The Nimbus C11 was one of the few non trailerable boats at the Hutchwilco.
Over the past few weeks I have attended the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as both an exhibitor and attendee. Both shows are back to back and it was interesting once again to be part of the excitement and anticipation of what to expect at boat shows. There is always something new, different and boats and products that attracts my attention.Â
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show stood out for me for the proliferation of aluminium trailer boats and the noticeable lack of fibreglass ones. Most used the excuses that their order books full, bookings were out for the next 12 to 18 months and also they had no stock boats to display. Of the fibreglass boats that were there it was the imports that really shone out, with some great looking product from brands such as Nimbus, Saxdor, Crownline, Sea Ray and Finseeker. If you were in the market for a RIB tender you had plenty to pick from, as well as amphibious offerings.
Across the ditch at SCIBS, it was whole different show, with the emphasis on big boats. While there were plenty of trailer boats, it was the biggest of the big that got my attention. Ocean Alexander used the show as a world debut for their all new 29E, Horizon showed off their FD75, FD80 and FD90,and Princess had a number of new models including an F55 and and F62. Riviera’s 78 Motor Yacht and Maritimo’s trio of S600, M600 and M60 were star attractions.Â
Overall both shows had plenty to see and were a clear indication that the boating market is as strong as ever and that people still like boat shows. I know I do.
