Hurricane Boats Australia drops anchor at Sanctuary Cove Marina
by Karleigh Pearson 29 Aug 2018 23:22 PDT
Hurricane Boat moors it's first ever Australian office at Sanctuary Cove © Karleigh Pearson
Leading deck boat brand Hurricane Boats Australia has moored its first-ever Australian-based office, taking berth at the Sanctuary Cove Marina.
Having been appointed exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand, avid boatie and industry figure Brett Flanagan, together with his brother Grant Flanagan and son-in-law Paul Atallah, have brought the award-winning US-built Hurricane Pontoon Boats to Australian shores, choosing Sanctuary Cove as its first port of call.
Located on Pier E of the Sanctuary Cove Marina, the brand has secured an on-water tenancy, boasting a specially designed state-of-the-art floating office and series of dry docks that showcase its range of makes and models.
Following a successful debut at the 2018 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Hurricane Boats Australia has now opened the doors at its new facility, in time for the company's official launch to the Australian market this week.
Representing the biggest selling deck boat in the world, Hurricane Boats Australia spokesperson Paul Atallah said Sanctuary Cove was the perfect fit for the boating marque, which was classed as the 'limousine' of the pontoon boat segment.
"Sanctuary Cove is a luxury boating hub, and as Hurricane Boats are often regarded as the limousine of the water, we felt it was the ideal location and market for the brand," Mr Atallah said.
"Hurricane Boats are the world's number one selling pontoon boat, and are a cut above other deck boats thanks to its unique fibre glass hull and quick performance.
"They handle like that of a sport boat, reaching speeds of up to 70 to 80kms, while still offering the space and deck layout of a top-line pontoon model.
"Though they are luxurious, they are also an extremely versatile boat – being family-friendly, sporty and the perfect fishing vessel, all in one."
With the floating office designed and engineered to suit the world-class Marina, Hurricane Boats Australia's new facility features an on-water showcase, with four models from the exclusive FunDeck range on display, including three FunDeck 196s, in alternate colour schemes, and the larger FunDeck 226.
Being long-term residents of Sanctuary Cove, Mr Atallah said the Marina was a clear choice for the company's head office, with future plans in the pipeline to expand Australia-wide once established.
"For most of us at the company, Sanctuary Cove has not only been our home but also our place of work for more than ten years," he said.
"This, together with its world-class offerings and long-standing reputation within the marine industry, made the Sanctuary Cove Marina an easy choice for our head office location.
"Now that we have this facility up and running, our long-term goal is to open up dealerships Australia-wide."
Joining its budding stable of leading marine brands, Sanctuary Cove Marina general manager Steve Sammes said Hurricane Boats Australia was the perfect addition to the Marina – meeting strong demand from the smaller to medium sized luxury recreational boating market.
"We are thrilled to see the Hurricane brand here at Sanctuary Cove Marina," Mr Sammes said.
"They join an array of leading marine brands already on display and will meet the market for smaller to medium sized vessels of their kind.
"Sanctuary Cove has a strong representation of larger boating brands, so it's great to see an alternate sized boat on display at the Marina, particularly one of their name and stature."
With long-term leasing to casual berthing options available, Mr Sammes said the possibilities were endless for prospective brands or customers at Sanctuary Cove.
"Whether you are a marine brand looking for long-term leasing options within the Marine Village or at the Marina, or a visitor to the precinct seeking berthing, there are a range of offerings for all preferences," he said.
"We have 20 complimentary berths available for day visitors which are available free of charge to those first in.
"There are also secured overnight berths for casual visitors available on booking, with access to the Marina's exclusive customer amenities, as well as permanent berths that come complete with all service offerings and our Marina VIP card.
"We also work back with brands to ensure the precinct meets their requirements, for Hurricane Boats Australia, their new cutting-edge sales office has been specially-designed to suit the Marina and really is an excellent facility."
The announcement of the Australian office follows the appointment of motor racing legend Dick Johnson, as the brand's latest ambassador.
With a career spanning more than 30-years with three Bathurst 1000 titles and five Australian Touring Car Championships to his name, Mr Johnson is just at home behind the wheel as he is out on the water in his Hurricane Fundeck 236 deck boat.
With a cathedral hull, wide beam and plenty of room for up to 13 guests, Mr Johnson's 7.16 metre addition has all the bells and whistles his family need to enjoy a day out.
"There is nothing more important to me than spending time with the family out on the water, day tripping," said Mr Johnson.
"The kids love it because we can charge up to the Pin [Jumpinpin], beach it and spend the day swimming, having lunch, enjoying the Broadwater. We're planning to use it fishing, diving, skiing, and towing."
Having pioneered the deck boat business in 1974, the Hurricane brand prides itself on creating the finest multi-use, multi generational boats of up to 24-feet, producing more than 22,000 vessels each year from its four stat-of-the-art factories.
Perfect for fishing, entertaining or cruising, the FunDeck series is ideal for an action-packed day on the water – with this sporty pontoon model outperforming triple tubes three to one, offering boaties better fuel economy, banking and handling, with its wide-body signature deep-V hull design ensuring a smooth, dry and stable ride.
For more information on Hurricane Boats Australia, visit www.hurricaneboats.com.au or for leasing and berthing opportunities at Sanctuary Cove Marina, visit www.sanctuarycove.com.