News - Gold Coast Marine Expo Gains Momentum

Since its launch last month, the Gold Coast Marine Expo has gained momentum with strong exhibitor interest from marine industry leaders, organisers said.

Gold Coast Marine Expo spokesman, Stephen Milne said it was pleasing to see such a high level of interest within weeks of the launch.

“People are really embracing the Expo’s ideal of showcasing a totally different dimension of boating exhibition with practical demonstrations and the chance to see boats being built and serviced from runabouts through to luxury multi-million-dollar craft. The added bonus of free admission will help attract healthy crowds,” he added.

Many leading marine industry brands have confirmed exhibiting at the show including Princess Yachts, Grand Banks, Raymarine, Fleming Yachts, Geoff Lovett International, AMI Marine, Catalina Yachts, Cummins, Springwood Marine, and Relax Enterprises.

There will be a range of practical demonstrations held across the three-day event from organisations such as International Yacht Paint and Australian Marine Enterprises, both based at Gold Coast City Marina, the Expo’s venue.

General manager of International Yacht Paint, Tony Keegan said people will gain a valuable insight into marine painting and the various paints, materials and processes involved in painting a new boat or refurbishing a 20-year-old classic at its 160m² working display.

“We will have three boats on display that have been partially completed with different paint systems such as primer coats, undercoats and top coats,” said Keegan.

“We will also have educational DVDs and handouts to demonstrate the painting process and show people how easy it is to apply these products, both single and two-pack products.

“The Gold Coast Marine Expo will give people the opportunity to gain professional advice directly from industry experts before embarking on a project. We are there to guide people in the right direction,” he said.

Founder of Australian Marine Enterprises, Joe Akacich said his company would demonstrate the various stages of refit and repair in its 400m² factory.

“This expo is an outstanding opportunity for people to come to Gold Coast Marine Precinct and see work as it’s being undertaken in a safe environment, allowing people to see the different levels of contemporary and traditional boatbuilding process and skills,” said Akacich.

“We will be showcasing traditional timber boat work in the factory, some cabinetry work, stainless steel fabrication and polishing.

“We can provide refitting of any craft from six metres to 100 metres. Our most recent project was the restoration of a 23m sail-racing vessel, which was called Bobsled and now it’s called Whitebirds.

“This project was a full refit, rewire, re-engineer, redesign; and replace the old interior with a new interior. This was a 20-year-old aluminium racing boat and we have completely rebuilt it with everything from the keel to a brand-new mast and everything in between,” he said.

It is this type of project that boating enthusiasts will be able to see being undertaken and speak to the craftsmen face-to-face, organisers said.

The Gold Coast Marine Expo will be held from November 4-6 across 36 hectares at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct.

For more information about the Expo or to register as an exhibitor, phone Jodie Hall on 0447 758 884 or email info@gcmarineexpo.com.au

Photo: The Gold Coast Marine Precinct is the venue for the inaugural Gold Coast Marine Expo.