Brisbane Boat Show 2018

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat 84 Capital city yakking Inside story...

Sea Jay Aluminium Boats has been family owned and operated for over 25 years, and the name has become renowned for strength, quality workmanship and customization with the angler in mind.

Whether you’re fishing in fresh or salt, inshore or offshore, Sea Jay will provide you with a model to suit your boating and fishing needs.

Made for...

Sea Jay specialises in boats for sports anglers, offering a stable fishing platform and plenty of storage.

This month...

Steve Morgan has a run in the Elliot River aboard the Sea Jay Predaking 6.1. This giant plate boat is a beast! Check it out on page 98!

Troy Brown explores the lower Brisbane River’s kayak fishing opportunities, and uncovers a few of Brisbane’s secrets.

89 The hour of power Justin Willmer shares a few tips for prepping your kayak for prime bite windows.

94 Stessl 485 Apache Wayne Kampe takes this rig through its paces on the Gold Coast on a warm sunny day.

102 Whittley CR2800

Peter Jung has a ride in the largest towable Australian-made boat in its class on Lake Eildon.

106 Quintrex 530 Frontier Steve Morgan tests out this beauty, repping the now famous Apex hull, and powered by a Yamaha F90.

AUGUST 2018

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

A kayaker’s guide to the Brisbane River BRISBANE

Troy Brown

The much-maligned Brisbane River isn’t a place many would instantly identify as a prime kayak fishing destination. The river certainly has an image issue – its muddy brown waters and recent contamination scares do little to dispel the myth of a river in crisis. The truth seems somewhat distant from the perception, as in many respects the Brisbane River is a system that is in a state of repair.

Although understanding the history of the river isn’t necessary to enjoying a day of kayak fishing, it does give some perspective on the waterway and its marine inhabitants. Fishing in the Brisbane River isn’t on the decline. In fact, the river is possibly far healthier now than it was 100 years ago.

Most people don’t perceive brown as a good colour for a healthy waterway.

While it would certainly be nice to see a clear, blue river, this is unlikely to ever be reality. While water quality has certainly improved since dredging ceased in 1997, there are many issues that will reduce the chances of Brisbane residents ever seeing a crystal blue watercourse. Despite the sandy base throughout a large section of the river centre, the runoff sediment deposited into the area is constantly disrupted by tidal flow.

This issue is exacerbated by the deposit of contaminants into the river during periods of rain, making the possibility

The Colmslie Recreation reserve is one of many excellent launch sites. of a clean river extremely remote.

Environmental scientists are attempting methods of restoring water clarity, including planting the native Bacopa plants along the river edge to help contain the muddy banks.

However, there is great debate as to whether any of these efforts will prove successful, as the impact of urbanisation along the river is the greatest threat to any improvement in water clarity.

What does this mean for the health of the river?

Surprisingly, despite the issues caused by people on the system, the cessation of dredging has seen many fish species re-entering the river.

The river is actually fishing better than it has in many years. There is an abundance of fish and a kayak is the perfect vehicle in which to capture them.

Prior to any fishing trip in a kayak, you need to ensure you can do so safely. The river can be a dangerous place, with highspeed CityCats, cruise ships, shipping vessels and recreational boaters all sharing the same space. The simplest solution is to be aware of your surroundings, find safe areas to fish and of course be well equipped with the correct safety gear.

Be respectful of regulations in the port and ensure you maintain the requisite clearance from any regulated areas. While fishing around these areas may be enticing, being hauled away by maritime police will ruin your day.

Also, take care when large vessels pass, as bow waves can compress against adjacent structure and make the waves stand up to heights that may flip your kayak.

Travelling the river in a boat is certainly convenient, but exploring in a kayak will provide opportunities that can’t be experienced in a larger vessel. Kayaks have some significant advantages over their motorised alternatives. Stealth is a key

dedicated boat ramps that dot the city, as there is typically a wealth of parking available and simple waterside access. While carrying a kayak and launching from a beach is an undemanding task for smaller hulls, larger models with wheeled dollies will appreciate the access afforded by a wellmaintained ramp.

Brisbane City Council has a dedicated section on their website for boat ramps, which also mentions the exceptional canoe ramp and pontoon facilities along the river. Popular launch sites include the exceptional facilities at Colmslie Recreation Reserve, the Port Drive boat ramp, as well as the ramp that directly services Boggy Creek.

Although there are significant opportunities for fishing the inland reaches of the Brisbane River, most people agree the best prospects exist in the area from the Gateway Bridge to the mouth of the river. This stretch has an abundance of species, with many trophy fish being landed by anglers

large jetties and boat hulls provide cover for fish along the entire length of the river.

If there is structure, there are bound to be fish under and around it.

For those seeking sport fishing on light line, the humble bream provides plenty of entertainment.

Bream are found everywhere there is structure. Rocks wall, rubble-strewn bottoms, jetties – any cover, artificial or natural, will hold bream.

Tyson Rowan fishes the Brisbane River for bream regularly and is happy to share his experience.

“I fish for bream by ensuring I cast as tight to structure as possible,” said Rowan. “I use the tide or skip casts to get my lure or soft plastics under hulls and pontoons, even to the point of getting my lure to bounce off a pylon on the retrieve.

Like clockwork, the impact will cause bream to hit the lure immediately after, as it seems to fire them up.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to do nothing, as a bream will hit a suspended lure that you’re not working at all.”

There is plenty of structure to fish along the river’s edge.

Quality mulloway are a tough task for anglers. Tim Donselaar proved he was up to the challenge.

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AUGUST 2018

feature of kayak fishing, as well as the ability to drift over shallow areas that would otherwise ground even a small tinny. Although getting to your destination in a kayak is certainly more of an effort than using a boat, clever paddlers will use that travel time to target structure on the way to the final location. In the Brisbane River, these opportunities are immense.

Finding a launch spot is your first task. Luckily, there are numerous sites suitable for kayaks to launch along the river. The simplest sites would certainly be the

who have the knowledge and patience to target them.

Common species such as bream, flathead and tailor are in residence, along with large jewfish, snapper, threadfin salmon and even a rare barramundi.

While fish can be found along the length of the river, certain areas have a reputation for providing superior catch rates.

Aquarium Passage is known for the occasional oversize bream. Boggy Creek, the nearby Pinkenba rock wall and Claras Rocks are known to anglers as exceptional fishing zones. Pontoons,

Boggy Creek is an excellent spot for kayak fishing, as its mostly-shallow waters are ideally suited to the stealth of a small hull. Even though boats can access the area, the best fishing in this area is in the fringes, where deeper vee-shaped hulls will struggle to maintain a prolonged drift.

Tim Donselaar shared his knowledge of the area, “I like to slip the kayak in quietly at first light at the small gravel ramp on the end of Priors Road at Pinkenba.

There is a small footbridge that crosses over the water beside the ramp, which has

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 a deep hole below housing flathead, bream and the occasional larger predator.

“Further downstream, there are areas where I like to troll lures along the edge of the drop-offs, maintaining a depth of around 1.5m, so the hardbodies are running close to the bottom. This method yields plenty of flathead, as

certainly out-fish a lure; personally, since foregoing boating for kayak fishing, I no longer use bait and fish mostly with soft plastic lures. While catching live bait will be very productive on large fish, soft plastic fishing is an inexpensive and productive means of chasing most species.

and far more immersive.

While you can use a very passive approach and catch fish, some minor interaction with your lure will produce results. The easiest fish to catch for those learning how to use a lure is the flathead.

Flathead are a bottomdwelling predator, which lie in wait for a baitfish

Luke Lispet landed this solid threadfin while slow-hopping a Samaki Vibelicious 70mm Thumper Tail. well as occasional bream and cod. At the mouth of the creek, I like to work around the oil pipelines with small soft plastics and baitfish imitations. This area produces flathead, bream, flounder and tailor, but also the occasional drag-peeling monster that is likely a threadfin or mulloway.”

The choice of bait, hardbody lures or soft plastics comes down to preference.

All will catch fish. There are times when bait will

Hardbodies are more costly and frustrating when you lose your favourite on a submerged snag, but they are also highly effective for some fish. Whichever method you choose, commit to it and learn how to use it most effectively. Fishing with bait, hardbodies or soft plastics will be very frustrating if you are using the wrong technique, but will be deadly once mastered.

I find lure fishing in the Brisbane River is rewarding

lifts are undesirable. Aim to get a natural motion on your lure – nothing appears natural about a lure that nearly gets pulled out of the water by an over-zealous angler. This tea-bagging motion will account for flathead and will also attract many other species.

If you wish to take a less interactive approach, simple trolling a lure behind the kayak at walking pace will nearly always provide you with a fish.

While a simple approach works for flathead, more finesse can be required to capture other fish. Accurate casting around snags or pylons will yield hits from more aggressive predators, but just because they are aggressive doesn’t mean they’re not wary. Take care to make your lure look alive, or it will be rejected by a fish with highly developed instincts. Mimic the actions of a wounded baitfish with lifts and drop, short period of frenetic winding, pauses and twitches to entice the fish to strike.

The mulloway, possibly Brisbane Rivers most prized catch, is also one of the most difficult to hook.

These wily combatants will often mouth the lure, not fully committing to eating it, before taking a small run

Tim Donselaar with a Boggy Creek crocodile. at night is far more likely to reward the conscientious angler. Boat traffic and other disturbances will be less likely, encouraging these cautious fish to leave their cover. Deep water isn’t necessary and many excellent catches will occur in depths of only 1-2m. This seems to work best around

it’s an attractant, or simply masks your own scent is debatable.

While some doubt the safety of eating seafood from the Brisbane River, most experts agree that risks are low, provided you minimize your frequency of consuming fish from previously contaminated

roaming into its territory.

For these crocodilian monsters, the technique is simple. Get the lure to the bottom then simply make the lure hop along the river base by making a serious of small lifts and drops of the rod tip. The need for subtlety during this process can’t be overstated.

Lifting the rod tip only slightly can make a lightly weighted soft plastic lure dart a foot up into the water column, so large aggressive

Craig Lloyd with the spoils of a hard battle on light gear.

This specimen was caught using a Shads 30g vibe.

Mark Dugmore with a small cod caught on a Micro Mullet lure.

and then dropping it again.

If you strike too soon, the mulloway will ignore the lure and not give you a second opportunity. Feeling the difference between a mulloway and another species is difficult, so knowing when to strike and when to wait is agonising.

Only experience and some luck will help you bag the mighty mulloway.

If you’re targeting these behemoths, chasing them

the turn of the tide, as the mulloway leave their deep holes to chase bait moving out from shallow cover.

Search for deep holes with shallow margins and you are likely to find mulloway.

Scents like S Factor or Pro Cure will increase your hook-up rate. They don’t necessarily result in more hits, but seem to be the difference between a tentative bite and your lure being engulfed. Whether

areas.

Regardless of whether you eat or catch and release, this is a waterway that under-promises and over-delivers.

For more information on how to fish from your kayak, join one of the many Facebook groups dedicated to the sport. Local groups such as the Qld Hobie Crew, Yak Hunters Qld and various smaller groups are eager to help a fellow kayak angler.

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WHAT’S NEW BOATING AQUAYAK BANJO

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Lightweight, extremely stable, easy to paddle and available in a wide range of colours, the Australian-made Banjo is the perfect gift for kids. Like all Aquayaks, the Banjo’s rugged, one-piece construction guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment.

Designed to accommodate paddlers up to 65kg, the Banjo’s cockpit is deep moulded, lowering the centre of gravity, making it extremely stable.

The Banjo measures 1.8m x 0.6m and weighs 11kg, and features include 10-year warranty on construction and UV certification; 1 x two-piece paddle; central storage soft hatch; 2x heavy-duty handles (sides); 2x toggle handles (front and rear), 1 x paddle leash saddle; 2 x flush rod holders; cup holder; drain bung; utility pocket; self-draining cockpit; thruster (3 fins) keep for wave surfing; stackable for storage and transport.

Price: SRP $249 www.aquayak.com

EVINRUDE 10 YEAR 2 WARRANTY For the first time in Australia, Evinrude is offering a 10Year Factory Backed Warranty on all engines from 25hp-300hp inclusive, available to Australian customers purchasing at participating boat shows in 2018.

Evinrude engines already offer best-inclass fuel efficiency and torque, no break-in period and no oil changes ever. These engines also comply with and exceed new Australian emissions standards.

Telwater (manufacturer of Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats and Evinrude AU distributor) Director of Sales and Marketing Damien Duncan said the offer added extreme value and showed high confidence in the quality of the products offered to the market.

“Telwater chose to work with Evinrude as we believe it is the best outboard on the market and offers customers leading innovation in the marine industry,” Damien said, “and now we can offer industry-leading warranty coverage.”

This offer is available at all eligible boat shows by participating dealers and on factory-fitted BMT packages. For full terms and conditions head to the Evinrude website. www.evinrude.com.au

MOTORGUIDE XI3 AND 72” XI5

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The new MotorGuide Xi3 is up to 40% quieter than its nearest competitor, and a hand-held remote is included as standard.

