The Auckland On Water Boat Show 2019 has drawn to a close and exhibitors are reporting strong sales, while visitors enjoyed the new marina position in the heart of the Viaduct Harbour.

The 21st edition of the Auckland On Water Boat Show ran from October 3 to October 6 and positive results have the New Zealand marine industry feeling buoyant.

The show was held in the centre of the Viaduct Harbour, which put it firmly in the middle of the Viaduct hospitality precinct and saw it draw large crowds.

“We were thrilled with our new location and the chance it gave visitors and spectators alike to get closer to more boats,” said show organiser, Stacey Cook.

“The move allowed us to increase marina space, which allowed the show to accommodate 120 boats on the water, making it easily the biggest on-water show that’s ever been staged in New Zealand.”

Organisers were pleased to be able to announce at an exhibitor function held Friday 4th October, with the ongoing support of sponsors Panuku and ATEED, that the show will be held in the same location again next year.

Exhibitors were just as pleased with the results, both regular show visitors and those discovering the marine industry.

“The show was a success for us and it was great to connect with existing clients and meet people who were new to the Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders’ brand and show off the custom boats that we create. It was great to see so many people interested in purchasing boats,” said Luke Hill of Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders.

The show stretched from marina to land with some exhibitors taking the opportunity to exhibit on both, capturing pedestrian traffic as well as those show visitors who wanted to experience boats in sea trials on the marina.

“The Auckland On Water Boat Show has provided a fantastic platform for Tectrax to showcase its electric amphibious technology, both on land and in the water,” said Fraser Brown of New Zealand amphibious brand, Tectrax.

“This year we’ve been able to bring more boats to the show, reinforcing Tectrax’s versatility to the public.  We’ve been humbled by the response from customers in regards to the advantages of electric amphibious technology – particularly around performance and deck space. Tectrax is already working with a number of New Zealand’s most trusted boat brands for launch late this year/early next and is looking forward to showcasing more options next year.”

Also on the marina, designer Bill Upfold of Elite Marine Design had boats built to his designs from several boatbuilders on display.

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“Elite Marine Design and our associated boatbuilders had a fantastic show with many leads to follow up,” says Upfold.

“We found the change in venue position worked well and our exposure was awesome. From our perspective the boat show team should be applauded for how smoothly and seamlessly everything went – especially pack in and out. We are looking forward to next year and hope, with a couple of minor tweaks, it will be even more successful.”

Long term powerboat exhibitor Rayglass echoed his sentiments, as did South Island-based jet tender builder King Watercraft, which was exhibiting for the second year.

“We were very encouraged at the turnout, it’s the first time having Rayglass product in the water, having the ability to display our boats in their natural environment. It was a successful result for the Rayglass team,” said Rayglass’ Stevie West.

“The show was fantastic for King Watercraft with multiple leads and an amazingly positive response from the crowd. Thanks to NZ Marine for putting on an excellent show and we will definitely be back next year,” was the verdict from Will King of King Watercraft.

“There was good interest in the Suzuki Marine Engines, with the newly released DF300ATX twin-prop being a real drawcard for the public,” said a Suzuki Marine spokesperson. Suzuki Marine dealers reported positive enquiry and sales during the show and they look forward to the follow up.

www.auckland-boatshow.com/