with a 200-300 nautical mile range.
Most of the leading marine electronics companies are releasing a number of products brand new to the local scene.
Navico is releasing its new broadband BR24 Radar under Simrad, Lowrance and Northstar brands. Definitely a must see.
JN Taylor will unveil the latest Furuno fishfinders, while Fusion Electronics will release an entertainment system that won awards at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam earlier this year.
Looking to update your inboard communications?
Garmin is launching its VHF 100i and 200i models at Sanctuary Cove, both of which feature easy-to-read displays and eye-catching designs.
GME will release its all-new GPS navigation system, the Australian-designed GP450X.
This superb unit offers a cost effective solution for a compact, full-featured plotter suitable for any coastal, fishing or recreational craft.
Hella Marine is focusing on LED applications at the show, with highly advanced technologies applied to navigation lamps, deck floodlights, search lights and for interior and other exterior lighting requirements.
Really, we could go on and on and on...but then you would not need to visit Sanctuary Cove, 2009.
And that would never do.
Take my word for it, it's going to be a 'bobby dazzler and if boats are your go, well, as those fast talking young men selling steak knives on television would say, 'Be there'.
by Bob Wonders
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Macquarie Island, TAS
