Kiwi Boats on Display
At the 2024 Melbourne International Boat Show, several renowned Kiwi boat builders and yacht designers showcased their latest innovations.
Haines Hunter displayed high-performance fishing boats that are known for their durability and stability, appealing to avid anglers.
Check out our Haines Hunter boat reviews and news.
Assault Boats presented models designed for both recreational use and serious fishing, emphasising quality craftsmanship.
Check out our Assault Boats boat reviews and news.
Stabicraft highlighted their rugged aluminium boats, ideal for offshore adventures and commercial use.
Check out our Stabicraft boat reviews and news.
Surtees exhibited their aluminium plate boats, designed for safety and performance on the water.
Check out our Surtees boat reviews and news.
White Pointer Boats showcased their robust models, perfect for New Zealand’s unique marine conditions.
Check out our Surtees boat reviews and news.
Makaira Boats featured high-quality fishing boats aimed at both seasoned anglers and newcomers.
New Boat Launches: Leading the Charge
One of the major highlights of the 2024 Melbourne Boat Show was the debut of several highly anticipated boats. Electric and hybrid-powered boats took centre stage, reflecting a growing trend in the industry towards sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Leading the charge was the unveiling of the AXOPAR 25 Hybrid, which combines the sleek design the brand is known for with a forward-thinking electric propulsion system. This boat was designed with both performance and sustainability in mind, offering zero-emission cruising for environmentally conscious boaters.
CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON AXOPAR YACHTS
Luxury boats also featured prominently at the show. Riviera Yachts, an iconic Australian brand, showcased their newest model, the Riviera 78 Motor Yacht. With state-of-the-art technology and opulent interior finishes, this vessel is set to cater to high-end clientele looking for both comfort and performance on the water. The boat’s smart systems, allowing for seamless control of navigation and entertainment, were a talking point at the event.
CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON RIVIERA YACHTS
For fishing enthusiasts, the Stabicraft 2750 Ultra Centre Cab was another highlight. Known for their rugged, practical designs, Stabicraft’s new model combines versatility with advanced safety features, including enhanced stability and cutting-edge fish-finding technology. These attributes make it a standout option for serious anglers.
Marine Technology and Innovation: Smarter Boating
The 2024 Melbourne Boat Show was also a showcase for technological innovation in the marine sector. Smart navigation systems and integrated digital controls were a common theme among exhibitors, with brands like Garmin and Raymarine leading the way. Garmin introduced their latest LiveScope XR sonar, which provides real-time scanning of underwater environments, allowing for precise navigation and fish detection in deeper waters.
Raymarine introduced their Axiom 2 Pro, a multifunction display that integrates thermal imaging, sonar, radar, and digital switching into one interface. This all-in-one navigation system garnered attention for its user-friendly design and the potential to improve safety and ease of operation for boaters of all skill levels.
Electric propulsion technology was another major focus, with companies like Torqeedo and Oceanvolt displaying advancements in electric motors that offer longer ranges and faster charging times. Torqeedo’s Cruise 10.0 R stood out for its ability to provide a clean, powerful alternative to traditional outboard motors, while Oceanvolt’s ServoProp electric saildrive system attracted the attention of sailing enthusiasts looking for greener alternatives.
Sustainability Focus: Green Boating Takes the Stage
As the world becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, the Melbourne Boat Show reflected this trend with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly boating. Electric and hybrid boats were the most visible part of this movement, but the show also featured a variety of sustainable boating accessories and initiatives.
Sirocco Marine showcased a range of inflatable boats made with eco-friendly materials, while exhibitors such as Seabin Project and 4Ocean highlighted efforts to clean up the world’s oceans. Seabin’s latest device, designed to filter out microplastics from harbours and marinas, was a reminder of the boating industry’s responsibility to protect marine environments.
Interactive Experiences and Test Drives: Boating Hands-On
One of the most engaging aspects of the Melbourne Boat Show was the interactive experiences on offer. Visitors had the opportunity to take part in test drives, including electric boat trials, personal watercraft demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. Test drives for models like the Whittley CR 2380 proved to be a hit, allowing potential buyers to experience first-hand the boat’s handling and performance on the water.
The inclusion of virtual reality (VR) experiences provided a new way for attendees to explore boating. Several exhibitors, including Beneteau, offered VR tours of their luxury yachts, giving visitors a detailed look inside their boats without the need to step aboard.
Industry Seminars and Networking: Knowledge-Sharing
The 2024 show also featured a series of seminars covering a range of topics, from the future of electric boating to improving safety standards at sea. Industry experts, such as marine architect David Stewart, provided insights into new design principles and eco-conscious practices that are shaping the industry.
Networking events allowed attendees to meet with boatbuilders, designers, and marine product developers, offering a platform for industry collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
A Look to the Future
The 2024 Melbourne Boat Show succeeded in delivering a comprehensive look at the future of the boating industry, from sustainable technology to cutting-edge marine innovations. As the industry continues to evolve, this year’s show set the tone for what’s to come, particularly in the areas of electric propulsion, smart boating systems, and eco-friendly design.
Looking ahead, the 2025 show is expected to build on these trends, with even more focus on sustainability, smarter technologies, and enhancing the boating experience for all types of watercraft enthusiasts.