Its SecureStep system lets users release the motor from its locked position without having to reach over it, while providing a clear visual and audible signal to confirm that it’s stowed and locked correctly.

The Xi3 also boasts the Pinpoint GPS module, which lets you focus on fishing while taking advantage of GPS functions like Anchor, Jog, Heading Lock, Route Record and more.

Available in 12V and 24V options, with thrust ranging from 55-70lb, all Xi3 models are Lowrance, Simrad and Mercury VesselView connectivity compatible.

Anglers also have the option of freshwater or saltwater variants, along with the choice of 48-60” (122-152cm) shafts. A three-blade Machete propeller is included as standard with all Xi3 models, and built-in sonar is optional for selected motors.

In addition to this, the MotorGuide Xi5 just got even better with the release of a 72” (183cm) shaft version. www.mercurymarine.com.au 86

AUGUST 2018

NEW MERCURY PRO XS MODELS

PRODUCT GUIDE

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Mercury has announced multiple new Pro XS outboards – V-8 4.6L engines in 200, 225, 250 and 300hp, along with an all-new V-6 3.4L 175hp model.

The new 200-300hp Pro XS models are built on Mercury’s new V-8 engine platform and boast a 4.6L powerhead that delivers phenomenal torque while weighing just 229kg. During testing, the 250hp Pro XS outpaced the leading competitor by 20% for 0-32km/h acceleration under heavy load while also delivering up to 16% better fuel economy at cruise.

The 200-300hp Pro XS models also feature a robust 3.2cm diameter prop shaft and are available with a next-gen Torque Master gearcase that offers a 1.75:1 gear ratio and low-water pickups on the nose-cone for added mounting and trimming flexibility. These engines are smooth and quiet at cruise.

The new 175hp Pro XS is built on Mercury’s new 3.4L V-6 platform. This large displacement engine delivers higher maximum RPM at full throttle, while providing superior fuel economy and weighing just 213kg for the 175hp. www.mercurymarine.com.au

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JL AUDIO LAUNCHES 5 MM50 JL Audio has released a new 2.8” weatherproof, powered marine source unit. The MM50 is a high-performance, single-chassis, powered source unit with outstanding audio performance and advanced features, specifically designed for marine applications.

The easy-to read, 2.8” full colour LCD display has adjustable brightness and an intuitive interface with large, easy to use backlit controls. There are flexible zone controls, including tone controls for bass, mid-range, treble and balance, independent or linked with zone 1. The built-in amplifier generates 100W of high-fidelity output.

The MM50 has a digital AM/FM tuner with Radio Data System display info (where available), and can store up to 18 AM/FM stations. It also has Bluetooth compatibility, a USB 2.0 direct-digital connection, and NMEA2000 certified compatibility.

The MM50 is has three remote controller options (each sold separately) to help you create a versatile audio command centre.

Price: SRP $449.99 www.jlaudio.com

RAYMARINE AXIOM XL

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The new Raymarine Axiom XL family is fully waterproof, and each model delivers wider viewing angles, sharp contrast, and unmatched readability in bright sun.

Axiom XL has three Ethernet ports for connecting with network sensors or with additional Axiom, Axiom Pro, and Axiom XL family displays. Axiom XL’s FLIR thermal imaging camera support enhances navigation awareness and safety, while HDMI input enables Axiom XL to serve as a remote touchscreen PC or entertainment display.

A quad-core processor supports Raymarine navigation, radar, sonar, and FLIR thermal technology for an all-in-one HD display.

Powered by Raymarine’s LightHouse 3 OS, the displays offer an uncluttered interface that is easily personalised. There’s the choice of multitouch screen control or the Raymarine RMK-10 keypad for complete remote system control of multiple Axiom XL displays.

Axiom XLs are available in 16”, 19”, 22” and 24” display sizes. The XL24 is available now, and the XL22 will be available in September.

Price: SRP $9995 www.raymarine.com.au

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IT’S JUST FLAWLESS Dan Gatkowski – fisherman

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

The hour of power BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

For years my mates and I have spoken about the hour of power when fishing, referring to the first hour of morning light and the last hour of daylight. Although this is two hours in each day, with work, families and other

or other paddle craft, it’s a great opportunity to be on the water before the waterway gets busy, which can often spook the fish and make the bite tougher. Alternatively, you can hang around for the last hour of light, when many boaties have already packed up for the day to get home and get their boat and gear cleaned up and put away.

The other thing to consider is your launch point, as you

You don’t want to take your expensive gear out on the SUP. A couple of $80 combos do the job just fine. commitments, we often only get the opportunity to fish one of these hours… the hour of power. In these low light conditions, you will often find the water comes alive with bait and the fish feed more actively, there are less shadows being cast, less visibility for the fish to spot you as easily and less boat traffic on the water. These variables and more often contribute to making this hour a hot bite opportunity.

For those of us fishing from an SUP, kayak, canoe

often don’t need to rely on a boat ramp to launch, so try and launch close to where you intend to fish to make the most of the morning or afternoon hour of power.

Here are a handful of tips to make the most of this peak bite period and a quick wrap up of a recent SUP session where I made the most of the late afternoon bite.

THE 5 PS Prior planning prevents poor performance… well you won’t catch them every time, that’s fishing, but if you only have a short period on the

water, try and line up a tide you like to fish or a species you like to target with one of the magic hours of the day and be organised. Have your vessel and kit ready to roll so you can make the most of the time available.

RIGGED AND READY Make sure you aren’t wasting the peak bite period by digging through your tackle and rigging your rods out on the water. I generally carry two rigged rods on the deck of the SUP, or up to four rigged rods in my rear rod holder setup on the kayak. I will either have both rods rigged with the same lure if I have been catching on it and am confident of repeating this success, or I will be rigged with a couple of different lures. Flathead are my favourite target species in the estuaries,

AUGUST 2018

to the water in a paddle craft. A headlamp is a great idea for your own visibility and for signalling to other watercraft if necessary. I

simple clothing choices.

Headwear, gloves, sunnies, buffs, layered tops, long sun pants, wading shoes and rain gear are just some of the

Back at the launch point - note the clear deck, with everything stowed and secured for the paddle home. however I will also target bream, trevally, mulloway and other species. A popular go-to for these species in my local waters is one rod rigged with a 2.5” paddle-tail on a 1/4oz 1/0 light wire jighead and a second rod rigged with a bulkier 3” paddle-tail on a 3/8oz 3/0 heavy wire jighead.

These two plastics have me covered from rolling the flats for bream, trevally and flathead, to fishing drop-offs for flathead and mulloway.

VISIBILITY It’s important to ensure that you are highly visible when fishing low light, especially when you’re low

The shallow water presentation also produced plenty of bites. The ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ on a 1/4oz jighead was working great.

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A fresh feed of fish for the table. An icebox is ideal for keeping your catch in optimum condition.

prefer a waterproof LED battery-powered headlamp and I always switch it on to check the power level before heading out and carry a spare set of batteries with me.

Other ways to make yourself more visible on the water include the range of lighting options from Railblaza, which are quick and easy to attach, along with high-vis and reflective clothing, a PFD with reflective tape or reflective tape or stickers attached to your vessel.

DECK ORGANISATION When fishing low light conditions, it is even more important to keep the cockpit of your vessel organised, with items leashed, secured or stowed. When fishing I have scent, a ruler, Boomerang Tool line snip, water bottle, camera and other random items on my deck, however when paddling to my spot or back to shore, especially in darkness, the camera is secured in my pocket, water bottle in my icebox and the scent, line snip, ruler and other accessories are stowed in a dry bag that is rolled up with enough air left inside to make it float.

CLOTHING Hot, cold, sunburn, insect bites and wind can all be part of it… before I scare you off the water, I just want to say that most of this can be overcome with

clothing options available to paddlers, with a lot of technical clothing available with features that include

COMMUNICATION Finally, let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be home. I always carry my phone, fully charged in a waterproof case… except for that one time when I went on my first quick SUP mission and my wife and my father were looking for me with binoculars and telescopic camera lenses… time gets away when you’re fishing and especially when you’re catching. For more extreme adventures a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is not a silly idea.

SUP TECH TIP Before we head out onto

Being able to stow loose items is a big plus on a paddle back to the launch point. quick dry, wind-proof, lightweight, UPF ratings and more. Plan your clothing to suit your adventure and you can always carry a couple of additional items in a dry bag, just in case.

the water, I just wanted to cover a small technical tip with regard to the stand up paddle board, for those who are wanting to get into the sport or have recently purchased a board. The

board that I purchased has a removable fin and on one of my adventures, where I found myself landlocked and removed the thumbscrew and fin to slide the board across the weed beds, I learned a valuable lesson…

When I next went to use the board and screw the fin in, I discovered that the thumbscrew doesn’t actually

fishing time.

Positioning the SUP about a cast distance from the bank, I drifted the channel edge, casting to the edge of the weed and hopping the plastic down the drop-off. The first 50m of bank dropped steeply into about 3m of water, so I opted for my 3” paddle-tail and 3/8oz jighead, allowing

One for the table! Note the author’s headlamp around the neck and PFD with reflective strip ready for sunset. screw into a fixed point, it in fact screws into a little plate/ nut, which was somewhere out in the ocean, as it had slid out of the fin slot. I had a quick look online and discovered that these are readily available to purchase, so I’m guessing I’m not the first and won’t be the last to make this mistake. Here’s hoping I can save a couple of others from making the same mistake! In future, if I remove the fin for transportation or other reasons, I will ensure that I screw the nut and screw together into the fin for safe storage.

Anyway, in true Aussie ‘tie it up with wire’ style I simply pushed the fin into the slot, placed a little silicone scraper from my painting kit over the slot and taped the fin in with silver tape. It was a success, and I am out of trouble until a new plate/nut arrives, along with a few spares… just in case.

LET’S HIT THE WATER! After being busy all weekend recently I made a last-minute decision to grab what was left of Sunday afternoon and launch the SUP to drift for flathead. It was the last of the run-out tide, bottoming out around dark and as I slid the SUP in at 4:30pm I figured I had about an hour and a half of

plenty of time between hops to ensure the plastic was on the bottom. With a tap, followed by a solid hookset I was connected to my first flathead, which was on the deck and then off again in the blink of an eye as it shook its head, threw the lure and launched back into the water. There are a couple of reasons why I should have netted the fish. Firstly, I would have had dinner in the icebox and secondly a fish that is going crazy on your deck has the potential to

launch unsecured items into the water.

It wasn’t too many casts before I had a fish on again! This time, I netted a flathead that measured mid 50s, and I carefully slid it into my icebox that doubles as my seat. Although it’s called an SUP, my icebox makes a pretty good seat, it’s at the perfect height and securely strapped to the deck attachment points, and I must admit I spend most of my time sitting, relaxing and taking it all in.

As the bank began to taper more slowly into the depths, I picked up the other rod and started fishing the 1/4oz jighead and 2.5” paddle-tail, casting right up into the shallows where the bait was flicking. Fish on!

A small but cranky flathead was landed, followed by another next cast and then a yellowtail pike that was also released. Flathead often school, so I paddled back to work this section again, landing two more small fish in two casts and then another for the icebox a couple of casts later.

With the sun disappearing and the tide almost still, I paddled a little further to a patch of sand at the mouth of a drain and landed a few more flathead and yellowtail pike, all of which were released, as I had one fish for dinner, along with one for our neighbour.

What had been a busy and stressful weekend had ended on a high, thanks to an hour and a half on the water that included the afternoon hour of power.

A dozen flathead and a few yellowtail pike, including a feed of fresh fish – a wind down before heading back to work and a fun session on the water.

I hope you all get an opportunity to get out on the water soon and remember to make the most of your hour of power.

See you on the water.

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SPECIFICATIONS BEAM – 2.50M DEPTH – 1.45M WEIGHT KG BOAT ONLY – 840KG BOTTOM – 4.0MM SIDES – 4.0MM PEOPLE – 6 MAX HP – 150 SHAFT – X LONG

CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY Rising Sun Townsville

Holt Marine

35 Bowen Road, Rosslea, Queensland, 4812 Phone: (07) 4779 0211 marine@risingsuntownsville.com.au

25 Queens Rd, Everton Hills Brisbane, Queensland, 4053 Phone: (07) 3353 1928 info@holtmarine.com.au

Whitsunday Outboard Centre

Gold Coast Boating Centre

1 William Murray Drive Cannovale, Queensland, 4802 Phone: (07) 4946 7286 Fax: (07) 4946 7848 woc@whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au

BlueFin Sports

57-59 Musgrave Street Rockhampton Nth, QLD, 4701 Phone: (07) 4922 2211 Fax: 07 4922 4624 sales@bluefinsports.com.au

A typical weedy channel edge and drain that will produce flathead on the run-out tide.

SEAHAWK

64 Kortum Drive Burleigh Heads Gold Coast, Queensland, 4220 Phone: (07) 5576 7388 Fax: (07) 5576 2278 sales@goldcoastboatingcentre.com.au

Precision Marine NT

30 Deviney Road, Pinelands Darwin, Northern Territory, 0829 Phone: (08) 8931 1140 precisionmarine@outlook.com.au

For more information visit www.stessl.com.au AUGUST 2018

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

Tidy up that trailer boat BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Boat ownership is a big part of my life, and I’m guessing that it’s also a big part of yours as well – or at least that you’re seriously considering it. My advice to you is this: go for it!

