NZ-built new releases show Kiwi ingenuity at the Auckland On Water Boat Show
by Isla McKechnie 28 Sep 2018 22:17 NZST
28 September 2018
Sealegs' new release 8.5m Alloy Cabin combines the comfort of an enclosed cabin, the internal space provided by the all-alloy hull and the latest in Sealegs Amphibious technology © Auckland On the Water Boat Show
The Auckland On Water Boat Show’s twentieth edition runs from 27-30 September and this year have a bumper crop of new release New Zealand-built boats which span the market; from RIBS and trailer boats, to luxury launches.
Set in the heart of the City of Sails, New Zealand’s biggest on-water boat show showcases more than 200 domestic and international marine businesses, including dozens of vessel manufacturers and boat brokers. Perfectly timed to lead into the summer boating season, Auckland On Water Boat Show is the only boating expo in New Zealand where visitors can experience such a wide range of vessels on and off the water.
This years show is attracting a good attendance. Compared with 2017 numbers, Thursday patronage was up 6% and Friday was up whopping 22%!
Saturday morning has been incredibly busy and organisers are are expecting an increase in visitors again today and tomorrow.
This year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show features a number of new releases from domestic boatbuilders keen to display innovation to the Kiwi and international market.
An impressive Smuggler Strata 900 will be a stand out when the show opens on Thursday. With bright orange accents across the stainless steel, engine, and hull, offset with grey upholstery, it’s already proven to be a head turner during sea trials. Powered by twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 engines, she achieves 55 knots with the renowned, comfortable Smuggler Marine ride.
Admiral Boats NZ has hand-sculpted a luxury cruiser to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. She'll be on display at the show and available for sea trials to really give showgoers a a sense of how this boat packs features into 10 metres - catering to everything from sports fishing, to diving, to a boat for the family to head away on.
Scott Lane Boatbuilders, builders of bespoke custom launches, will proudly present Kooringal at this year’s show. The 12.8metre Elite sedan is the sixth Elite sedan variant from the Scott Lane factory and is the result of a close collaboration with the clients to ensure their ideas, requirements and dreams became a reality.
Family Boats will release its Kiwi-built 700HT combining a fibreglass hard top with a seven metre alloy hull providing the ultimate in strength, durability and comfort. It’s decked out with all the fittings including a live bait tank, hydraulic steering, sleeping infill, and provision for
electric windlass.
The 950 Sou’Wester is the next evolution from Marco Boats. Featuring a pillar-less electric dropdown window in the wheelhouse, self raising electric swim ladder, a huge amount of storage including twin freezer boxes and distinct strong lines, this boat has been collecting
awards in the fishing category this year and will appear for the first time in the show.
The bright red Stabicraft 1850 Fisher will make a bold statement at the show when it appears with Gulfland Marine. It’s a fishing weapon with Fish Pro seats, bait station, rocket launcher, 120 litre underfloor fuel, 90hp Mercury 4 stroke engine and a host of optional extras.
Sealegs’ new release 8.5m Alloy Cabin combines the comfort of an enclosed cabin, the internal space provided by the all-alloy hull and the latest in Sealegs Amphibious technology to create an unbeatable amphibious experience. The new EPS system ensures ideal steering performance on both water and land, an upgraded 35hp inboard engine provides better traction in difficult terrain and a 250hp outboard will have you comfortably cruising at 26 knots, and provide a top speed of 39 knots.
The show is in its 20th year and is New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show. It’s also the last year the show will be held in the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre for the foreseeable future. The show finishes on Sunday 30th September, and on Tuesday 2nd October the centre will be turned over to Emirates Team New Zealand as they begin to create their headquarters for their Cup campaign.
From next year the show will shift slightly to spread around the Viaduct Harbour, creating a buzzing atmosphere in the heart of Auckland’s marine precinct.
Website: www.auckland-boatshow.com