New boatbuyers were walking on water at the Sydney International Boat Show. You see, for the first time ever the temporary marina spanned the breadth of Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour.
Between the 235 boats on the marina - up from 180-odd last year - and more than 800 craft in the six undercover halls, organisers expected $300 million in new-boat sales. That equates to $1388 for every second that the show is open.
Buyers ranged from young fishers and families to empty-nesters who have downsized and realised equity in their old home. To satiate everyone's tastes, there was a diverse range of boats - but the strong Aussie dollar made this show a cosmopolitan affair. The number of new imports, and launchings from local marques, was extraordinary.
And how the crowds came. Such was the throng, it took Trade-A-Boat two whole days and four nights to see everything. One day before the final close of business, the organisers - the Boating Industry Association - had the gate number up nine per cent on the previous year. The reason for that was the number of wonderful boats demanding attention.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Our first encounter was with the honest Aussie-made Sunrunner sportscruisers. The fleet included the 3300 Classic, 3300 Deluxe, 3700LE, 3700SE and 3700HT - the "HT" denoting a hardtop.
There was a 2005 model 4800 with twin 480hp Volvo engines, bow- and stern-thrusters and all the goodies for $850,000 drive away. The new 2800 entry-level boat was slated for an October launch.
Nearby was the pretty Palm Beach 32 picnic boat with twin 230hp Yanmar motors with sterndrives, to be joined by a 32 with single 300hp diesel shaftdrive this month. Then came the sexy Italian Cranchi Zaffiro 34, which is absolute eye candy and a nice boat offshore - believe me.
Cranchi also had the new Atlantique 40 flybridge cruiser. Across the way, the local Powercat 2600 (2004 Overall Boat of the Year) and the Partycat 7.6 complete with BBQ, sunlounge, change room and loo.
The marina gangways were home to many American boats this year. There were the 2005-model 20 and 22 Walk Proline trailerable sportsfishers with excellent moulded T-tops on alloy frames; the Carver 2005 360 Sport Sedan and 360 Mariner entertainers; and the well-finished Maxum 3100SE and 3700 sportscruisers.
From the Bayliner factory came the new Meridian marque, a big 411 Fly with lots of promise. Inside the halls were the Bayliner pocket cruisers 245, 265, 285 and 305. Indoors, the Trophy walkaround sportsfishers looked doubly determined, and like real fish-boats this year. Maxum had some big dayboats and Seaswirl had its walkaround sportsfishers.
Regal cruisers from the USA strutted the catwalk with a trio of beautifully finished and typically innovative sportscruisers with the lot. The lineup went from the 3060 to the 3560, and to the stunning 4260. There was also a 2120 dayboat.
Premium US pocket sportsboat builders Cobalt had a sleek 263 along with a spread of dayboats including the 200, 220 and 240. And speaking of American dayboats, there were Glastrons (also with weekender cruisers), Larsons and Crownlines this year. Boston Whaler had a spread of 190, 210 and 240 centre consoles to go... offshore fast.
FASTER, HIGHER
There were no more impressive high-speed offshore centre consoles than those from US Hydra-Sports, which debuted in Sydney.
The 3300CC had twin 275hp supercharged four-stroke Verado outboards; the 2800CC had twin 225hp Optimax motors (see BlueWater magazine for the test); and the 180 carried a single 150hp EFI Mercury outboard.
Incredibly, the local Hydra-Sports dealer Seven Seas is the No 2 dealer outside the US for Four Winns boats (No 1 is Boatarama on the Gold Coast). Four Winns was represented by the 328 Vista sportscruiser (see test this issue), 288 Vista sportscruiser, 234 Funship and 225 Sundowner. There were also 180, 210 and 230 bowriders for summer.
There were some clever big Americans in the Sea Ray lineup - namely the innovative 455 Sedan Bridge and Sundancer boats, and a clever new 585 Sedan Bridge flagship with full-width owner's cabin, raised dinette with views, tiled galley floor and very accommodating bridge.
Indoors, Sea Ray had the biggest boats of the show, with a range of well-finished sportscruisers to 30-odd feet. Back on the marina, American Mainship had a new 400 Trawler with walkaround decks that should appeal to our market.