Boating is a multifaceted escape from the more mundane things in life.

Whether you’ve launched the boat merely for a fun run or for some serious strategies on the fish, your the time on the water is always changing.

I’ve rarely had two boating excursions that are the same, given the variation in weather and sea conditions we boaties

important items (at the end of a day on the water, they’ll probably be somewhere inconvenient) it’s a good idea to clean things up good and proper so that your pride and joy can look its best and perform just as well.

After all, the quality of a trip can depend on how well you tidied up the last time you went out.

But before we start cleaning up let’s work out some strategies for orderly management of important items.

WASH OUT THE WELL Starting at the bow, we have the anchor well. Some wells can take in a little water via the outflow at times, so you might want to check the amount of salt and other

you want to quickly drop the ground tackle.

A bit of bump and thump during a late run to the ramp can also further tangle the anchor rope after it was hastily retrieved in between sets of swells or chop. At the end of the day you should completely remove all anchor warp and clean up the well before you neatly store the anchor rope for the next trip.

You’ll appreciate this the next time you’re on the water.

ANOINT THE ELECTRIC When it comes to electric motors, even a saltwater model needs some special care. I’ve seen even the best brands fail from sheer neglect. During the boat wash down, you should put the electric motor in its

These roller marks will require some effort to clean off the fibreglass.

Metho might work but acetone will be more effective. constantly encounter.

Once the craft is home again, you need to ensure things are ‘ship shape’ for the next expedition. Along with some careful thought as to where you should put

unwanted material that’s in there with the anchor rope.

Open wells can gather all kinds of random items like tangled tackle, leaves or discarded bait or lure packets, which are annoying when

Multi-roller trailers are great, but there are times when the rollers are affected by exhaust from a diesel engine, and cause unsightly black marks on the hull. booklet that came with it.

Some spray with a lubricant is good practice as well.

As a side note, many boaters have both a hand and foot control for their electrics as a failsafe. Most people favour the hand control due to its convenience, but it’s a good idea to also understand exactly how the foot control is set up for use – either with or without a wireless link to the motor – so you should consult the handbook.

It may also have some tips on foot control use stored strategically in the boat, and it could save the day if you’ve never used the unit before.

Remember, too, that some foot controls also rely on a small battery to power

wash-out can ensure these areas are odour free.

Remember that if you use detergent of any kind you’ll need to rinse the live well, as any detergent residue will kill the next lot of livies very quickly. A thorough wash-out is necessary after detergent use.

CLEANING THE ALLOY HULL Alloy hulls are great. They’re so easy to maintain, especially if they’re unpainted, and lend themselves to all kinds of fishing. Most owners give their craft a hose-down after use, but there are other things you can do to really make things fresh and clean again. One of the kindest

ramp to help keep the boat clean. So long as other ramp users aren’t inconvenienced (and trust me, they will let you know if they are), you should clean all water marks or scum lines off the rig at the ramp while they are still damp. If that scum and other residue is allowed to dry out it becomes very hard to remove, and may even require some hand polishing to completely obliterate.

When I owned my TABS punt I found that a super quick rubdown with a soft, wet broom at a freshwater ramp removed scum and other residue about 20 times more rapidly than when I tried to clean it up at home. This tactic applies to

down-for-use position so that all salt residue is entirely removed from vital abovewater componentry. For some models it’s recommended that you remove the side plates, so you should read the small

Isolator switches are designed to cut off power, but extra insurance against power leakage is as easy as removing a battery terminal after use.

An hour in the Brisbane River caused these marks to form on a new alloy hull.

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them, so it’s smart to replace that battery regularly.

The last thing to remember about your electric is to un-plug the main power lead as a safeguard against any leakage.

FISH BOXES AND BAIT WELLS A wash-out and rub down with diluted vinegar followed by another

things an owner can do to an alloy hull, especially if it’s painted, is to get all the scum, water marks and scuff marks off that hull ASAP. If your boat has been used in the salt, a thorough hose down is a good way to get the ball rolling. If your boat has been used in the freshwater, there’s a lot you can do at the

both painted and unpainted alloy hulls.

Painted alloy hulls can be revamped at home with a wash down with a highly diluted mix of No More Tears baby shampoo and tap water. The baby shampoo cleans very well, leaves no water marks or residue and is a remarkably effective method of restoring painted

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 surfaces to their best condition. It is also very gentle on paintwork.

Lastly, when the alloy craft is declared clean enough to be put to bed before the next use, don’t simply rely upon the ubiquitous isolator switch to prevent any sneaky current leaks (which will in time cause paint bubbling and other corrosion thanks to electrolysis). It’s far better to completely remove a battery terminal if you know the boat won’t be used for a while.

CLEANING THE GLASS HULL While fibreglass hulls look super shiny, they will soil just the same as alloy.

As with an alloy hull, all electrical components should be isolated (consider removing a terminal) at the end of each use, especially if the boat is going to sit for a spell.

Cleaning a glass hull can be a bit tedious, especially when those pesky black scuff marks are showing up on the one side of the hull courtesy of rubber rollers

from the trailer.

Every wondered why this happens? Allow me to provide the answer: it’s because of a reaction between the exhaust of a diesel car and the rubber roller. If your tow vehicle is petrol powered you probably won’t be seeing it all, but if your car is an oil burner you will know what I’m on about if your trailer is equipped with rollers.

Cleaning fibreglass can be as easy as a wash down with a sugar soap or specialized detergent

Whether your boat is fibreglass or alloy, it will always benefit from a clean-up after use.

If you use detergent to clean out the bait well, ensure it’s flushed very well or the next lot of livies won’t last long.

solution, but for really tough marks – such as those diesel/rubber demons – metho might work, but acetone definitely will.

This stuff is flammable and somewhat corrosive.

I recommend gloves for handling it. Acetone is a last resort, but it’s worth the extra care for those marks on the fibreglass that are very hard to remove.

THE TRAILER? Saltwater is hard on

trailers. Every part of the trailer that has been in saltwater needs a good hosedown, and special attention should be paid to any brake assemblies. Extra hosing on all brake components is smart, and the springs should get some extra washing as well. A strategic spray of lubricant on the brake assembly’s main activation mechanism will extend its life considerably as well.

Testing the park brake

of the trailer is as easy as giving the unit a little push and applying the lever. If the trailer doesn’t stop instantly you’ll need to tighten up the cable to a small degree.

Don’t overdo this or there will be excessively hot brake discs and callipers when towing the boat.

So that’s the plan. A good clean up, everything in its proper place and your boat will be clean, tidy and ready for its next trip! Enjoy.

2017 Formosa Dealer of the Year

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Telephone: (07) 5576 7388 AUGUST 2018

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Battery black magic GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

Batteries are a force of nature to be reckoned with.

Anyone out there who has done year nine chemistry or worked in the industry will get most of it, but for a lot of us, it isn’t straightforward.

They can look fine, test fine and then really let you down. Remember that it’s not like a car where you can just get out and walk home.

For that reason alone, batteries are a vital bit of kit if your outboard relies on it to start.

to lead sulphate and water.

Supply an electrical current, that is, recharge the battery, and it reverses this chemical reaction. Neato!

BUYING THE RIGHT BATTERY FOR THE JOB There are so many types out there with varying price points, and it can get very confusing. Buying the right battery for the task at hand will ensure it provides maximum performance, life and recovery after discharge as possible.

Lead-acid battery A high quality lead acid battery will be very heavy, as it has thicker lead plates in it.

Thicker plates make it more

Regularly check your terminals to ensure that they’re tight and free of corrosion.

There are a few checks we can all do to help prolong their life, diagnose minor issues before they become major ones plus a bit of maintenance here and there never goes astray. Get comfortable – here comes the waffle.

WHAT IS A BATTERY? Basically, a battery is something that can store electrical energy in a sack of chemicals. Clearly this is sorcery and should not be trusted! Understanding a bit about them can help you look after them better and remove that evil halo that surrounds them.

CHEMISTRY When two dissimilar metals are linked together with an electrolyte, they can form a chemical reaction where electricity is produced.

You can stab a zinc nail and a copper coin in a lemon and generate about 0.9 volts – not enough to start a boat. So, for batteries with enough power to start engines, the smart people chose lead alloy (a mix of lead and other metals to give the lead plate strength) as the anode or negative pole, lead dioxide as the cathode or positive pole and sulphuric acid as the electrolyte. This produces about 2.1V. Hang on, you need 12V…. Yes, not enough; so, they joined six of them together! This gives us approximately 12.6Vat full charge. As batteries discharge, a chemical reaction changes the sulphuric acid 92

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durable and longer lasting.

Cheaper batteries that quote high cranking amps (CCA or MCA) may not last as long as the more expensive ones.

‘Maintenance’ or ‘Serviceable’ Battery These batteries often require the owner to check the electrolyte level and specific gravity (SG) of each cell via the fill caps on top and must always remain upright as their electrolyte is running liquid.

They are used for most cars and some marine ‘cranking’ batteries. The electrolyte can be topped up with distilled water or sulphuric acid. Plain tap water should not be used but could be in an emergency.

Maintenance Free Battery Maintenance free batteries are sealed and the electrolyte level does not need to be maintained. Some also have

a built-in hydrometer often called a charge level window, giving some indication of the charge in one cell (only).

Most calcium batteries are maintenance free.

Marine Battery Most marine batteries have extra reinforcing between thicker lead plates to cope with the rough ride at sea and on a trailer. They also sometimes have extra terminals so you can add accessories. Some of them are also labelled ‘dual purpose’ (see ‘hybrid’ below) so can cope with deep discharge to run accessories and high current output as required for cranking an outboard.

They will also have an MCA (marine cranking amps) figure quoted – the higher the figure, the more cranking power.

VRLA Battery VRLA stands for ‘Valve Regulated Lead Acid’. These batteries do not like to get too hot when charging. Warm is normal, but not hot. See AGM and GEL batteries below.

GEL Cell battery This is a type of VRLA battery where the sulphuric acid is in gel form rather than fully flooded plates. They are often found as deep cycle, or deep discharge batteries and have an amp hour (Ah) rating such as 100Ah rather than a cold cranking amp (CCA) or marine cranking amp (MCA) rating. Basically, they are used to slowly discharge and often used for portable 12V fridges, solar panel electricity storage, caravans, electric bow mount/trolling motors and as a ‘house’ or ‘accessories’ battery on a dual battery system.

AGM battery AGM stands for ‘Absorbed Glass Matt’, and they are also known as ‘dry cell’, ‘sealed lead acid’, or ‘non-spillable’ batteries. The sulphuric acid electrolyte in these is absorbed into a glass matt and has similar deep discharge capabilities as GEL batteries. The glass matt adds to their durability.

A battery box will keep the battery secure and out of the elements.

Calcium battery A calcium battery’s plates are still predominantly lead and the electrolyte is sulphuric acid, but calcium replaces antimony in the lead plates of the battery. Advantages include better resistance to terminal corrosion, less off gassing of hydrogen when charged and lower selfdischarge. The one major disadvantage is that they do not like to be deep discharged (allowed to run dead flat to 10 or so volts too often).

Since there is less off gassing during charging, the battery can ‘stratify’, meaning the acid is not mixed by the gas bubbles and some parts of the lead plate can deteriorate

before the others.

Calcium batteries require a slightly higher charge voltage of around 14.8V and can hit 16V rather than 14.4-14.6V for conventional batteries for maximum life. This higher voltage is delivered by battery chargers that have a ‘calcium’ setting or mode and helps mix the electrolyte to avoid stratification without smashing it with amps.

Most calcium batteries are ‘maintenance free’.

Lithium Battery These are new-tech, so expect to see a few more of these in boats as they become more affordable. Walks like a normally battery, quacks like

to provide more current. A good starter battery to suit a 70hp outboard could have 750MCA and 60Ah Deep cycle or Deep discharge battery Deep cycle batteries have less plates, but they are thicker. This provides less short-term power, but greater long-term energy delivery and can survive multiple charge/discharge cycles. A good deep cycle could have 100Ah capacity or more. The more capacity, the heavier and more expensive the battery.

Hybrid or DualPurpose batteries These batteries do their best to achieve both results, but are never the best at either

A multimeter is a quick way to check the battery. Note that some batteries read high immediately after charging. Give them an hour and recheck. If it falls below 12.6V, the battery could be on its way out.

BATTERY TERMINOLOGY Cold cranking amps (CCA) Most commonly found on car batteries, this is the amount of power (amps) that the battery can produce for 30 seconds at -18°C (0°F) before it falls below 7.2V. Marine Cranking Amps (MCA ) Mostly found on marine batteries, this measures the amount of power (amps) that the battery can produce for 30 seconds at 0°C (32°F) before it falls below 7.2.

