Good Times for E Marine

1:40 AM Mon 27 Oct 2008 GMT

'Jed Elderkin is owner and partner with Evie Elderkin in Emarine.' Jeni Bone

Despite gloomy economic times, some dealers are experiencing better than expected sales. E Marine is one of them, thanks to consistent marketing, catering to a niche in the market, great location and charismatic service.

'Sales have been phenomenal,' enthuses owner, Jed Elderkin, adding that the product - US boat, Back Cove - are well suited to the market and the economic times.

'It's a high end premium product, but for people in that market, the long term cost of ownership is attractive. Our clients are very established and traditional boat owners, mostly those coming out of sail and into power for ease of management and versatility. They're looking for a traditional, no-nonsense vessel.

'Back Cove are particularly well suited to tougher times. They're low maintenance, fuel efficient, traditional design with modern materials. They are deep-vee boats capable of fairly high performance. And as far as running costs and resale, Back Cove are very competitive.'

Back Cove 29 - Emarine Click Here to view large photo

In terms of delivered units, E Marine has chalked up seven boats this calendar year, plus a couple more on order for customers.

Then at SCIBS next year, Jed says he hopes to host the world release of the all-new model, the Back Cove 37. 'They're starting hull number 1 now, so we'll confirm that soon. We also expect the Sabre 38 with Volvo Penta IPS-drive to be making its Australian launch then too.'

E Marine recently delivered its first boat to Sandringham Yacht Club in Victoria, a Back Cove 29. 'Then we have a 33 going to the Gold Coast,' Jed reports.

The company has just appointed a Queensland dealer, Peter Byrne, based in Brisbane and covering all of the state.

As Jed explains: 'Peter is the former principal of a motor dealership in Brisbane and has an extensive background in boating. He's done a lot of cruising. We struck up a relationship at the SCIBS this year. Peter was able to get onboard our boats and we negotiated a deal for him to operate E Marine Queensland for us.'

A Back Cove 33 is in the process of heading to Brisbane, to be berthed at Manly.

Back Cove boats are renowned for ease of maintenance and hard-wearing quality. - Jeni Bone Click Here to view large photo

Powered by a single diesel engine with shaft drive, coupled with a standard bow thruster for dockside manoeuvrability, Back Cove currently produces models 26, 29 and 33 feet in length. An all new 37 is set for release in mid-2009 and will be the first Back Cove to incorporate state of the art infusion moulding techniques throughout for a virtually flawless fit and finish.

In 2008, Emarine was appointed exclusive dealer for Australia and New Zealand for sister company, Sabre Yachts, representing their Motor Yacht range from 34 to 52 feet. These vessels share similar design characteristics and some features with Back Cove, but incorporate twin engines and a higher level of customization. Sabre has a 40-year history of boatbuilding and yacht construction.

More at www.emarine.com.au

by Jeni Bone