Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, 2018’s Auckland On Water Boat Show, at the Viaduct Harbour and Events Centre, promises more alloy boats than ever before.
Exhibition space on and off the water is almost sold out, says show organiser Stacey Cook. Owned and operated by boating industry body NZ Marine, The Auckland On Water Boat Show has grown in size and scope every year since its inception in 1999.
“2017 set a record for the number of aluminium boat manufacturers and importers exhibiting at the show. A few months out, it’s looking like this record will be surpassed in 2018,” says Cook.
Last year more than 20 aluminium trailer boat brands were represented; this year, there will be even more alloy boats on display, on hardstand areas and in the water. Expect models from Stabicraft Marine, Surtees, Fish City Boats, Extreme Boats, Lasercraft Boats, Image Boats, Makaira Boats, White Pointer Boats, Purekraft Boats, Senator Boats, Sportcraft, Boats, Profile Boats and more.
Many exhibitors will be conducting on-water demonstrations, something that makes the Auckland On Water Boat Show unique.
Held in late September, this show is ideally timed to meet the needs of boaties preparing for the summer boating season. Organisers expect more than 200 major New Zealand marine and international companies to exhibit at this year’s event, surpassing even 2017, which was the biggest show to date.
Outboard motors will be well represented this year, with a range of models from Honda Marine, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Motor New Zealand and Suzuki, including exciting new V6 and V8 engines.
Evinrude has confirmed it will demonstrate it’s new i-Dock joystick docking control and other manufacturers may have similar systems on display.
As usual there will be a wide range of inboard and outboard engines, solar technology, marine electronics, navigation equipment, safety devices and specialist marine services, alongside great fishing gear, kayaks, paddle-boards, trailer boats, new and used motor yachts, launches, sailing yachts and much more.
No disruptions are expected after Emirates Team New Zealand’s announcement it will use the ANZ Viaduct Event Centre, home to many of the show’s undercover exhibits, as its America’s Cup base, says Stacey Cook.
“It will be business as usual for this year’s boat show and NZ Marine will work with Emirates Team New Zealand to ensure the best outcome for exhibitors and the public at the 2019, 2020 and 2021 events.”
Show tickets go on sale June 1, 2018.