Hot Cranking Amps (HCA ) This is the amount of power (amps) that the battery can produce for 30 seconds at 26.7°C (80°F) before it falls below 7.2V. Amp Hours (Ah) Most often quoted on deep cycle batteries, this is the number of hours the battery can supply 1 amp of current before dropping below 10.5V. E.g. a 100Ah battery can run for 100 hours if the device it is powering is only drawing one amp – In theory. However, due to discharge of the battery, while this is happening, the real-world result is often much less. The bottom line here is that an 80Ah battery has less capacity than a 100Ah battery.

Reserve Capacity (RC) This is the time (in minutes) the battery can deliver 25 Amps at 26.7°C (80°F) before it is reduced to 10.5V. Specific Gravity (SG) This measures the thickness of fluids. Battery electrolyte (sulphuric acid) is thicker than water and measures in at values above 1 while pure water has an SG of 1.000.

a normal battery, but weighed in at half the weight at around 13-14kg for a 100Ah battery. They also come with staggering warranties of six years or more, with some offering limited lifetime warranties. However, they cost in the order of $1300 to $1800 for an 100Ah unit.

Cranking or starter Battery The starter or crank battery is designed to give short bursts of high amps that are required to turn over an outboard. To achieve this, they often have a more plates than a deep cycle, but they are thinner, which offers a higher surface area

of them. For example, a decent hybrid may only have 75Ah and 650MCA. BUYING THE RIGHT CHARGER FOR THE JOB A decent battery charger is worth almost as much as the battery – sometimes more! To achieve the best life of your battery, you need a good battery charger. Battery chargers state their charge rate in amps. A rough guide is that the charger should be able to deliver about 10% of the Ah rating of your battery in amps.

For example, a 100Ah battery should be charged with a 10Amp battery charger.

A decent battery charger will be ‘multi stage’, where it gives the battery a cuddle and puts on some Barry White before it makes its move and ‘bulk charges’. Almost. Bulk charging hits the battery with the maximum current to get the charge back to where it should be. Absorption charging gives the battery a top up charge to approach 100% gently, so as not to over charge and a reduced current is supplied. Once fully charged, the multi stage charger then enters ‘float charge’ where it monitors the voltage and keeps the battery in a fully charged state.

OUTBOARD ALTERNATORS Never rely on your outboard’s alternator to

to be pull started. Take the cowl off and you may have to remove a plastic flywheel cover to expose the flywheel.

You may notice a notch in the top of the flywheel on a groove. This is for you to wedge the end of a knotted rope, wrap around the flywheel a few times and pull start the outboard. Remember that you’ll need the ignition in the ‘start’ position, and watch out for the first mate behind you as that knot can put someone’s eye out.

WHAT IS A FULLY CHARGED OR DEAD FLAT BATTERY? More chemistry. You can check the charge of your battery in two ways; either with a multimeter or a hydrometer. For voltage,

can also vary a bit between manufacturers!

Another method if you have a serviceable battery (one with caps you can take off for each cell) is to measure the specific gravity or ‘SG’ using a hydrometer. The SG is the density of your electrolyte. Fully charged batteries’ electrolyte is all thick (heavy) sulphuric acid and fully discharged battery’s electrolyte is all full of (light) runny water.

It’s a reasonably messy but accurate procedure where you draw the electrolyte up into the hydrometer and read the SG off the side scale. So, the SG for a fully charged battery should be around 1.265-1.275, at 50% charged it should be about 1.175 to

Check your outboard’s flywheel. It may have an option to pull start if your battery fails. charge your battery to 100%.

Larger motors do have better alternators, but this is not consistent. You may have done your alternator homework before buying an outboard, but this figure of alternator output amps is measured at high or maximum revs. For example, my old 70hp 2-stroke Yamaha only had a stator, not an alternator, that only delivered 10A at 5500rpm, so a weekend of stop/start lure trolling can see a battery at 70% or less! So always pop the battery on the charger after a fishing trip and it will last longer.

Smaller motors may require a regulator/rectifier installed to keep the voltage supplied to your batteries and accessories below 14V. Check with your local service centre if unsure.

WHAT IF MY BATTERY FAILS AT SEA? There are a few things you can check before firing off the flares if it is safe to do so. The number one cause of that dreaded ‘click-click’ sound of a battery not able to turn a motor over is a dirty terminal. Turn the ignition to the off position and check that both battery terminals are tight and clean. If in doubt, remove them and scratch both to reveal shiny lead and reattach them tightly. A lot of outboards also have the ability

set your multimeter to ‘DC’ voltage and place the red lead onto the positive (red) terminal and the black onto the negative (black) terminal.

The voltage of a fully charged battery varies on its chemistry.

A standard lead acid battery should be 12.6-12.7V while an AGM or GEL will be about 12.8V. A reading of 12.0V is about 20% charged and 11.8V is dead flat, so you can see there isn’t a great deal of voltage headroom there. This

1.195 and dead flat will be close to the SG of water 1.095-1.115. Thankfully, all this is written on a battery hygrometer. As you can see, these are of no use if you have maintenance free or sealed batteries and it is much easier to carry around a multimeter!

It is best to avoid fully discharging your battery and try to keep it above 12.4V or completely full at all times where possible to achieve the best life out of it.

CREATE YOUR ADVENTURES

485 SCORPION For more information visit

www.horizonboats.com.au or call your nearest dealer

Barney’s Marine Shed 3A Nissan Street Pialba QLD 4655 Phone 07 4124 3170

Neptune Marine Unit 1, 3361 Pacific Hwy Slacks Creek QLD 4127 Phone 07 3290 6370

Bluefin Sports 57-59 Musgrave Street North Rockhampton QLD 4701 Phone 07 4922 2211

Townsville Marine 943 Ingham Road Bohle QLD 4818 Phone 07 4774 3777

Gold Coast Boating Centre 64 Kortum Drive Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Phone 07 5576 7388

Whitsunday Outboard Centre 1 William Murray Drive Cannonvale QLD 4802 Phone 07 4946 7286

realservice@barneysmarine.com.au

bluefinsports@bluefinsports.com.au

sales@goldcoastboatingcentre.com.au

sales@neptunemarine.com.au

sales@townsvillemarine.com.au

mark.mcnally@ whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au

Don’t expect a day’s trolling to charge up your battery.

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Stessl 485 Apache Pro with Yamaha F75hp

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Apache handled fast turns and powered over the Seaway chop with only the slightest of bumps. At rest it was also very stable, which is a factor for family boaters to consider as well.

The power from the 1.8L F75 Yamaha was

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

It was another hard day at the office, with the sun shining gently in the early morning light, a subdued hissing of waves from the Southport Broadwater, and our morning’s work: a shiny white Stessl 485 Apache easing off its Dunbier trailer into some of the cleanest water on the east coast.

The Stessl Apache Pro is a good looking rig with a small amount of vee aft and prominent reversed chines, straight sides with around 600mm of freeboard, extruded, fully-welded decks and a full-height transom.

At 4.85m in length, it is the largest in the Apache Pro

PERFORMANCE

Main: A great looking boat on a great day! Here you can see the ample freeboard, reversed outer chines on the straight sided hull and the very clean wash. Above: This shot gives an idea of the floor depth of the Stessl plus the full height transom tucked ahead of the 75hp Yamaha.

SMART LAYOUT Surveying the 485 Apache at length, I decided that I agreed with Scott. As an uncluttered side console

SPECIFICATIONS Hull length.................................................... 4.85m Hull beam..................................................... 2.20m Depth.............................................................1.20m Bottom and Sides.......................................... 3mm Weight boat only.......................................... 370kg Min H.P........................................................... 70hp Max H.P......................................................... 90hp Number of people.................................................5 range, with 460, 450 and 440 models also available.

Scott James of Stessl Boats welcomed me aboard the all new Apache, and took pride in showing me just what the 485 offers. He explained that the largest Apache is primarily a very serious fishing rig, but added that a family looking for boating fun would enjoy it just as much.

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a near silent 3500rpm at 37.25km/h (3.71km/L) with just Scott James and I aboard.

SUMMING UP The Stessl 485 Apache is pretty much an all rounder in my view. It’s well finished, roomy, stable,

craft there was fishing room to spare, yet the addition of four seating positions also allowed flexibility in seating arrangements.

Well-padded, high backed pedestal seats for skipper and mate were installed, with the skipper’s perfectly placed aft of the console with its recessed storage box up top, grab rail

and instruments linked to the Yamaha F75.

A Raymarine sounder was mounted atop the console, although there was room to recess a 12” sounder within the console’s face depending on the owner’s preference.

There is an elevated casting deck up front, with storage underneath. This deck offers room for an angler to either sit (a seat spigot was installed), or to stand to cast.

The craft is carpeted, as you’d expect, and within the main work area there are useful features for anglers including side pockets, a 30L plumbed live well in the transom, a large underfloor storage area able to be used as a kill tank, and enough space for at least two anglers to work in comfort.

The 610mm freeboard linked to the full-height transom astern also means that on the right day you could go for a run offshore.

This boat’s versatility is one of the best things about it.

Whether it’s impoundments, estuary, the bay or bluewater work, the 485 Stessl Apache would be ideal for the job.

RIDE AND PERFORMANCE With the Apache having a 2.2m beam and the hull featuring reversed chines outside the vee, it was no surprise to find how easily and precisely the Stessl

RPM................. Speed (km/h) Economy (km/L) 1000................................ 6.60 3.38 2000.............................. 10.75 2.83 3000.............................. 29.90 3.57 4000.............................. 43.90 3.39 5000.............................. 56.20 2.57 5700 (WOT)................... 65.10 2.16 nothing short of impressive.

Although the 485 Apache is rated for up to 90hp, the F75 certainly was no slouch off the mark or lacking grunt. It provided smooth, seamless power at virtually any revs.

Silent at idle and quietly efficient at speed, the Yammy impressed me when we managed – with three aboard – just over 60km/h!

The sweetest cruising was

soft riding and inspires confidence. In combination with that smooth F75 Yamaha, it would be an ideal rig for both experts and beginners to enjoy. At around the $39,990 mark as reviewed, it’s also great value for money.

Visit www.stessl.com.au for more information or like Stessl Boats on Facebook for updates on the entire Stessl range.

With just two anglers at work it’s not hard to see additional room for a couple more to enjoy some action as well.

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

A carpeted floor throughout is a nice touch, as is the seat spigot up front. Note the high backed seats as well.

Careful placements of floor spigots allow a lot of latitude in passenger placement.

Although not full power, the 75 Yamaha did a praiseworthy job on the Stessl’s transom.

A side console makes a lot of sense on a dedicated fishing boat, and the Stessl’s was large enough to be useful without being intrusive.

A bird’s eye look at the interior reveals plenty of uncluttered work room for anglers to use to their advantage.

High backed seats for skipper and mate are a big plus for the Apache owner. The practical console is set up with a storage compartment, sounder and instruments.

The Apache’s livewell is strategically placed at the transom so anglers can easily grab a livie when it’s needed.

A plumbed live well is an asset for anglers intent on keeping live bait in top condition, and this one is a decent size.

The well formed and strong side ribs are carried under the floor of the Apache to maximize strength and rigidity.

An underfloor compartment is very useful for storage, and the Apache is set up with both fore and aft compartments.

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

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Main: Sea Jay’s 610 Preda-King is a great looking, classically designed plate boat. All of Sea Jay’s Plate Xtreme rigs are factory built and factory sold from their Bundaberg, Queensland headquarters.

Above: A steep entry flattens to 16° at the transom and provides a good balance between ride and stability. this line of boats from Sea Jay is appealing to hardcore anglers, with wait times for a build at around a year. And you can’t buy them from your Sea Jay dealer – you need to buy them straight from the factory.

That’s a good thing.

Sea Jay boats is a family business and the Glass family are happy to discuss customisation when it comes

Length overall.......................................... 6.34m Beam........................................................ 2.45m Bottom sheet............................................. 5mm Side sheets................................................ 4mm Transom deadrise......................................... 18° Capacity..........................................Six persons BMT Weight............................... approx. 1.35km Rec hp...........................................................115 Max hp......................................................... 150 Fuel............................................................. 220L AUGUST 2018

casting at a tuna or pulling in crab pots.

And with a boat that looks as sharp as this Sea Jay, we’re sure that you’ll have plenty of mates lining up for the experience.

PERFORMANCE

SPECIFICATIONS

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I love boat tests when the weather gets nasty. I especially love it when the weather gets nasty but there’s still somewhere to get some nice photos and a video to get the job done. That was our test day on the Elliott River in Bundaberg.

With a newly launched Sea Jay plate boat in tow – a PredaKing 6.1m from their Plate Xtreme range – we headed down to the ramp eager to get the new hull wet.

Sea Jay Sales Manager Garry Fitzgerald said that this model, which was launched at the 2017 Brisbane Boat Show, lasted only a day on the floor before being snapped up by an eager customer.

“There’s been a few changes to this model, including an upgrade of the hull plate size to 5mm, more deadrise and a massive 220L fuel tank, so it ticks a lot of boxes for anglers wanting an entirely seaworthy rig that you can travel a long way in to catch fish,” he said.

There’s no doubt that the design and build quality of

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what rig you’re in. I liked that when the boat landed, nothing really rattled and the hull felt rock solid.

