Brisbane show 'slightly down' on numbers

'Northside Marine’s traditional chandlery display is renowned for bargains and attracting customers. - BIBS' Click Here to view large photo

Too early as yet to talk crowd figures, but Marine Queensland, organiser of the 48th Brisbane International Boat Show (August 27-31) has expressed satisfaction with the interest and sales generated.

'I think our dealers and others exhibiting are realists and are fully aware that with the current economic climate hard selling rather than order taking is demanded,' Jason Plant of Marine Queensland explained.

For anyone oin the hunt for a new Evinrude, the Brisbane International Boat Show was definitely thge place to go. Bob Wonders Click Here to view large photo

'It's still too early to gather feedback from across the board, but from what we've heard to date quality buyers have been coming through the doors. Numbers are certainly down on last year, but not dramatically so, all things considered we're pretty happy.'

As was the case with the recent Sydney International Boat Show, Brisbane exhibitors certainly deserve praise.

The Honda display at Brisbane was impressive, but not too sure about that fellow in the foreground. - BIBS - Click Here to view large photo

From industry heavyweights such as Mercury, Haines Signature, Yamaha, Cruise Craft BRP and Honda, to individual dealerships the displays and exhibits were first class.

Keith Hayes (right), Northside Marine, waxing lyrical to clients aboard a Whittley - Hayes was well-known in Sydney during his time at Hunts Marine. - BIBS - Click Here to view large photo

The Bream Classic has again proven a winner, with 10 teams contesting what proved to be a tough competition.

'Daily weigh-ins proved quite an attraction drawing plenty of interest,' Jason Plant added.

A new feature introduced for the first time at this year's proved a hands-down winner - the Kid's Zone.

'Our advertising appeared to work very well, with emphasis on free admission for those under 12-years and we had more youngsters through the doors than ever before,' he said. 'Those helping out at the Kid's Zone were run off their feet.'

As had always been the case at the Brisbane show, fishing proved a popular reason for attending, and fishing boats, fishing tackle, marine electronics, in fact anything related to angling, came to the fore.

’Shoe Man’, Joe Chavez, of Rugged Shark deck shoe fame, has the shoes and is ready for business at Brisbane or anywhere else there’s a boat show. - BIBS - Click Here to view large photo

We'll bring a full round-up of the Brisbane International Boat Show later in the week when Marine Queensland can make accurate comments on attendance and, hopefully, solid sales figures.

Fishing has always been a major factor at Brisbane exhibitions and these anglers were on the hunt for a bargain. - BIBS - Click Here to view large photo

Footnote: I've heard of early bird shoppers, but....on day one of the show, I arrived at the Brisbane Convention Centre about 15 minutes after the doors had opened. On my way in, a fellow came hurrying out, his latest purchases, two rods and a bag full of assorted fishing equipment, firmly in his hands.

by Bob Wonders