HOME-GROWN HEROES
Melbourne-based Caribbean had a full spread of boats including local agent Nathan Goshn's new 26, Thresher, set up for fishing. Moreover, the new 47-footer - perused by throngs of would-be buyers - with 700hp C12 Cats, 13.30 square metres of cockpit, three cabins, two bathrooms, and an enclosed air-conditioned flybridge for about $910,000 (see next issue).
Next year, the new 32 Flybridge model should be released.
Locals Mustang extended their range of sportscruisers for all-weather boating to include the 3800 Sport Top, 4200 Sport Top and 4600 Sport Top. There were the 2800 with extended cockpit, the 3200LE sportscruiser, the new car-like 3500 Sports and the 3800 Royal with the lot.
Bluewater stalwarts Black Watch had a full spread of boats including the terrific 260 Fly and 280 Fly with flush floors, the nifty 340 and 360 Fly, and the popular gameboat, the 40-footer. But it was the keenly awaited new 50 with twin 700hp Cats that was the big-game battlewagon ready to tame the high seas and high-flying marlin.
Australia's biggest boatbuilder, Riviera, had 20 boats on display in its largest ever raft-up, from the new baby 33 right up to the flagship 58-footer. A dazzling silver Riviera 51 called Fascination, on charter through skipper Bob Jones, was parading MTU 825hp motors. Riviera also launched a new clothing line, insurance and financing packages.
In the Riviera Sport series we found a new flight of fancy in the sharp 400. The boat's window lines will be changed on future models; otherwise, this was a very smart boat designed for safe bow-to-stern access for the family. Inside was a contemporary apartment-like layout with brilliant design touches like sliding Japanese-style privacy screens. Watch these pages for a full report.
WELCOME BACK COTTER
Ex-Riviera owner Bill Barry-Cotter was making waves with his new Maritimo motoryachts, which were among the boats of the show.
The brace of new 60-footers - one with an open bridge and the other an enclosed bridge - have walkaround decks and walkthrough bridges to the bow.
The five-star fully-equipped boats were unveiled to the world. They cost more than $2 million each, but they justify the cost with thoughtful, innovative design. Moreover, their cruising range is such that the boats are true trans-oceanic craft. Stand by for a big test (read: delivery trip) very soon.
Besides launching his new Maritimos, Barry-Cotter displayed a classic Riva timber runabout identical to the traditional Italian speedboats built by the legendary Italian Carlo Riva. The 28ft runabout took more than 8000 man-hours to make from cold-moulded mahogany at the Queensland Maritimo factory.
Pigavo from Queensland also had a gorgeous classic boat, the Super Squalo, fashioned from mahogany.
If money were no object, my boat of the show hailed from master big-boat artisan Dave Warren. He had two bespoke 75ft superyachts: Morpheus and the Obsession 77 named Iopener.
The sleek craft were resplendent with New York fabrics, Italian fittings and conveniences such as built-in coffee makers and home entertainment centres. You won't see much change from $5 million, but just look at the finish. Oh, my.
Another of the boats of the show was the Kiwi Salthouse 65 - a true long-range adventure machine with wonderful timber joinery, an aft galley, outdoor shower and head, fully enclosed bridge and survey-height rails to the foredeck.
The jolly Germans Bavaria had a BMB 25DC, 29DC and 32 Sport; however, the Italians were among those leading the charge Down Under.
The second biggest boatbuilder in the world, Italian Azimut, relaunched in Sydney with new backing and new boats. The gorgeous spread of motoryachts included a 42, 46, 50, 55 and 62 (see this issue). I'm told a bunch of would-be buyers are flying to Italy to examine the company's stunning new 68S express sportscruiser/entertainer.
Azimut considered this a tremendous show.
The Italian Feretti Group also had a boat on show, but unfortunately the new 62 from the Sanctuary Cove show didn't quite make it.
Yet for all this, the English Sunseekers once again stole the show, picking up awards for best marina stand and best stand overall. Its boat of the show was the new 75 Yacht.
Sunseeker, I should add, most definitely had the party of the show too. The black-tie masquerade ball was buzzing with Billecart Champagne, great catering, opera from Marina Prior and Donald Cant, and fireworks.
Sunseeker's dazzling $26-million display of luxury motoryachts included two of the new Sportfisher 37s, one with twin Volvo inboards with sterndrives and the other with triple 250hp Yamaha outboards; Manhattan 50, 64 and 74 motoryachts; Predator 61 and 68 express entertainers; and the stunning new 75 Yacht.