What I also liked was that you can flush mount a couple of 12” sounders side

FMG

to putting together your dream plate aluminium boat.

The test boat was fitted with the maximum allowable horsepower in the form of Yamaha’s F150 4-stroke, the 2.7L workhorse that’s done millions of hours on boats worldwide. Quick out of the hole, the engine delivered 2.0km/L at the most economical cruising speed of 45km/h and 3800rpm. Drop the hammers to wide-open throttle and you’ll get 75km/h at 5900rpm but you’ll only get 1.1km/L. But the best bit of the test was heading out the mouth of the river and punching into a solid 20knot northerly that represented about the nastiest conditions that I’d be headed out fishing in. At a speed of around 25km/h, the upswept bow stayed high and dry –

even when we tried to bury it – and the ride was dry both punching into and riding with the slop.

Quartering, of course, will get you wet, no matter

RPM............................................. Speed (km/h) Economy (km/L) Idle.................................................... 4......... 4.3 1000................................................... 8......... 3.5 2000................................................. 12......... 1.9 3000................................................. 24......... 1.4 3800................................................. 45......... 2.0 4000................................................. 46......... 1.8 5000................................................. 60......... 1.5 5900................................................. 75......... 1.2 to side in the console. I’m a great believer that keeping the connections out of the weather makes your gear last a little longer.

As for fishability, there’s plenty of room for you and your mates to fish all around this rig, no matter whether you’re dropping for reefies,

As tested, this customer’s rig priced out at $79,590, with the electronics, eskies and aluminium trailer, however packages start at $60,195.

Visit www.seajayboats.com. au for more information or like Sea Jay Boats on Facebook for updates on the entire Sea Jay range.

Sea Jay is proud of their complementary trailers. The aluminium, fully welded I-beam trailer under this rig looks great and gave the hull maximum protection while trailering.

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

Left:Yamaha’s F150 is the maximum horsepower for this rig and delivered economy of up to 2km/L at 3800rpm. Combine that with a 220L underfloor fuel tank and there’s over 400km of range to get you to where the fish are.

Right: The hull’s 2.45m beam allows Sea Jay to place this broad console and still have plenty of space for anglers to walk around.

The big T-Top folds away for storage in some garages.

Top Left: The transom bait and rigging station combines extra rod holders with a cutting board and drink holders.

Left and Right: The starboard transom door and ladder allow for easy boarding from the water or the bank.

There are welded-in battery trays at the bow to power the electric motor up front. The test rig didn’t have one fitted.

With a few anglers on board, access is important and the Preda-King offers 360° fishability.

The new model of the Preda-King was released at the Brisbane Boat Show in 2017 with a 5mm hull sheet.

In Queensland, men are still men and pull up their anchors by hand.

The transom is as neat as it gets in an Australian-built plate boat.

Optional electric motor mounting plates are a near necessity on a modern boat and it’s a popular factory option.

You could mount a pair of 12” screens in this console. That’s some solid space available for keen anglers.

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99

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www.cruisecraft.com.au *Price shown is the ‘Manufacturers Suggested Selling Price’ excluding dealer delivery, registration and safety gear. *Boat pictured shows some optional extras which are not included in the price of $79,990 (e.g. T-Top, Marine Electronics, Cutting Board and Hull Colour).

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

Whittley CR2800 – the adventure begins - SC

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Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

The Whittley CR2800 is the largest Australian-made towable boat in its class. At Fishing Monthly we usually take no longer than a day to test a boat, but with the CR2800 we decided to go about it in a slightly different way. Beautiful Lake Eildon in central Victoria was the venue for the test, and the idea was to spend a couple of days using the boat, as we would expect a consumer to do.

SPECIFICATIONS

these boats for many years, and here is his advice.

Vehicle The car you tow with can make all the difference. Alan uses a 200 series LandCruiser for all his larger boat towing, and says it has been the best option for the business over the years. However, these days there’s a number of other cars that are suitable.

Trailer set-up All Whittley Cruiser models come on a custom Mackay trailer, and in the case of the 2800 it’s a dualaxle trailer with electric brakes. Electric brakes are an essential component of safe

Overall length �������������������������������������������������9.0m Length on trailer ���������������������������������������� 10.10m Height on trailer �������������������������������������������3.30m Width on trailer ��������������������������������������������2.49m Fuel capacity ��������������������������������������������������200L Water capacity �����������������������������������������������100L Dry towing weight ���������������������� approx. 3.35 ton Standard engine �������� Volvo Penta V6-280hp DPS Max hp ����������������������������������������������������������380hp Max people �����������������������������������������������������������9 Stay on board as we explore everything that Eildon and the CR2800 has to offer.

TOWING I can imagine that people would have concerns about towing a boat this big, and fair enough too. The size of the boat is daunting, however being under 3.5 ton and having a 2.5m beam means all you have to worry about is having the correct set-up and vehicle, not whether you need lights, signage and permits any time you want to go somewhere.

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towing with a boat this size.

The Mackay is also a drive on, drive off trailer; winching this boat by hand would not be ideal. We had no difficulty driving it on and off, it’s just a matter of taking your time. The supplied trailer made that easier.

Think long Alan’s biggest tip for towing the 2800 was to ‘think long’. It is a big boat and you need to give yourself room to turn or turn around. You should also give yourself a little extra space from vehicles in front.

Main: The CR2800 is a compact luxury cruiser with a sleek modern design and look.

Above: Alan Whittley can be very proud of their flagship boat the CR2800.

Although the trailer has assisted breaking, you still have over three ton behind you, so stopping on a dime is not going to happen.

LAUNCH AND RETRIEVE As with the towing, some care and a little practice is required when getting the 2800 on and off the water.

It is by no means difficult, however. We launched at the Jerusalem Creek ramp at Lake Eildon, and at around 64% capacity this ramp is safe but not very steep. Other than needing to have the vehicle in the water (there were plenty of smaller craft needing to do the same), getting the boat on and off the trailer was a simple two-person job. Once off the trailer, front bow thrusters assist with maneuverability.

Who would have thought it could be so hassle-free?

A CRUISER WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS Whittley Marine has been at the forefront of building

cruisers since their inception, and the CR2800 is the culmination of many years of boat-building experience. This boat combines a sleek, modern look with a clever use of space, and because the designers understand what boaters want, they provide features and options to fulfil those needs.

And feature packed it is.

Above the deck Ladders are situated

at the front and rear of the craft. The forward ladder is optional to provide assistance getting to and from the shore if you are parked on the bank, and the rear ladder gives easy access into and out of the water.

Complementing this is full walk-around side decks with rails at the bow of the boat, and a large marlin board with rails at the rear.

The rails provide some peace of mind for anyone who’s not accustomed to scampering around a vessel.

Above the cabin there is a pack rack for additional storage of larger items, and it’s a great place for any towable products or inflatables to keep them out of the way.

Marlin board The marlin board was most probably the most used area of the boat over the couple of days we were at Eildon. We cooked meals on the BBQ, we cast lures and soaked baits from it, and with the weather as good as it was on the first day, we spent plenty of time swimming from the back of it. The addition of the bait station adds to the fishing component. It has some rod storage and keeps the bait preparation out of the main cabin and away from your food and living area.

Rear cabin The rear cabin is a wonderful space to sit, relax and enjoy your surroundings.

First light at Jerusalem Creek, Lake Eildon. Time to go and explore.

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 The seating is comfortable and has a couple of table options. The main dining table is stored in the roof of the cabin, which is a fantastic solution for an item that would be very difficult to store otherwise. There is plenty of storage under all the seating and throughout the cabin area, keeping it clear to be the social space it is meant to be.

The lounge and table come together to create a double bed. Full clears can be put in place to keep insects at bay or to keep the weather out.

Galley and amenities If the rear cabin and marlin board are the social areas of the boat, then the galley provides the practical component of spending time on the boat. There is a food preparation area with a sink, a two burner mentholated spirits stove and a fridge. There is an esky under the skipper’s seat for drinks, so the fridge can be used for food items. Cooking

the weekend. Unfortunately it went untouched.

Opposite the galley is a stand up shower and toilet with a privacy door. From a family perspective this offers privacy and the ability to clean up after a days activities.

As far as our weekend was concerned, it kept five blokes looking and smelling sharp?

Forward cabin The haven that is the forward cabin has a true sense of luxury. The area has multiple configurations from a seated area with a table to a large bed. There is a lockable door for privacy for people to get changed or simply for someone to chill out and have some quiet time.

Practical things like storage under the seating and a hanging closet for your clothing ensure that the space is kept clear and tidy. There are plenty of windows for natural light during the day and a hatch that can open to allow airflow.

is at your fingertips. The throttle is comfortably positioned and the skipper has great visibility through the cabin windows. Both side windows open to assist with airflow. You can also pop your head through the electric sunroof if you need to see more while launching or manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The truly impressive feature is the new dash configuration. Housing a 16” Garmin screen, part of the Whittley Pulse system.

The Pulse system is a fully integrated digital switching system that at the touch of your finger, controls everything electronic in the boat from the lights and wipers to letting you know you are low on fuel. It has a number of modes that allow the user to set their craft up for what they want to use it for (cruise, tow, entertainment etc.). The menu includes the fuel management system,

management system and just to the side of it the toggle for the bow thrusters.

All in all a well thought out helm, that any skipper would be happy to in whether it is a short or long trip.

VOLVO PENTA V6 280HP WITH DUO PROP SYSTEM Not surprisingly the Volvo Penta V6 motor in the CR2800 came up in conversation a number of times during our time at Eildon.

From a useable space perspective there are a number of advantages of an inboard motor. First and foremost is that your cabin and deck spaces are above the motor and with the design of the CR2800 (all of the Whittley Cruisers for that matter) they have used

economy that is comparable with any outboard motor.

What we found over the couple of days was that for what is a very powerful motor it also had a great deal of finesse about it. And no I haven’t gone crazy. The Duo Prop system provides an immense amount of grip to the water resulting in excellent trust, acceleration and top end speeds. However it also allows for lower planing speeds, which means you can cruise around all day with great fuel economy.

Definitely something that you would want if you plan to be on the water for an extended period of time. The motor is also beautifully quiet.

One final observation about the inboard motor set up is that lowers the centre

experience with the CR2800, my extended family in South Australia own one and I have spent a little bit of time with them over the years. They have travelled much of the East coast of Australia with the Whittley in tow. It has offered many years of memorable experiences and many more to come.

Ultimately that is what this boat is all about. It can be towed from A to B with no hassles, launching and retrieving is hassle free with a bit of practice and the fit out offers plenty of comfort and sophistication. Spending time on this boat for whatever reason is something you are bound to enjoy and something you will want to invite your friends to come along for the ride.

Sneaking around casting lures for natives is not the primary function of the 2800. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

Lake Eildon is the home of many houseboats. We brought our own for the weekend. utensils also have a place to be stored as well as cutlery etc. The remaining space at the back of the skipper’s seat has a bar in it storing glasses and on this trip a nice bottle of single malt whiskey. This was to be the reward if you caught a Murray cod over

Overall it is a well-planned space that like the rest of the boat begs to be used.

Helm/Skippers seat The hub of the CR2800 is the driver seating area.

There is an oversized seat for the driver, which is positioned so everything

links to the Fusion sound system and the main screen can be customised to the users needs.

Other things housed on the dash are the Garmin VHF radio, the Zipwake automatic trim system (no more manual trimming), the battery

this space to the max. The comfort and functionality of the rear lounge area is a clear testament of this. Secondly only having the leg of the motor at the rear (not a big outboard) means the transom area is free of obstruction, so it can be used to cook on the BBQ, ski or swim from the back and it also provides an obstacle free fishing platform.

From a performance perspective, you get a lot of motor for your money and fuel

of gravity of the boat. This improves the stability at rest and the performance of the hull underway.

LASTING IMPRESSION The CR2800 is the flagship vessel of the Whittley fleet of boats. It is also a significant investment. This investment translates into a boat that offers a vehicle to explore this great country of ours both on land and from the water. The weekend at Eildon was not my first

Available from just under $206,000, the CR2800 comes with many standard inclusions. Go to www. whitleymarinegroup.com. au and click on the Cruiser 2800 link. There is a build a boat option that has all the information, inclusions and optional extras that are available.

This boat is well worth experiencing for yourself and has left a lasting impression on me.

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Top: The electric sunroof was great for airflow or if you needed a clearer field of vision when maneuvering around tight places.

Below: Every space was cleverly used for storage like the bar at the rear of the skippers seat.

Top: The BBQ on the rear platform was where we did most of our cooking.

Below: The back deck was fitted with a fishing station. Perfect to fish from and to keep bait and tackle out of the main cabin.

Top: The visibility from the skippers seat was fantastic. You had a clear view around the entire boat.

Below: The main dash is impressive in the CR2800.

A Garmin 16 inch screen incorporating the Whittley pulse system is the centerpiece for a one touch approach for the helm layout and controls.

The rear cabin has many configurations including a bed, a dining area with a larger table or a comfortable place to relax as pictured.

The forward cabin is the haven of the boat. It can be closed off for privacy and offers a quiet space from everything else happening on the boat. It also transforms into a comfortable bed to sleep on.

