Thousands attended Sydney Boat Show as exhibitors reported strong sales, quality leads and growing consumer confidence.
The Sydney Boat Show – Australia’s largest off-water boat show – closed a successful four-day run on Sunday in what some are calling the best boat show of the past decade.
Thousands of attendees converged on the Sydney Showground, where more than 100 exhibitors showcased more than 350 boats and watercraft, along with thousands of marine products and accessories, Australian premieres, industry-leading innovations, live demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment.
Nathan Dark, who purchased Lewis Ski Boats in 2021, said it was their best show since acquiring the historic OEM.
“The quality of enquiries was very good and we did really well. We took our first deposit just 30 minutes after the show opened on day one.
“Last year we walked out of the show happy but this year we were blown away with the total number of deposits and genuine interest every day, but especially Thursday and Friday,” he said in a news release from the Boating Industry Association (BIA), which produced the event.
“The Sydney Boat Show once again demonstrated why it is the city’s premier marine and lifestyle event, bringing together industry leaders, state government partners, boating enthusiasts, families and first-time visitors under one roof,” said BIA chief executive Andrew Fielding.
“It was fantastic to see so many people embracing the boating lifestyle, exploring the latest innovations and connecting directly with manufacturers and experts. The enthusiasm across the four days reflects the passion and resilience of our industry.”
Visitors were treated to vessels from leading Aussie and international brands, as well as the latest innovations across fishing, electronics, engines, trailers, accessories and marine technology.
For Blake McArthur of Hunts Marine, an 80-year-old dealership with three locations in Sydney, Wollongong and Batemans Bay, it was an impressive four days.
“Overall, I thought the show presented very well, and it was the most constant crowd I have seen in almost 30 years, and in strong numbers. The people we spoke to were engaged, enquiries were up and we secured some solid results in sales and strong leads.”
Promoting safe boating and marine career opportunities, Transport for NSW delivered an interactive and informative Boating Safety Zone that was popular every day of the event, while more than 700 high school students attended the BIA Careers Information Days on Thursday and Friday.
