Melbourne Boat Show a perfect place to buy your boat

Melbourne Boat Show the perfect place to buy a boat

The 2009 Melbourne Boat Show promises to be the perfect place to buy a new boat or the boating, fishing or other recreational gear to go with it.

With fuel prices and interest rates at historic lows, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Victoria says there will never be a better time to buy.

More than that, the Show promises bargain ticket prices to see the wealth of new boating, fishing and watersports products on display – and on sale – at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 2 to 6 July.

BIA general manager Robert Coco said the quality and variety of new offerings reflected the long-term commitment of major industry players to keeping their product ahead of the trends.

“The economic downturn hasn’t stopped the manufacturers from pressing ahead with new product development – far from it,” he said.

“Boat manufacturers are already telling us about all-new models for fishing, cruising, skiing and wakeboarding and general boating, while there are great innovations in everything from anchors to fractional boat ownership, and any amount of new marine electronics gear.

“The great thing for buyers is that the companies offering these great new products are also offering great deals on all of these up-to-the-minute new products, so the value is unbeatable.

“Even better, ticket prices are keener than ever – in addition to holding adult and concession prices at last year’s levels, children under 16 will be free when accompanied by an adult, and online bookings save $2 on adult and concession tickets and include a special $25 two-day pass.”

In its 49th year, the Show features a bold new floorplan, with Accessory Alley along the north wall of the giant exhibition hall, and three precincts for Fishing, Wake and Ski, and Marine Tourism.

Also, everyone who buys a new boat at the Show qualifies for a free boat handling course supplied by the BIA to help them make the most of safe and enjoyable boating in their new boat – a special BIA Victoria initiative now in its fifth year.