Top: The galley has a duel methylated spirits cooktop and a sink.

Left: The stand up shower with toilet has a privacy door and provides you with the ability to clean up after a days activities.

Right: If the weather doesn’t allow you to use the BBQ the food preparation area in the galley has a cooking station, fridge and plenty of storage for utensils.

Top: Clever storage is a feature of the CR2800. Here the dining table is stored in the roof of the rear cabin.

Left: Navigating your way around the Whittley is made easy with cleverly designed gates incorporated in the design. No need to step over anything.

Right: There is significant storage throughout the CR2800. This ranges from side pockets to storage under the seats, under the skippers seat and under the floor. Everything has a place so that the working spaces can be kept clear.

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

Quintrex 530 Frontier with Yamaha F90hp 4-stroke

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Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

It’s no secret that when I first tested one of the new Quintrex Apex hulls last year (we went for a run in the 590 Frontier on the Gold Coast), I said that it was the greatest improvement in hull design by the company since they first stretchformed a flared bow all those years ago.

I still stand by those comments and it seems as though the major shift in design and looks of these boats have had nearly universal acceptance by dealers and customers alike. They’re soft riding,

Main: Admittedly the test day was glamorous, but the hole shot, stability and ease of use of this Quintrex/Yamaha package were impressive.

Above: The Apex hull doesn’t bank into turns like other aluminium hulls, retaining a flat attitude throughout the manoeuvre.

SPECIFICATIONS Hull Length...............................................5.26m Beam.........................................................2.07m Depth........................................................ 1.10m Bottom and sides......................................3mm Weight (boat only).................................... 506kg Min hp.........................................................75hp Max hp...................................................... 115hp Hole Shot...................................... 4.27 seconds Number of people............................................6 beamy, deep and perform well, even with outboards well under the maximum allowable.

Recently, we got to test a Frontier 530 powered by the new Yamaha F90 – a 90hp 4-stroke 1.8L outboard released a little over a year ago. Importantly, the 106

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outboard was 45 horses less than the maximum allowable on this hull.

Replacing the older Top Enders, the Frontiers have several advantages over their predecessors. They’re beamier (and carry their beam more forward than the older rigs), have more

freeboard, are softer riding and are more stable than the older designs.

The ‘pickle fork’ bow shape is a few years old now, but is a distinguishing feature of the new generation Quintrex rigs.

I really liked the ease of access to this boat when it’s on the trailer, with a fold down ladder and an inviting transom door.

Supplied on a Quintrex aluminium I-beam trailer with their Catch-n-Release launch system, the package is both easy to manoeuvre and will tow behind virtually any vehicle, weighing in at just over 1000kg. Being a single axle, it’ll make it easier to fit into smaller,

modern garages.

The Catch-n-Release system allows you to launch and retrieve this boat very easily by yourself, making solo trips not just possible, but easy.

Although fuel metering wasn’t available on the test boat, the same motor on a smaller Frontier hull delivered 3.28km/L, meaning that this rig would easily get you over 3km/L at the most economical cruising speed.

Flat out, the test boat travelled 57km/h at 5600rpm and jumped onto the plane easily with two on board and no gear apart from safety kits. Filling the livewells, there was

no noticeable decrease in performance.

The test boat was also fitted with an enclosed rod locker in the port gunwale.

I’m not a fan of using these for anything but locking rods away at the end of the session. Anything designed where gravity can help the lid fall on your tackle will eventually do so.

I’m also a long-time critic of the underfloor storage being not more resistant to inundation.

If it rains, your tackle will get wet. For anglers with a pile of expensive tackle, this is sometimes an expensive problem.

These minor points aside, I’m in love with the package as a whole. It’s easy to launch and retrieve, ridiculously economical and easy to drive. Its high gunwales make it safer for kids and it’s customisable to a level where a serious fisher can add the electronics necessary to maximise their time on the water.

As tested, this package priced up at $55,390 and packages start at less than $50,000. Contact Brisbane Yamaha for more information. Full hull specifications can be found on www.quintrex.com.au.

Although 45hp under maximum, the 530 jumped onto the plane with ease, two-up.

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

Single-handed launch and retrieval is easy with the Quintrex Catch-n-Release system.

Access to this high-sided boat is through the folding ladder and transom door at the stern.

Synthetic decking material on the bow sheets make it a practical place to fish from (and to store anchors underneath).

Left and right: The new Frontier design boasts acres of room inside and the ability to add features like the enclosed rod locker.

Quintrex rotomolds all of their console shrouds in house. Yay for the ability to flush mount large electronics choices into the helm.

With the seats in this position, three anglers can make long runs in comfort.

Above top: The front livewell has clever baffles that help to stop slop.

Above lower: While not 100% dry storage, there’s still lots of room under the high casting decks to store your gear.

Clear fronted bait tanks are very much in fashion at the moment and with good reason – it takes just a glance to know your livies are in A1 condition.

Now that’s a casting deck. We challenge you to find a beamier casting area in any rig on the water of this length.

The high sides make the Frontier a rig that’s nearly as comfortable in the open water as it is in rivers and estuaries.

There’s not much to say about Yamaha’s 1.8L 90hp.

It’s very unlikely to let you down and has been a hit with customers since it was released last year.

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW The Brisbane Boat Show returns to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) from 24-26 August 2018. The show, being one of the largest recreational boat shows in Queensland, fills more than 20,000 square metres of floor space across four halls at the South Bank venue. With a history spanning over 50 years, this three-day celebration of recreational boating is sure to please both committed boaties as well as those new to the lifestyle.

Popular with locals and those from the city’s surrounds, the Brisbane Boat Show is where industry comes together to display and offer the best in recreational boating. The boats are the show’s heroes, but all the boating gear you might need or just want plays a big part too.

Andrew Fielding, Chairman with the Queensland Council of the Boating Industry Association Ltd who organise the 110

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event, said given Australia’s recreational boating manufacturing powerhouse lies at Brisbane’s doorstep, visitors can be assured of seeing the best and latest designs at this show.

“Boat manufacturing plays a big part of the Queensland economy and this event showcases the quality and innovation that Australia has to offer,” he said.

Over 60 organisations have booked exhibition space, and they will bring with them more than 500 vessels, which will present an excellent array of boats catering to various interests. They include fishing, waterskiing, wake boarding, personal watercraft, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boards as well as others. Once again, family cruisers are proving as popular as ever at the show.

While the show is the best place to see boats and the best place to buy boats, the BIA also aims to entertain and educate at the show. With a commitment to safe boating, show organisers have pulled together an excellent line up of government agencies to ensure visitors have the opportunity to better understand how to stay safe and maximise their time on the water. On stage will be a mix of educators and entertainers, and the fishing masterclasses make a welcome return.

All the details about the show, ticket prices, where to park and show hours can be found on the website at brisbaneboatshow.com.au.

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 YAMAHA Yamaha is excited to be exhibiting the latest in outboard and WaveRunner technology, and exclusive offers at the 2018 Brisbane Boat Show.

With the largest display of outboards and personal watercraft, there will be something for everybody at this year’s show.

From the popular F25 and F90 to the powerful F350 outboards, Yamaha aims to inspire visitors this year by dedicating their display to the various marine lifestyles that can be enjoyed on the water.

Complementing Yamaha’s outboards is Yamaha’s leading range of rigging

accessories, including Helm Master, Yamaha’s fully integrated joystick controlled docking and positioning system that makes manoeuvring large-offshore boats effortless. Other technologies include the recently updated CL-7 large display screen as well as Yamaha’s complete range of controls, gauges and high quality props.

On the WaveRunner front, 2018 sees the final production year for the Legendary SuperJet, with stand-up ski enthusiasts encouraged to get in quick before the final models are sold. Yamaha’s Rec Lite range of EX WaveRunners sees a $1500 price drop, making these fun and nimble skis even more affordable for first-time owners and experienced riders.

Yamaha is offering a number of show specials, including free rigging worth up to

The Axiom MFD from Raymarine is reinventing navigation.

With faster performance, intuitive operation, and leading-edge technology, Axiom delivers unmatched awareness, above and below the water line.

• Powered by the all new, fast and fluid LightHouse™ 3 OS • Available with built-in RealVision™ 3D Sonar • Blazing-fast quad core performance • 4-in-1 wide spectrum CHIRP sonar transducers • Rugged and sleek, all-glass construction for any helm For more information, go to raymarine.com 112

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$3200 on eligible F115 to F350 outboard models, low finance rates on boat, motor and trailer packages, plus other fantastic deals across the entire outboard range.

In relation to WaveRunners, Yamaha is offering free covers valued up to $500 on all skis sold, $1000 off all VX model skis and highly competitive finance rates for

eligible buyers.

Completing the suite of offers Yamaha Marine Insurance is offering a 30% discount on all policies for all Yamaha powered vessels at the show.

For more information, visit www. yamaha-motor.com.au, and go see the Yamaha stand at the show!

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BRISBANE KAREE MARINE 1776 Ipswich Road, Rocklea 07 3875 1600 kareemarine.com.au

BRISBANE NORTH SOUTHERN FISH MARINE 9/11 Spinnaker Dr, Sandstone Point 07 5497 6733 southernfishmarine.com.au

SUNSHINE COAST SUNSHINE COAST YAMAHA 14 Machinery Avenue, Warana (07) 5346 9981 www.sunshinecoastyamaha.com.au

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CAIRNS AUSSIE MARINE 5 Hannam St, Bungalow 07 4033 8800 aussiemarine.com.au

For more information or to find your nearest Stessco dealer visit www.stessco.com.au

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 BAR CRUSHER BOATS

EVINRUDE

Fishing Weapons will dominate the 2018 Brisbane Boat Show, with Bar Crusher’s two South East Queensland dealers displaying a large number of boats.

From the nimble 535C right up to the flagship 780HT, Queenslanders looking for a serious fishing boat will be able to view a range of Bar Crusher models suitable for all fishing styles – from casting lures in freshwater impoundments to trolling livebaits offshore.

Designed and built for Australian conditions, all Bar Crusher boats feature exclusive innovations such as the Waveslicer deep-V, non-pounding hull for an ultrasmooth ride, Rigideck engineered sub-floor system for maximum hull strength, and Quickflow water ballast technology for excellent stability at rest. All models up to the 615 hull series are also built on Bar Crusher’s industry-leading Gen2 hull.

Renowned for quality construction,

superior performance and maximum fishability (with a range of standard features other manufacturers charge as extras), every Bar Crusher boat is factory-packaged on a custom-designed trailer, which ensures towing, launching and retrieving is a breeze.

Self-centering and aligning perfectly every time, Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Catch system also allows for single-handed launch and retrieve.

As always, there will be the opportunity to secure some great boat show deals on new Bar Crusher boats. So, whether you’re a firsttime boat buyer or have owned 10 boats and you’re looking for your next one, drop by and say g’day to the team from Stones Corner Marine and Australian Marine Centre and pick-up a copy of Bar Crusher’s boat buyer’s guide to assist with your research.

For more information, visit www.barcrusher.com.au.

POLYCRAFT BOATS Polycraft Boats will be on the Brisbane Yamaha Stand at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show.

Company representatives from Polycraft will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about Polycraft’s virtually indestructible, low maintenance and affordable range of boats.

Polycraft models displayed at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show will include the 300 Tuff Tender with its legendary stability, the 410 Challenger, 450 Drifter, 480 Brumby and the 599 Frontier Cuddy Cabin. So there is sure to be a Polycraft model represented that will suit all your fishing and boating needs.

Brisbane Yamaha are Australia’s biggest Yamaha outboard engine dealership and Polycrafts sole Brisbane-based dealership. This is mainly due to their

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competitive pricing, extensive experience and excellent after sales customer service that they provide.

Brisbane Yamaha is located at Burpengary on the north side of Brisbane and can be contacted on 3888 1727, or alternatively you can contact Polycraft on 1800 336 603 or www.polycraft.com.au.

For the first time ever in Australia, Evinrude is offering ultimate coverage with a 10-Year Factory Backed Warranty on all engines from 25-300hp inclusive. This raises the bar far beyond what the current market presents, putting Evinrude well ahead of its competitors.

Customers who purchase a new Evinrude outboard at the show will receive an exclusive 10-Year Factory Backed Warranty free of charge.

In response to customer demand for proven reliability, Evinrude has taken the previously offered a 10-Year Warranty event in the USA and aligned it to the adventures of boaties.

With best-in-class fuel efficiency, bestin-class torque, no break-in period and no oil changes ever Evinrude has set out to rewrite the record book for outboard engine performance standards.

Evinrude’s direct injection engines exceed Australian emission standards and stand on

the top step of the podium in multiple industry tests. This instils confidence to venture further while saving money on fuel and reducing environmental impact.

Quintrex and Stacer, leaders in aluminium boat building and Evinrude’s Australian boat partners, have taken initiative and matched the 10-Year Warranty. Now the Brisbane Boat Show will have the best turn-key boat, motor, trailer package for customers to walk away from the show ready to make memories on the water.

