BIA Victoria - New Products for 2008
What's New in 2008
New Products for 2008
Ranger Tugs
Built in the USA for 50 years, Ranger Tugs started life as a 5/8 scale model of by Bristol Bay Trawler. A displacement hull and quality fibreglass construction underpin a boat of old-world style and exceptional economy. The Ranger R21-EC trailerable trawler is powered by a Yanmar 3YM30 diesel that uses as little as 2-3 litres per hour. It cruises at 7-9 knots, has a top speed around 11 knots and is equally at home in coastal and inland waterways. Ranger prides itself on the high quality workmanship and performance of its “replica” boats.
Whittley Cruiser 2600
Just one year after the Whittley Cruiser 2800 flagship comes the Cruiser 2600. CR2600 echoes its big brother’s European-inspired styling and single-level living and sleeping. Computer aided design optimises space, comfort and performance, all finished to the Whittley standard of perfection, with spacious day cruising for eight and comfortable berths for four. It comes standard with sun roof, pressurised hot water, fridge-freezer, toilet, shower and timber cabin doors. Cabin and cockpit layouts echo the latest in Whittley design, it tows easily behind a medium-large four-wheel-drive, and it carries the full clears and camper covers that complete every Whittley Cruiser.
Rolco Boats
Two years after launching at the 2006 Boat Show, Rolco Boats continues to offer of a brand new Rolco Nirvana ski boat on a trailer for just $19,990. Some conditions apply, but it’s a bona fide bargain. Further up the range, Rolco Boats has obtained World Record Capable Tournament Tow Boat Accreditation for the Rolco Evolution. Designed and built in Melbourne, Rolco Boats come with a special offer – subject to a few conditions, Rolco Boats will refund the cost of your flight if you travel from interstate and purchase a boat from them at the BIA Melbourne Boat Show.
Evinrude E-TEC outboards
Evinrude has expanded its E-TEC range of high-tech outboards, with big 300hp models at the top of the range, a 130hp mid-ranger and new 25 and 30hp models in the smaller classes. The 300hp models offer a unique combination of performance, economy and ease of use for boaters who need serious power, and are available with 25 or 30 inch shaft length as well as counter-rotating models. “No smoke, no smell” is the E-TEC catchcry, along with easier starting, more reliability, reduced servicing and smoother, quieter running, while retaining traditional two-stroke virtues of light weight, high performance and relative simplicity.
Rugged Shark
Rugged Shark Atlantic boat shoes promise comfort and performance right out of the box, with no need to break them in. Padded, quick-drying nylon mesh and double-knit liner provide a snug fit and improved stability. A cushioned, removable foot bed conforms to the foot and offers superior arch support. The Shark Grip™ outsole is made from non-marking rubber with unique gripping surfaces and channels for ultimate grip in wet or dry. Soft, open-grain leather uppers and nylon mesh panels are flexible and breathe to keep feet cool and reduce drying time. Available in USA sizes 7-15 plus wide EE fitting.
Garmin
Nowhere in boating does technology move faster than in electronics, and marine electronics leader Garmin has great new products with the emphasis on versatility. In addition to its new products, this is an exciting time for the distribution of Garmin products within Australia and New Zealand. Garmin Australasia will be exhibiting in Melbourne after taking over distribution from long time distributor GME. Garmin is showing great new small 4 and 5 inch sounder plotter combination units and fantastic networkable touchscreen multi-function displays. Garmin will also explain the latest electronic trends in special presentations on the Yamaha Superstage.
Mackay Aluminium Trailer
Trailer performance can make or break a boating trip, even before the boat’s in the water. Mackay Multi-Link’s aluminium trailers are fully welded for high strength and low maintenance, and are 25% lighter than equivalent steel trailers. Drop axles keep them low to the ground for excellent towing, and keel roller support enhances drive-on capability. Quality components include a ‘SafetyPlus’ jockey wheel and Jarrett winch. Mackay also has a third wheel and drawbar extension for launching from the front of a tow vehicle, plus drive-on PWC trailers to launch and retrieve directly off the beach with little or no winching.
Memory Map Charting
Heading the list of show specials at Boat Books is the Memory Map GPS navigation software package that turns a laptop into a powerful chart plotter. Tailored and priced for leisure marine users, it has software and charts all in one, so no further software is required. Once loaded into a laptop, it just needs a compatible GPS plugged in and it’s ready to go. For those who wish to explore interstate waterways, available areas include NSW, Queensland and Tasmania as well as Victoria. Boat Books also has great deals on Magellan GPS units to complete the navigation package.
PFD Australia
With compulsory wearing of PFDs in smaller boats and at times of heightened risk, and the simple good sense of wearing them at many times even when not compulsory, PFD Australia has a very appealing new option. The new soft-shell jacket looks like a smart hooded jacket but operates as a proper PFD1 when called for. Both the hood and the sleeves zip off, so it’s adaptable to a wide range of operating and weather conditions. It comes in a choice of smart fashion colours for normal wear, but the bright yellow bladder ensures it remains highly visible when deployed.
