Big names at Melbourne Leisurefest

The Melbourne Leisurefest will showcase some of the best new boats from both sides of the Tasman at Sandown Racecourse from October 1-4, said the organisers.

Victoria’s three biggest boat retailers — JV Marine World, Avante Marine, and Leon and Paul Savage’s Streaker Boats — will all have their latest models on show.

With tons of storage space, stainless steel rodholders, livebait tank and folding rear lounge, its Signature Variable Deadrise Hull™ promises a smooth, safe ride.

Avante Marine has the new Bayliner 175 and, for lovers of fine New Zealand boats, the brand new Fi-Glass Cavalier makes its Australian debut fresh from its launch on the New Zealand market, where it won “Boat of the Show” at its very first appearance.

The Cavalier is a 5.4m cuddy designed for management on the water and on the road. With nearly 50 years of Fi-Glass history behind it, the Cavalier features the Fi-Glass deep-vee hull design with wide chine flats and a variable deadrise which warps to 22° at the transom.

Another Avante Marine star is the new Bayliner 175 Bowrider, designed to deliver fun, spaciousness and quality construction in an affordable family runabout, said the organisers.

Avante Marine is the biggest single marine exhibitor this year, and the Bayliner 175 heads up a long list of the latest models.

Streaker Boats is bringing the latest selection of Streaker fibreglass boats and Quintrex aluminium boats, with special Quintrex packages on offer at Leisurefest. Streaker is also supplying the $14,500 Quintrex 420 Dory package prize, which can be won in the Leisurefest passport competition.

For something completely different, the new Vic and Tas distributor for Stingray Boats from the USA will show its 5.5 metre bowrider and its mighty 7.6 metre cruiser, a $120,000 package complete with two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen.

A host of fishing tackle, boating accessories and equipment will also be on offer.

The Melbourne Leisurefest will be held at Sandown Racecourse, Dandenong Road, Springvale (Melway map 80, ref D8; GPS coordinates S37.94187 R145.20698). The show runs from Thursday, October 1 until Sunday, October 4, running daily from 10am to 5pm. Free parking is provided at Sandown Racecourse.

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for pensioners, concession and senior card holders. Children (under 15) can attend for free when accompanied by an adult.

The show is a joint venture by the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Victoria (CTIAV), the Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Victoria, and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC).

Visit www.melbourneleisurefest.com.au for more information.