Damien Duncan, Director of Sales and Marketing for Evinrude, said, “Customers are able to take advantage of an industry leading 10-Year Warranty that combines the most innovative outboard engine with Australia’s most esteemed and valuable boat brands.”

Invest in reliability and experience the outboard of the future. Offer available at all eligible boat shows by participating dealers and on Factory Fitted BMT packages. For full terms and conditions visit www.evinrude.com.au.

NORTHSIDE MARINE In 2018, the Brisbane Boat Show is going to bigger and better than ever for Northside Marine. There’ll be bringing along their best boat brands and accessories to showcase to the public – it’ll be a great day out for experienced fishers, waterski enthusiasts, and families that just like to get out on the water on weekends.

There’ll be showcasing Sportsman, Stabicraft, Surtees, Whittley, Jeanneau and Malibu; there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Sportsman Boats are a relatively new brand from the US, only about seven years old. But since its creation, Sportsman Boats have created a big name for themselves in fiberglass fishing boats. They’re some of the best family-friendly centre consoles on the market, and come well equipped for a day out on the water.

The more classic fishing boats, Stabicraft and Surtees, will also be making an appearance. Surtees is a popular choice among all fishers, thanks to its unique innovations. Anti-Roll Stability Balance makes for a stable boat, even when at rest on the water. The Quik-Hitch allows the boat to get off and on a trailer single-handed. A great little feature if you’re looking for some solo fishing out on the water.

Stabicraft boats are renowned for their superior rough water handling and durability.

Their hulls create a cushion of water when moving at high speeds, making the ride much softer, safer and drier. With a large cockpit space and a chambered design, people are free to move about and not be confined to one spot – an excellent and hardy brand of boat.

It’s not all about fishing here at Northside Marine, they’ll be taking along the more luxurious Jeanneau and Whittley boats to the Brisbane Boat Show. The Jeanneaus are inboard boats. These boats have hulls perfectly designed for joystick control systems. Jeanneau boats easily stand out from the crowd thanks to their elegant, minimal design. No bright colours needed here – the perfect kind of boat for refined taste.

Whittley Marine Group has been around since the early ‘50s – experience is their game. There’s a perfect balance between lifestyle, fishing and play. A Whittley can do it all really; these boats can come as outboards or stern drive.

Malibu Boats are a fiberglass brand – but on a whole different level. These boats are designed to max up the power and enjoyment. They’re for getting out and waterskiing. They’re the best in Surf and Wake technology, with the start of their Surf Gate design in 2012. It’s been refined over the years to create a surf experience like no other. When you think waterskiing, you’ll think of Malibu Boats.

Northside Marine Boating Parts and Accessories will be showcasing a range of bits and technology, priced to go. Popular brands such as Garmin, Lowrance and Simrad, to name a few, will all be available.

They’ve got an extremely experienced and friendly team that’ll be more than happy to help with any queries you may have. Thier main focus will be on our sounders and fishers, so you can either upgrade or get something entirely new for your boat.

For more information, visit www.northside marine.com.au.

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The new Quintrex Outback Explorer is our best tinnie yet.

And that’s really saying something! The deeper sides, more room, and storage space make the Outback Explorer hard to beat.

You’ll find yours waiting at a Quintrex dealer right now – at a great price!

Visit quintrex.com.au for more information.

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 THE HAINES GROUP An exciting array of new release outboards and show-stopping boats from the Haines Group brands will be on display at the Convention and Exhibition Centre this year.

The legendary boats from the Seafarer Boats stable will also be on display at the Laguna Boating Centre stand. An icon of Australian boating, the Seafarer brand has filled Australian waterways for over 60 years and will no doubt be popular amongst die-hard fishos at the show.

Suzuki Marine will also be there with an array of new products and plenty of Suzuki on Sale deals including the DF325A, DF350A and DF100B – Suzuki’s newest and most technologically-advanced outboards to date.

With exclusive boat show deals across the entire range, visit one of the many Suzuki dealer stands, including Australian Marine Centre, Bayside Suzuki Marine, Laguna Boating Centre, Motorsport Marine and Surf Coast Marine.

Whether you want Suzuki power for your boat, a complete boat package to get your family on the water, or you’re a serious angler set to brave all conditions, the Haines Group has a product for you at the show.

For more information, visit www.thehainesgroup.com.

Haines Signature Boats will be debuting a brand new model that will surely turn heads at the show. While they’re keeping the details under wraps, you won’t want to miss seeing this awesome new model up close. they’ll also have a great cross section of boats across our fishing, boating and cruising ranges. Their boats are perfectly suited for the waters of Queensland – a tried and tested hull that performs every time whether inshore or offshore and provides a soft and stable ride. See why these are considered some of Australia’s best built boats at the Australian Marine Centre stand.

At Karee Marine, they’ll be showcasing the latest from Tournament Pleasure Boats.

These boats are renowned for their exceptional build quality and are designed to withstand the harshest of Australian conditions.

WYNNUM MARINE Wynnum Marine will be showcasing the entire range of Cruise Craft Boats including the official QLD release of the all new F360M – a 6.35m centre console.

Wynnum Marine will once again be displaying the entire range of Cruise Craft Boats at this years Brisbane Boat Show.

They will have on display everything from the Explorer 530 through to the flagship Explorer 685 Hardtop. It will also be the official release of the first-ever (in 72 years) production centre console from Cruise

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Craft, the Fish 360 M – a 6.35m centre console featuring the all new ‘ICE’ blue gelcoat colour.

“We have watched the popularity of bowriders decrease and the need for fishing, yet family-friendly centre consoles increase.

There has been an influx of American imports many of which are over width (with towing implications) and more suitable for bays and lakes, rather than serious offshore work.

An Aussie-built console, with a large flared bow with no towing restriction designed specifically for bluewater fishing is a hole in the market we feel we have filled perfectly with the F360M. The positive response from press and the public already has blown us away and exceeded our expectations,” Danny Jordin from Cruise Craft said.

Wynnum Marine will also have a selection of Stacer Boats on display, all of which feature the all new Revolution Hull that’s softer riding and more stable than its predecessors. The new hull is used across most of Stacer’s pressed-alloy models

measuring between 4.29m and 6.2m in length – including the Sea Master runabouts, Crossfire console boats, the Assault Pro bass boats, and the all new Wildrider bowriders.

All of Wynnum Marine’s Cruise Craft and Stacer boats will be packaged with Yamaha class leading outboards. The Yamaha range of four-stroke outboard engines are the number one choice for serious boaties everywhere. Yamaha offers an unmatched reputation for reliability, design and innovation which delivers superior performance and fuel efficiency under all conditions, whether that’s heading

offshore to chase some serious fishing action or just a relaxed weekend on smooth water with the family.

This year there will some serious boat show incentives; it’s a great time to turn your dreams into a reality. For more info contact the team at Wynnum Marine on (07) 3396 9777 or head to their website www. wynnummarine.com.au.

Alternatively, call in and see why Wynnum Marine is so unique. They are ideally located beside the beautiful Moreton Bay at Fox Street, Wynnum, only about 15 minutes from Brisbane City.

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 BRISBANE MARINE This year has been massive for Brisbane Marine after receiving the 2017-18 Mercury Queensland/Northern Territory Dealer of the Year and achieving amazing sales success with their premium brands.

They are showcasing all your favourite aluminium brands including Anglapro Boats, Extreme Boats, Harris Pontoon Boats, Profile Boats and Savage Boats. They have models to suit the family wanting a small tinny for fishing the creeks and estuaries, to those wanting a cruising boat to cruise the Broadwater or over to Moreton Island, to the serious offshore bluewater fisho wanting to chase that fish of a lifetime.

For the first time in Queensland you will be able to see the all-new Profile 585 Centre Console and the all-new Extreme 795 Walkaround, which will be definite crowd stoppers!

Brisbane Marine will also have a dedicated Mercury Repower Section for all your repower needs from 2.5-300hp, and with qualified mechanics on site to answer all your engine questions and assist with repowering your boat – Brisbane Marine is your go-to boating store.

This year they are expanding their range and will have on offer the latest marine electronics from Lowrance, Simrad, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Motorguide, and JL Audio.

So if you are after a deal on a new boat, motor or some marine electronics, be sure to see the team at Brisbane Marine for great prices and the best advice.

The Brisbane Marine stand is located at Stand 415 and 423 at the northeastern end of the Convention Centre.

For further information, visit www. brismarine.com.au.

BRISBANE YAMAHA Brisbane Yamaha has a huge range of fishing boats on display at the 2018 Brisbane boat show, in Exhibition Hall 2 on stand 210.

On display will be the latest range and the leading brands Brisbane Yamaha is known for. The best-selling Baysports range of fibreglass boats and the Australianmade Quintrex range of aluminium boats, in addition to Yellowfin plate boats and Yamaha outboards.

“Brisbane Yamaha is famous for its genuine show deals and we will have massive savings across the entire range, available only at the show,” owner Aaron Goodchild said.

“Yamaha is the world’s leading outboard for a reason. It offers reliability, performance and Brisbane Yamaha backs this with a 6-year warranty on four strokes when purchased and serviced at Brisbane Yamaha. This is to give buyers peace of mind.”

“We have come up with some unbeatable value on drive away packages with the 2018 range of Baysport boats.”

Every Baysport has a purpose-built

GOLD COAST BOATING CENTRE Gold Coast Boating Centre (formerly Marine Tune) has been servicing and supplying economical boat/motor/trailer packages, large and small, to parts of Australia for over 20 years. In that time, the business has established itself as one of the top Yamaha outboard marine dealers in Australia. The commitment to the remarkable Yamaha range of engines bolsters Gold Coast Boating Centre line-up of class leading mid-range outboards and boats.

The Gold Coast Boating Centre was recently awarded the Formosa Aluminium Boats Dealer of the Year with outstanding sales of the popular Sea-Rod range of aluminium plated boats.

Dunbier Trailers also awarded the company Queensland’s only Elite Dealer in appreciation of excellent sales and customer service. The recognition also provides Gold Coast Boating Centre with trading privileges, such as highest priority production and best possible discount structure on trailers and parts and ongoing support.

If you want to get into boating or to upgrade an existing boat, Gold Coast Boating Centre stocks all sizes, ranging from 3m cartopper tinnes to the larger aluminium plate-built boats longer than 7m. Dedicated staff will advise and explain all types of configurations available for viewing.

Once you have purchased a boat from Gold Coast Boating Centre, you can rest assured that our professionally trained technicians will be servicing your boat in one of the most expertly equipped workshops in Queensland.

Your boat will provide best performance in any conditions at sea.

So be sure to go and and see the team at the Brisbane Boat Show!

For more information, visit www.goldcoastboatingcentre.com.au.

fishing or weekender model available and all Baysport models feature a full composite transom.

“Combined with the proven foamfilled fibreglass stringer system, this ensures piece of mind for the life of your boat against any chance of structural failure that you would find in other brands with wooden transoms,” Aaron said.

“This attention to detail is why Baysport is the largest selling fibreglass boat range in Queensland for the past five years! I say ask the question when you are buying a boat.”

“Before you buy any other brand of boat, do yourself a favour and water test a Baysport with the Brisbane Yamaha team, you will be impressed, I guarantee it.”

Brisbane Yamaha is Australia’s biggest selling dealer of the award winning Quintrex range of aluminium boats.

“And there’s a reason for this. We offer unbeatable prices and once again we will have the biggest display of any brand of boat at the show,” Aaron said.

Brisbane Yamaha also offers in-house Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF) and Yamaha Marine Insurance (YMI) making Brisbane Yamaha a one-stop shop for expert advice and servicing on boats.

Come and see the huge display at the show, call 3888 1727 or visit www.brisbaneyamaha.com.au

AUGUST 2018

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 HOBIE

STONES CORNER MARINE

Hobie will have its latest and greatest models on display at this year’s show. The newest addition to the fleet is the Compass – a quality, minimalistic fishing kayak that boasts an impressive blend of stability, efficiency, manoeuvrability and reliability at an affordable price.

The Compass is supplied with the MirageDrive pedal system, and has a breathable mesh seat. Borrowing design elements from the Pro Angler series the Compass offers maximum stability and an oversized cockpit and flat deck for standing.

This kayak is highly manoeuvrable, and can reach speeds not normally achieved in a kayak of its dimensions. Angling-ready features include moulded-in rod holders, H-Track accessory mounts and a Lowranceready transducer cavity. The Compass is 3.66m long, 0.86m wide, has a capacity of 181kg, weighs 39kg fully rigged and is priced at MRRP $2790.

Another new model is the 3.4m i11 Inflatable Kayak, which weighs just 29.3kg fully rigged. Over the years inflatables have had a bad rap, often regarded as poor quality, unstable and low performance. The Hobie Mirage Inflatable i11, however, offers on water performance that rivals traditional rigid kayaks.

The i11 features three chambers. The two side chambers provide rigidity, while the centre chamber provides the stability needed for fishing, stand-up and recreational use. The heavy-duty 1000 denier PVC hull features a stand-up skid pad, bungee tie-downs for accessory attachment, and convenient carrying handles making carrying and launching much easier.