Compatriots Fairline had a Squadron 52 and Phantom 50, but it was Princess from the UK that stopped many more people in their tracks. Princess flashed $16.5 million in prestige motorboats from 45–65ft, including the V58 and V65 open-topped express entertainers and the P45, P50, P57 (new), P61 and P65 motoryachts.
The last few years have been more a period of consolidation, but I'm told next year is the one to watch for Princess.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE
For the first time, but not the last, yachtmakers Beneteau unveiled their established but little-known range of powerboats to motorboaters and ex-sailors Down Under.
There were some trailerable Flyer centre-console and cabin boats, but it was the mid-sized cruisers, the 760 and 9 Series, that grabbed the most attention. The 1080 walkaround motoryacht impressed couples looking for a safe boat to get around, while the new blue Swift Trawler 42 didn't last long before someone snapped it up.
Elsewhere, I found a brace of drop-dead gorgeous trailerable sportfishers from locals Seafarer - namely a Voyager 6.8 and Vamp 5.0, which could compete with imports from in terms of finish; a local Mustang Club Sport 2400 cruiser; and a trio of quaint cruisers from Marshall Lord - two 25ft cabins boats, one with an extended hardtop, plus his M23 Centre Console.
On the passagemaking or gentleman's-cruiser front there was an Offshore 48 (new 62 arriving January followed by a 66/72 in August); a Johnson 58 aft cabin with four cabins each with en suites (to be joined by a new 70 at next year's Sanctuary Cove Boat Show); and the Selene 48 from Halvorsen.
Harvey Halvorsen was also displaying his wonderful 32 and 38 Gourmet Cruisers (a 32 Fly is due from release this month). Grand Banks had a Europa 46 Aft Cabin.
Value could be found with the Australian-made Capricorn Cruiser 38, the Fairway 36 and Resort 35, the Kingfisher 54 and new 56ft aft cruiser. Local stalwart Steber had a new 4380 in survey for the Boating Industry Association in Victoria, as well as a tough 28-footer. Kay Cottee's quaint Bayview 23 putt-putt beckoned nearby for a weekend river adventure.
There was plenty of boat for your money in the Asian-made Dyna motoryachts, Primo motoryachts, Alaska 45 Fly and 45 Express classics and Kiwi-made Sea Quarters 52 flybridge cruiser.
Catamaran builders weren't to be outdone either, with a new 1040 Voyager, 9000 and 1100 Prowler, Scimitar 1010, Ventura 38 and 44, Beneteau Lagoon 43 and Lightwave 40.
Other than the big-ticket boats there were the Cruising Club with its share ownership of boats, Leisure Boating Club with its share-access boating arrangement, Finlease with finance, Geneico with its stylish boating accessories from Italy, Walcon Marina System, Caterpillar engines and a Eurocopter for that superyacht with landing pad. A big marina display by any measure.
SAIL AWAY
The cosmopolitan flavour of the Sydney International Boat Show wasn't lost on the yachting fraternity.
There was a flotilla of fanciful flyers and comfortable cruisers, and combinations thereof hailing from America, the UK, France, Finland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Denmark; hey, even Slovenia. Which is not to say the local yacht-building contingent didn't have something to keep the imports at bay.
To begin with, there was a stunning collection of must-see French yachts from Beneteau. In the cruiser-racer range were the Oceanis 373, 423 (just procured by chandlery giant and award-winning sailor Craig Whitworth), and the 423. In the racer-cruiser First range from the pen of Farr were the 27.7, 40.7 and slippery new 44.7. There was a Lagoon 410 Sailcat and a Lagoon 43 Powercat.
French friends Jeanneau were not to be outdone with the all-new Sun Odyssey 49, 40.3 and Sun Odyssey 37 and 40DS. These cruisers were joined by the Sunfast 37 and 43, both of which sail very well.
French marque Dufour had a new 44, plus a 40 and 34-footer, while Archambault had a spunky racer-cruiser on show. And there was a French J92 yacht.
There were more cats than we can ever remember at the 2004 Sydney Boat Show. We spotted the Tasman C35, GBE Sports Deck 9m, Perry 43, Seawind 1000, 1200 and, the best one ever, Seawind's new 1160. Any of them will reward with comfortable level-deck passage sailing.
