Show and tell for boaties

New Zealand's biggest regional marine show, the 2005 National Boat and Fishing Show, opens on Thursday at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

In past years the exhibitor list and gate count has reflected the abundance of lake, river and coastal settings available in the central North Island's northern districts, and the high number of wake boarders, water skiers, family boaters and fishermen using them.

Peter Busfield, executive director of the Marine Industry Association, says this year's show is following previous trends, and exhibitors have signed up from throughout New Zealand and Australia.

The show is presented by the MIA and the Mystery Creek Events Centre.

The number of trailerboat exhibitors reflects the options provided by two coastlines with relatively few kilometres and a great many lakes between. Add to those options the cruising and fishing grounds serviced by marina and canal developments at Taupo, Tauranga, Pauanui and Whitianga, and it's easy to understand why the big-boat manufacturer Genesis Marine has added its Targa launch range to the show lineup.

A large selection of kayaks will round out the new boat displays, which will be complemented by electronics, boating accessories and chandlery stands.

Trailerboat manufacturers are using the show to release new models into the North Island market, and Sealegs Corporation is using it for a worldwide release.

The Auckland-based company will unveil its 5.6m Sealegs D-Tube. The boat uses the company's amphibious technology and is a first with its pontoon design constructed from aluminium. It travels at 10 km/h on land and can reach 60 km/h on water when its hydraulically powered all-terrain wheels are retracted. It has been developed for search and rescue, coastguard and policing agencies, and fishermen and divers with beach homes.

Aqualite Marine is also pitching a pontoon design to fishermen and divers. Its new 665 hardtop won an award at the recent Christchurch Boatshow and it will be the first time it has been seen in the North Island.

Stuart Loveday, of Aqualite Marine, says it's worth making the journey from Timaru because the 665 has all the positive attributes of a hardtop pontoon design, but it also rides and presents very well.

Tauranga's KwikKraft is releasing two new models, a 7.5m Offshore Walkaround built to survey for charter fishing operations and hardcore recreational use, and an outboard powered KwikKraft 5.6m designed for family day boating.

Marco Boats of Morrinsville will display a range of boats, including two hardtop models that are only three months old. The company's Dayne Horne says the Marco 610's length approaches the smallest practical size for a hardtop.

The company will also show its multipurpose jet boat which is suited to family boating, skiing and fishing on shallow harbours, estuaries, rivers and lakes, as well as blasting up rapids.

The MIA has added a series of free lectures to the show, aimed at both newcomers and experienced boaties. Topics will include boat handling in big seas; trailer care - beat the rust; introduction to a day skipper course; and boating safety. Bill Hopeha will round out the lecture programme with insights into the Maori fishing calendar and surefire fishing tips.

Bruce Duncan will be at Mystery Creek's Lake Emmett demonstrating how to target kingfish with poppers, and showgoers can approach him for pointers and one-on-one tuition.

In keeping with the event's fishing theme, NZ Fishing News has sponsored a boat show prize open to all who register at their stand. The winner receives a three-day trip to the Ranfurly Bank, one of New Zealand's most exciting fisheries, with charter, food, bait and Penn tackle included.

With so many notable saltwater and freshwater fisheries accessible from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, the show is well supported by leading tackle brands and specialist fishing stores.

A family pass to the show costs $25, making it an affordable proposition for two adults and three children to share an afternoon out. A single adult ticket is $12, and for senior citizens and children under 15 entry is $5. Children under five are free and there is no charge for parking. The show runs from Thursday to Sunday and is open from 9.30am to 5pm.

More information at the website below.