Propulsion is supplied by the hands-free MirageDrive 180, which produces full power in both directions, excellent manoeuvrability, shallow water access and easy shore landings.

You can also opt to replace the MirageDrive with the included plug if you want a paddle board. The comfortable and dry Vantage CTi high-back padded seat can be easily removed to double as a beach chair.

The i11 folds down into a travel bag that also includes a pump, repair kit, cup holder and paddle. All this fits into the boot of even a small hatchback! Optional Hobie accessories allow you to pimp your kayak. The price is MRRP $3190, and you can find out more at www.hobie.com/au/en.

The team at Stones Corner Marine are excited about this year’s Brisbane Boat Show. They have some great new model releases from Sea Jay and the ever-popular range of Bar Crusher boats, all matched with Yamaha outboards.

If hardtops are what you are interested in, be sure to have a look at the eye-catching Bar Crusher 670HT and the jewel in the crown, the 780HT. Stones Corner Marine will also have the Sea Jay 630HT to add to their hardtop range of boats.

packages SCM are going to have a little surprise which will appeal to the anglers heading up north, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for that.

Once again there will be a huge range of Bar Crusher models for you to check out, with the 575C, 615C, 670C as well as the hardtops mentioned above. These boats will blow your mind with the attention to detail that both of these brands carry.

SCM will also be showcasing a range of Humminbird and Garmin electronics as well as Fusion Sound Systems in their packages as well.

If you are in the market for a new boat or just want more information on any of these boats, be sure to stop in at the Stones Corner Marine stand at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show and talk to one of their experienced sales team. In the meantime, you can find out more at www.stonescornermarine.com.au.

Also on the stand this year will be some new Sea Jay models, including the 630 Vision. The Vision is built on Sea Jay’s popular Samurai Hull, and the centre console will appeal to the serious offshore fisho with its massive cockpit space.

Other new models on display from Sea Jay will be the 460 Ranger, 490 Ranger Sport, 550 Velocity Sport TD and the 448 Avenger Sport RS. Underneath one of the

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BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 MERCURY MARINE For people interested in superior performance and first-class reliability, the Mercury Marine stand is a must-see at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show.

Mercury’s industry-leading line-up of motors has been substantially increased in recent months, and the latest outboard models will be on hand for visitors to inspect.

These new V-6 and V-8 Verado, 4-stroke and Pro XS engines are the next generation of outboards for boaters looking for the best in power, reliability and efficiency.

Of course, smaller boats haven’t been forgotten with Mercury’s ultralightweight reliable 15hp and 20hp EFI 4-stroke outboards on hand. Designed for anglers, family boaters and commercial operators, they feature battery-free EFI for fast, dependable starting, instant throttle response and better overall performance.

Also on display will be the latest MotorGuide trolling motor: the Xi3. With wireless control straight out of the box – and a whole lot more – the Xi3 is the easiest to use motor in its class, and is up to 40% quieter than its nearest competitor.

Another major attraction at the Mercury stand will be the interactive Joystick Piloting simulator. Visitors will be able to experience how Mercury joystick technology lets you easily move your boat sideways, diagonally or spin it on its axis, all the while watching your progress on a giant computer screen.

In the meantime you can find out more about the latest products at www.mercurymarine.com.

AUSSIE BOAT SALES ACT/NSW The team from Aussie Boat Sales pride themselves on providing a customised service for boaters, and service customers Australia-wide as one of Redco Trailers’ biggest suppliers, delivering trailers and new boat packages.

In the alloy plate range, Aussie Boats has partnered with Formosa and are Australia’s largest dealer of both the Tomahawk and Sea Rod ranges. Together with Ross and Duncan of Formosa Marine, Jason and Johanna from Aussie Boat Sales are stretching the boundaries of the Formosa range with the latest models on display at the show. The growing range in the Formosa line-up means they have a quality plate aluminium boat to suit every customer’s needs and budget. Jason says they have a lot of repeat customers buying their second or third Formosa, going bigger each time, which speaks volumes about the quality of these boats.

Aussie Boat Sales was just awarded

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2017 Formosa Tomahawk Dealer of the Year. This is a great credit to the business and testament to their ability to cater for customers, with the massive Honda family offering all the after-sales servicing along with a 7-year warranty.

As well as with Formosa, Aussie Boat Sales is a dealer for Caribbean Boats. Since 1958 Caribbean Boats have had a formidable reputation in the fishing and fibreglass boat market in Australia. Jason specialises in the Trailerboat range of Caribbean boats, and those anglers who know the Reefrunner and the 2300 models know just how awesome these boats are.

Jason is also the sole distributor for the Sidewinder made by Micro Cat Boats here in Australia, and will have the all-new 4m twin cat on display at the show.

“It’s a great fishing platform and we know that people are going to love the layout of this ingeniously designed boat,” he said. “You must see it to believe it, and

BRISBANE QUINTREX Attention all Southside Quintrex fans: Brisbane Quintrex is opening soon at Loganholme on Brisbane’s Southside.

They will be offering a sneak-peak at the show of the massive display on the highway in Loganholme.

Brisbane’s newest Quintrex dealer will offer the newest range of Quintrex models and Evinrude outboards.

“On display will be the latest range of Australian-made Quintrex range of aluminium boats, in addition to Evinrude ETEC outboards,” owner Aaron Goodchild said. “We will be offering some genuine show deals with BMT packages on display.”

This business is owned by Aaron Goodchild of Brisbane Yamaha fame, and will service the huge demand of boat buyers on the south of Brisbane.

According to Mr Goodchild, the

Loganholme area has traditionally been a large Quintrex-buying area.

“I am excited to be offering the bestselling range of Quintrex boats to this growing audience,” he said. “With the exit of carburetted two-stroke outboards, we see an opportunity for the powerful and clean E-Tec outboards in the market.”

The Quintrex range features the new APEX hull from Australia’s largest boat builder.

“This new hull is ground-breaking,” Mr Goodchild said. “It is designed to offer a soft, safe and dry ride, and sets a new standard in aluminium hull design.”

Brisbane Quintrex is located at 3775 Pacific Hwy, Loganholme. For more information visit them at the show on stand 205 in Exhibition Hall 2 or online at www.brisbanequintrex.com.au.

like all our brands it is great quality and at the right price. This boat is definitely a boat that combines brand new ideas with a no-nonsense well-designed boat which caters for just about any type of usage, including in the commercial market and marina-style operations as a hire or work boat.”

Aussie Boat Sales has also just become the main distributor for Black Dog Cat plate alloy twin hull boats coming out of New Zealand in the North Island. The Black Dog Cat range is well known for their build quality, performance and stability in the rough seas of New Zealand.

“We know the Aussie market will love these boats, and after testing them ourselves in New Zealand the performance is unbelievable,” Jason said.

Show visitors can check out the ground-breaking 630 Enclosed Cab with walkthrough, a 510 Cuddy with folding rocket launchers and the 410 Side Console with enough room to swing a cat. These boats are ready for demonstration and water tests, and if you want more information you can contact the team and they can forward video footage and brochures.

All of Aussie Boat Sales’ business partners have jumped on board the aussieboatsales360.com.au website, which

is completely new experience in buying a new boat. The fully interactive online showroom will take you on boat tours and help you decide on the style and options of the perfect boat for you.

“We at ABS thank all of our business partners for supporting this,” Jason said, “and we are looking forward to showing and entertaining our customers with a whole new buying experience.”

Aussie Boat Sales are also one of Australia’s largest Honda Marine dealers, and are major business partners with Garmin, Redco-Tinka galvanised and aluminium boat trailers, Fusion Electronics, Sam Allen Wholesale Marine Products, Minn Kota, Savwinch, Horizon Aluminium Boats, Spotters Sunglasses, Railblaza Deck Hardware, Solas Propellers by AMS, Aussie Boat Transport and Freight, Ozzy Tyres ACT, Dometic Group (Waeco fridges and cookers), Mobile Boat Covers and Marine, X-Factor Wraps and Signage in Sydney, Marine Graphics Ink Victoria, Mid North Coast Trucks - Isuzu - Macksville, Boat Names Australia, and the BIA throughout Australia.

ABS are also partners with Club Marine insurance, and you can find out more about the entire range at www.aussieboatsales360.com.au.

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07 3397 9766

www.stonescornermarine.com.au

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW 2018 FORMOSA Formosa Marine, based in Brisbane, is a leader in Australian plate boat design and manufacturing. The release of the X Bowrider has proven to be very popular, and it’s available in Formosa’s iconic Tomahawk brand and their Sea-Rod brand, with innovative counterbalance water ballast and transom features.

Formosa Marine are known for quality, safety and performance, and the new X Bowrider is no exception. Features on the X uniquely allow for the perfect crossover boat. You can enjoy family skiing one day, and transform the X for offshore fishing the next.

The X Bowrider has a raised dash and bollard seating position for offshore adventures. Formosa’s V2 Hull provides superior performance, safety and strength, with a softer ride, extra floor structure, solid under-footing, high sides, wide deck space and large forward seating area. The cushioned bow seating encompasses a large

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accessible storage area underneath, and removable cushions and centre board in which to create the perfect fishing platform.

Designed by Formosa Marine, the X Bowrider Rocket Launcher is unique on an aluminium plate boat. It’s welded for strength and stability, with a fold-down design for storing the boat undercover. Fully welded onto the launcher are three grab rails, four rod holders and a ski/wake pole. The unique ‘knuckle’ design features exposed perforated ali plate on the outside, and inside it has the perfect housing for speakers.

Other design features include the new folding side seats which Formosa added to their long list of optional extras for custom designing your boat. The X Bowrider has two side seats as standard and an optional third folding back seat. It’s a very practical feature, sitting low for safety, and allows seating for up to six people. When it’s not needed it all folds away to enhance the generous freeboard Formosa Marine is known for.

The versatile Formosa X Bowrider is available in a Classic range in sizes 520, 550 and 580, and in an Offshore range with self-draining decks from sizes 520 to the new 740. This model will be on display at the boat show for 2018.

For Formosa Tomahawk pricing and sales contact your local dealer. You can find a list of Tomahawk and Sea-Rod dealers at www.formosamarineboats.com.au.

RAYMARINE What turns a chartplotter into a multifunction display? Performance, technology and connectivity. In this spirit, Raymarine is pleased to announce LightHouse version 3.4, the latest free update to Raymarine’s LightHouse 3 OS software system, which will be on display at the Brisbane Boat Show.

Laden with upgrades and enhancements, LightHouse version 3.4 brings to your helm functions and digital services previously reserved for mobile phones and your living room.

and app developers to integrate with Axiom and LightHouse 3 OS. And Raymarine will continue to expand LightHouse Apps with future support for Seakeeper gyro stabilizer control, Mazu satellite communications and more (LightHouse Apps are only available on Axiom and Axiom Pro Bluetooth Audio Output).

LightHouse 3.4 also adds Bluetooth audio output from Axiom and Axiom Pro MFDs. Connect Axiom’s Bluetooth to your marine

LightHouse Apps are an exciting new way to expand the power and capabilities of LightHouse OS. Axiom users can now stream entertainment from Netflix and Spotify, as well as access Theyr’s GRIBview precision global weather service app.

With LightHouse Apps, Raymarine is making it easy for marine technology partners

stereo system or Bluetooth enabled speakers and enjoy digital audio from your streamed movies and music (Bluetooth audio is only available on Axiom and Axiom Pro).

There are plenty of other new features of LightHouse 3.4 as well, and you can check it all out at the show. For more info visit www.raymarine.com.au.

• CANBERRA • BATEMANS BAY • FRESHWATER • PATTERSON LAKES

NEW

www.aussieboatsales360.com.au.

0433 531 226

Call Jason sales@aussieboatsalesactnsw.com.au www.aussieboatsales360.com.au

UNBEATABLE 75–115hp FourStroke

Unbridled power, unexpectedly compact, uncompromising reliability, unbelievably fuel efficient. Mercury’s 75–115hp FourStroke Range. Unlike anything the world has ever seen.

UNEXPECTEDLY COMPACT 115HP FOURSTROKE MERCURY

OPTIMAX YAMAHA EVINRUDE SUZUKI TWOSTROKE TWOSTROKE

DISPLACEMENT COMPARISON 115HP FOURSTROKE HONDA

2.4L

2.4L

2.2L 2.0L 163kg 170kg

(54kg Heavier)

2.1L 2.0L

1.8L

171kg 177kg

182kg

217kg

1.8L

1.6L

MERCURY YAMAHA SUZUKI HONDA FOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE

THE MERCURY 115HP FOURSTROKE COMES IN AT AN INCREDIBLY LIGHT 163KG MAKING IT THE LIGHTEST IN ITS HORSEPOWER CLASS – 4.6% LIGHTER THAN YAMAHA AND 24% LIGHTER THEN HONDA.

EVINRUDE TWOSTROKE

THE MERCURY 75–115HP RANGE HAS CLASS LEADING DISPLACEMENT TO WEIGHT, HELPING OUT GUN THE COMPETITION.

Based on Mercury’s 115hp (L) model. Information based on all manufacturers’ claimed horsepower and weight figures.

mercurymarine.com.au

1.7L