Local boatbuilder Northshore had its 369 (up to about 15 boats sold) and 370 Sports. Word is there will both bigger and smaller Northshore yachts released in 2005.
On the cruising front, local Buizen had its excellent, timeless, around-the-world 48-footer. I also noted a well-made Farr 41 cruiser with raised deck and through-hull sheets and halyards.
After a long wait, Italian yard Ronautica offered a new 400 from Sydney sailor and agent James Mark Anthony. Nearby were the Mumm 30 and Farr 36OD. Regarded as the queen of fast cruising yachts, Oyster from the UK had a 53-footer and, further up the gangway, was a Swan 45 from Finland.
MATCH FITNESS
A big seller Down Under, the well-priced Bavaria range of cruising yachts has been joined by an exciting lineup of Match Series racer-cruisers this year.
Heading that contingency was the 42 Match then the 38 Match and new 35 Match. On the cruising front one could pick from the 36, 38 and 44 footers.
Proven race yachts on the club track, the X-Yachts from Denmark were making their presence felt. There were an X365 and X43. Elan, which are made in Slovenia, had a 33 and 40 footer. From Belgium came the apparently unsinkable foam-filled ETAP 37.
The German flag was flying proudly at the Hanse stand. The impressive lineup was headed by a five-star 53-footer that was this writer's imported cruising yacht of the show. Its sisterships were the 341, 371 and 411.
American yachting giant Hunter, which in typical American fashion offers more room for your money, made a serious relaunch at the Sydney Boat Show. The importers had a 33, 36 and a new big-hearted 40-footer. Established American yachts Catalina launched a new 350, plus a 310, 320, 387 and Mark II 400.
But among all this were two standouts from local boatbuilders Sydney Yachts (see news item this issue). The new Sydney 39CR and 47CR Cruiser Racers are modern, well-made sailing apartments with performance to boot. No doubt we'll be seeing a lot more of them in charter fleets, coastal and club yacht races in seasons to come.
This was by far the best of the Australian boat shows for the new-yacht buyer.
Bits 'n' pieces at the Sydney Boat Show
While the editor and others spent their time at the glamour end of the dock, Allan Whiting looked around the smaller exhibits for gear that didn't get into the limelight.
Many boaties ogle the new big-boat releases that are the major drawcards at this international boat show, but reality bites during the day - soon they're looking at more affordable new products. So we took a closer look for them.
TV RECEPTION
Most boats spend much of their time at moorings or berths, and many have TVs onboard - be they 12V units or 240V types, running off inverters or generators. Regardless of the TV type, a common problem is getting good reception in valleys or among a forest of masts.
Oceantalk Australia claims to have the problem pretty much licked with its Superdigi mobile TV tuner, which it displayed at this year's show. The system sells for around a grand, and Oceantalk claims that it's specifically designed for the marine environment.
The kit includes a set-top box that contains two digital tuners. The separate tuners process signals that are then 'added' together to eradicate ghosting and blurred images.
The box also has two video inputs for a DVD player and monitoring camera, as well as three RCA video outputs for different screens.
The kit comes with a slim infrared remote control and a pair of short, marinised, co-linear antennae, plus mounting bases. Likely positions for the aerials are on a flybridge or on mast spreaders.
For more information, tel (02) 9981 9550.
STRESS-FREE ANCHOR WINCHES
We were struck by the simplicity of this design, exhibited by Blakes Marine, with its reel stowage for rope and chain. The reel accepts existing tackle and is gear driven by an electric motor.
The company has three sizes available and the kits come complete with solenoid, circuit breaker, switches and instructions.
For more information, tel (02) 4577 6699.
SLIPSTREAM FOLDING PROPS
Launched here only last year, the Slipstream folding propeller range was a first view for many Sydney Boat Show visitors.
Unlike most other 'folders', the Slipstream type is made of cast, low-carbon 316 stainless steel that is said to be much more electrolytically compatible with shafts and saildrive components than bronze.
The shape has been designed to provide smooth, reliable blade opening, especially when engaging reverse while the boat still has forward on.
Austral Propellor Co is importing Slipstream props from the USA, and the kit includes wear plates and press-in bush replacements.
For more information, tel (02) 9533 1633.
