What's New At The Melbourne Boat Show?
Visitors at the 50th annual Melbourne Boat Show should allow for plenty of spare time in order to check out a stack of new boats and marine products, many of which are making their debut at the event.
Among new boats on display will be several brand new models from Haines Hunter, including the 560 Classic, the much anticipated limited series, and the re-launched SeaWasp. Streaker will display its new 6100 Navigator and small Walk Thru models, while Bar Crusher will unveil three new models — the 500CR, 620HT and the special edition 10th Anniversary 560C. Lewis Ski Boats, part of the Streaker stable, will display its Lewis Eclipse bowrider and Lewis Moomba classic mid-mount while Inverloch Marine will have a range from aluminium catamarans from Webster’s Twinfisher, including the recent slab-sided 490 runabout.
Bigger boats include the Caribbean 35 Flybridge Cruiser MK III from St Kilda Boats Sales and the Sunrunner 3100 Sports Cruiser from Leisure Boating Melbourne, while on the engine front there’s the new Volvo Penta D3 Diesel for trailerable boats and Yamaha’s new F4, F5 and F6 portable four-strokes.
Naturally there’s no shortage of gear and accessories. Inflatable surfboard manufacturer ULI Boards will demonstrate its Ultra Light Inflatable Boards for the first time in Victoria while Ugly Fish will showcase its new bi-focal sunglasses. Parks Victoria also has its new waterproof Port Phillip Recreational Boating Guide. And of course there’s an abundance of new electronics and gadgets, such as Navico’s new Simrad NSE multifunction displays and Lowrance Elite fishfinders.
The 50th Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show runs from Thursday, July 1 to Monday, July 5. Doors are open from 10am daily, with ticket prices held at last year’s levels and special half-centennial discounts for online ticket buyers.
Online ticketing offers a $2 discount on all adult and concession tickets, a $1 children’s ticket, and a special $25 two-day pass available only online. Visitors will also have the chance to win one of “50 prizes for 50 years” which can include anything from sunglasses to fishing rods to lifejackets to a Hobie kayak.
The Melbourne Exhibition Centre is located at Clarendon Street in Southbank (Melway Map 1C Ref G5).