CRUISE CRAFT RETURNS TO GLADSTONE
Cruise Craft said its brand is making a welcome return to the Gladstone and regional markets following the appointment of Gladstone Marine Centre as its authorised dealer.
The Gladstone region has been a solid market, said Cruise Craft, with a large number of boats being sold by the then incumbent dealer. However, with the dealership closing, a new opportunity has presented itself.
“We always viewed the Cruise Craft brand as a quality and solid competitor,” said Mick Tedford, sales manager for Gladstone Marine Centre.
“So when the opportunity came to become an authorised Cruise Craft dealer we seized the chance. There are plenty of Cruise Craft boats in this region and the fact that we have seen precious few come through this dealership as trade-in indicates the passion which Cruise Craft owners have for their boat,” he said.
“Cruise Craft customers hang on to their boat because they are good and they like them. It’s that simple.”
Gladstone Marine Centre is a 20-year established dealership which services the central Qld region, from Rockhampton in the north, Maryborough in the south, and inland to Emerald. The majority of customers are saltwater reef fishermen who often travel up to 40nm or further offshore.
“We have done our research on the Cruise Craft boats and confirmed what we had perceived to be the case... these are high quality boats,” added Tedford.
“Their finish is excellent and their manufacturing processes are right up there with the best. And we are impressed with the factory’s ability to take orders and deliver boats to customers without unnecessary delay. That’s a big plus.”
According to Peter Benston, national sales and marketing manager for Cruise Craft, the appointment of Gladstone Marine Centre is a significant achievement.
“We have been very keen to continue to support our customer base in the central Queensland region,” said Benston.
“Forming a partnership with Gladstone Marine Centre is a fabulous outcome. The dealership is an icon in the region and is highly respected by customers and the industry alike,” he said.
Gladstone Marine Centre will stock both the Cruise Craft Outsider and Cruise Craft Explorer ranges.
Cruise Craft is a wholly family owned, third-generation Australian boat manufacturing business, operating from its Brisbane manufacturing facility. Cruise Craft boats are distributed exclusively through a network of authorised dealers throughout Australia and selected international markets.