Show takes new tack this year

There's something for everyone from die-hard boaties to kids at this year's boat show. Photo / Supplied

There's something for everyone from die-hard boaties to kids at this year's boat show.

Although boat shows are often seen as appealing to those who already go boating, organisers of this week's annual event are taking a rather different tack.

Dave Gibbs, general manager of the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, says a lot of the emphasis this year is on showcasing boating to a new audience.

"We still have plenty to interest existing boaties, fishers, divers and water-sports enthusiasts," he says. "However, we also want to show other members of the community why they should consider boating, too."

Gibbs says there will be a wide range of information available at the show, which starts this Thursday at the ASB Showgrounds and runs until Sunday.

"We have people from Discover Boating, from Yachting NZ, from Coastguard Boating Education and Maritime NZ, and from a large number of other similar organisations. They are all there to share their knowledge, offer free, helpful and practical advice and to encourage people to get out on the water in a safe and enjoyable way."

Gibbs says the show has brought these organisations together in one place to make it easier for those wanting to find out more about boating.

"As the name implies, the Discover Boating Centre is the real knowledge hub of the show," he says.

"[It] will feature an almost non-stop programme of demonstrations and displays. These will include a mock surf rescue, breath holding and kayak displays, a demonstration of the hot new sport of paddle boarding, windsurfing and sailing displays and a demonstration of helpful, potentially life-saving, swimming techniques."

Gibbs says MCs Bruce Duncan and Adam Clancey will also be sharing some of their favourite fishing spots and showing how to safely catch, fillet and cook a fish.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt will explain marine weather forecasts, adventure sailor Tony Mowbray will share his experiences in Antarctica and the Sydney-Hobart yacht race, and top kayak fisher Stephan Tapp will show why he has been so successful.

"There is a big emphasis on appealing to all members of the family," says Gibbs. "Boating is primarily a family activity."

As a result, the children's colouring competition and the kids' fishing contest are back. The contest requires kids to don a lifejacket before trying to catch one of the "fish" in the pool. All fish caught are then taken to the nearby Ministry of Fisheries officers who check they are of legal size.

"It is very popular. The kids have a lot of fun while also learning some important lessons about water safety and protecting our fisheries."

Gibbs says this year's show has so many family-friendly activities that organisers had to create another area just to accommodate them.

"The new Youthtown Aqua Fun Zone will prove really popular.

"It features a heated pool and those who wish can bring along their togs and take part in some of the demonstrations.

"In the Sealord Swim for Life Programme, top Youthtown instructors will teach the basics of safe swimming while, for the more adventurous, there will be a chance to have a go at the new fast-growing water sport craze: paddle boarding."

There are also plenty of family-friendly activities for those who prefer to stay dry, like having a go on Surf Lifesaving's realistic surfboat rescue simulator or packing away a genuine Team NZ spinnaker.

Kids can also have a go at model yacht racing and, for those with more of a thirst for speed, miniature offshore and grand prix powerboats will be thrilling (and possibly spilling) in the new 50m long JC Walker Transport Lagoon.

Gibbs says there will still be plenty to interest passionate boaties.

He says most Kiwi boat builders release their new models at the show and this year will be no exception.

One of these new models has been chosen for this year's gate prize. It is a 540 Sports Fisher from Whakatane-based Extreme Boats.

Glenn Shaw of Extreme Boats says the new 540 has been aimed at an entry-level boat owner looking for a quality aluminium family fishing boat.

"It will be manufactured from the same high-quality aluminium plate and to the same high standard as the rest of the Extreme range," he says.

"It also comes complete with an integral bait board, rocket launcher and bimini and a specially designed multi-roller, self-centring Extreme trailer."

The gate prize 540 will be powered by a Yamaha F70 4-stroke 70hp outboard.

"This is a development of the Yamaha F60, one of Yamaha's most popular outboards," says Gibbs.

"It is the lightest 70hp or 75hp outboard, either four stroke or direct-injected two stroke, on the market and its efficiency and low weight make it a perfect match for the Extreme 540."

The gate prize package will also feature a brand new Raymarine A57D GPS chartplotter and digital fishfinder; a Ray 49 VHF radio; a powerful 60psi, 15 litres-per-minute Jabsco high-pressure wash down pump and a Hutchwilco safety pack containing four lifejackets and flares.

Visitors to the show need to simply collect stamps (from clearly marked booths) on their entry ticket and fill in a couple of questions and their contact details in order to be in the draw for the boat package, says Gibbs.

"We will draw the winning ticket at the end of the show but those who enter might not have to wait that long to win," he says. "We are also giving away a fully featured $3000 Viking Kayak package every day.

"These have everything you need to go kayak fishing and we will draw the winners at the end of each day."

Show time

What: Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show

Where: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane

When: Thursday May 12 to Sunday May 15

Times: Daily 10am-6pm; late night Friday to 9pm

Admission: Adults: $18; children 14 & under: Free

More info: boatshow.co.nz and facebook.com