TIDESLIDE
This is another American invention, aimed at providing pontoon-style ease of mooring at tidal berths. The heart of the system is a polyethylene block that slides on a solid 316 stainless-steel shaft.
As with pontoon mooring, the TideSlide design allows tight mooring lines, while tidal and wave movement is taken up by the blocks sliding on the shafts.
There are no bearings in the system, and the block action on the shaft is said to be self cleaning.
TideSlide kits are available with shaft diameters from 25mm up to 75mm. The shafts are fixed to mooring piles via end brackets and stainless coach screws. There's also a dual TideSlide, intended for shared mooring piles.
For more information, tel (02) 4982 9560.
ACCESS BREEZE
The kids were crawling over this exhibit at this year's show, and with an ask of three grand for the complete sail-away boat, many parents weren't looking too upset.
The Breeze is formed from virtually indestructible Roto-moulded plastic and comes with a stainless rubbing strip under the skeg. The Breeze is steered with a joystick and the 'pilot' faces forward, beside the passenger. The sail can be mast-furled on the run to reduce area in strong winds.
For more information, tel (03) 9768 3101.
WALKER BAY
The Walker Bay rigid inflatable sailing dinghy has been shown before, but nestling behind it on the stand was a new RID - rigid inflatable dinghy.
The Walker Bay RID is available in 2.70m, 2.75m, 3.05m and 3.10m sizes, depending on the type of add-a-tube the buyer wants. The tenders are capable of planing, the makers claim, and can be fitted with up to 10hp outboards.
The Angler versions have two swivel seats and a centrally positioned console.
Walker Bay boats are imported from the USA by Active Water Sports. For more information, tel (07) 5564 8077.
COASTAL LIFERAFT
The Italian-made AusSea liferaft was launched at the Sydney International Boat Show and is said to be the lowest-cost raft on the market.
An example is the four-person raft that retails for $2700, including chocks, lashing strap and hydrostatic release unit. The price increases by around $200 per additional pair of people, up to a 12-person capacity.
Another claimed advantage of the AusSea units is that there is a 50 per cent price reduction on the first scheduled service.
For more information, tel (02) 9666 4355.
FREESTYLE SIDE-LOADER
The Freestyle side-loading roof rack looks like the answer to many tinnie owners' prayers.
This all-stainless unit fits on a car or 4X4 roof - one with a sufficient load rating to handle the combined weight of the loader and the tinnie - and is compatible with most roof-rack systems.
Loading can be done manually or with the aid of a rack-mounted electric winch, and there's no need to unhitch the caravan or trailer. The Freestyle design deposits the boat on the ground the right way up and retrieves it from the same position.
The manual model sells for $1100, while the electric one will set you back $2500. For more information, tel (02) 9627 4715.
VERTICAL CAPSTAN
The Muir vertical capstan caught our eye because of its neatness - just the drum and a foot-button appearing above deck. Beneath the drum is an integrated 400W, 12V electric motor and gearbox.
Designed to suit vessels up to around eight metres in length, the Muir unit can be used for mooring, warping, anchoring, line hauling and fishing. If required, the Muir capstan can also be mounted horizontally.
The drum is chromed bronze, rotates clockwise and is driven by a stainless-steel shaft. For more information, tel (03) 6211 8811.
CRAIGCAT
This exhibit pulled us up short, as it did many show visitors. The CraigCat is another American invention and would seem to offer exhilarating performance for two. The importers stress it's not a personal watercraft (PWC) and isn't subject to the restrictions imposed on PWCs.
The hulls are made from seamless, foam-injected polyethylene, making the craft stable and unsinkable. Steering is via a simple stick system.
The CraigCat comes with a Mercury 25E motor and a bimini cover for an all-up weight of 265kg and a retial price of $13,900.
For more information, tel (02) 4946 0427.
MACH 28
The new David Lyons designed Mach 28 made its public debut at the Sydney International Boat Show, beside a MacGregor 26, on the Synergy Yachts stand.
These similarly designed boats offer the best of both worlds: trailerable yacht and sleep-aboard runabout.
The Mach 28 is noticeably larger than the MacGregor 26 and has an unbelievable amount of interior space, with 185cm of headroom throughout most of the cabin. It also meets the US Coast Guard standards for flotation and is said to be unsinkable.