Relaxation, adventure, adrenaline sports and competition are all provided by boating for pleasure of families and friends. Australia boasts both unique climate as well as waterways that make boating accessible to all, with waters offering some of the best fishing in the world.
In fact, it is estimated that over 3 million people per year are involved with recreational fishing alone, a considerably higher proportion of the national population than in many comparable countries.
One of the more important topics being addressed by the industry at the moment is that of ‘grey imports and the relationship to boater safety and compliance´. Anyone wanting to find out more about this issue, as well as the future of the fishing industry will want to attend Australia’s next big public expo on the calendar for the year, the 2012 Melbourne Boat Show being held July 5-9, 2012 at the Melbourne Exhibition centre.
All of the marine dealers and brokers in attendance at the Show are authorised to sell specific product brands in Australia, all of which must comply with Australian standards. Product which is sold through non-authorised channels is known as a ‘grey or parallel import’.
According to Boating Industry Association of Victoria‘s Clyde Batty, grey (or parallel) imports may seem very cheap on the surface, however, it is a risky investment in the longer term both financially and in terms of safety.
“By importing a boat, PWC or engine into Australia, the buyer is taking on a number of additional liabilities. They become personally responsible for all the compliance issues associated with the product and in the event of a failure – be it safety or related to build standards or emissions – they will be the one bearing sole liability for compliance,” he said.
“The best way to avoid this situation is to buy from a reputable dealer such as those who will be at the 2012 Melbourne Boat Show” or any BIA dealer /outlet.”
A number of dealers will, as always, be showcasing new product all of which feature the latest in technological advancements and are fully compliant with Australian standards.
Sea-Doo will have their new GTR 215 on hand, featuring the manufacturer’s exclusive Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system and a supercharged engine offer playful yet predictable handling now with more power from the supercharged Rotax 4-TEC marine engine. The new GTR 215 is so fully equipped with the Sea-Doo iControl technologies including iTC and award winning iBR system allowing the rider to stop 100 feet sooner than any other watercraft.
Sea-Doo will also be introducing the all-new 2012 RXP-X 260 RS offering a new look, new hull and new ergonomic design that allows riders to aggressively lean into corners and penetrate chop better than any of its musclecraft predecessors.
With their new range of small boat AIS solutions, Australia’s GME has certainly raised the bar when it comes to performance, ease of installation and affordability with their recently released Automatic Identification Systems.
GME will be launching the GME AIS range at this year’s boat shows including the AISR120- Dual Channel AIS Receiver, AIST120- Class B AIS Transceiver and AISS120- AIS antenna splitter.
Cranbourne Boating Centre will be showcasing the newest Tournament Pleasure Boat – a new entry level model, a 5.45 meter cuddy cabin designed to get young families out on the water in style yet at a respectable price. Priced at just $36,750 this vessel comes with safety gear and registration, with Cranbourne Boating Centre offering custom options for the buyer.
Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Tab™ trim tab system has been specifically designed for its award winning range of Australian-made, plate aluminium boats. Performing the same function as other trim tabs, the significance of the Bar Tab system is in its registered-design hinge mechanism which uses an electric actuator, doing away with the old-fashioned hydraulic system and alleviating problems caused by leaking hydraulic pumps and hoses.
The trim tabs themselves are constructed from super-strong 6mm anodised plate aluminium. A concept that came out of Bar Crusher’s R&D department, the anodised aluminium construction eliminates the problem of stainless steel trim tabs causing corrosion and paint disturbance – a common occurrence when stainless steel plates are fitted to aluminium boats.
52nd Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show, 5-9 July, 2012
Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, South Warf, 3006
(Melway Map 1C Ref G5)
Thursday & Saturday
5 & 7 July
10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Friday
6 July
10.00 am – 9.00 pm
Sunday & Monday
8 July
10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Door Admission: Adults – $18;
Children aged between 5 and 16 – $2;
Children under 5 accompanied by an adult – FREE;
Students & Pensioner Concession Card Holders $15 (with ID)
Online (early bird) Prices: Adults $16;
Concession $13;
Children $1;
Online-only two-day Adult Pass $30.
