A new year begins and the industry prepares - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 11 Jan 15:00 PST
Marine craft construction a national priority © Boating Industry Association
Happy New Year to all industry members everywhere. We will continue to update the industry with the latest industry news from Oceania. If you want to find to know about what's happening in Europe or North America our other websites are also updated daily:
The BIA has successfully secured recognition by the Federal Government of the ongoing value and demand for boat builders and shipwrights across Australia. When the BIA heard these trades were not on the national priority list in 2023, it set in train a series of direct engagements with the Federal Departments of Employment and Workplace Relations, and Jobs and Skills.
The BIA welcomed Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor's recent news the Federal Government has reinstated the trades Boat Builder and Repairer, and Shipwright to the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List. The BIA also acknowledges and applauds those industry members who responded to a BIA's value and demand survey which provided valuable current data with which to press for the inclusion of these trades on the Priority List.
Global marine brand Navico, a division of Brunswick Corporation and the world's leading supplier of integrated systems and products for the marine and RV industries, recently announced a multimillion-dollar investment in its Michigan, USA facility to create two Centres of Excellence in metal fabrication and electrification. The investment will increase quality, capacity, and efficiency, as well as improve product manufacturing capabilities.
"Navico Group is committed to being a leader in metal fabrication and electrification for the industries we serve, and this investment is a testament to that" said Brett Dibkey, Navico Group President. "The new manufacturing capabilities that we are implementing in the Lowell facility will enhance product development agility and speed-to-market. Additionally, our focus on custom battery development supports Brunswick's broader electrification efforts as part of our overall ACES strategy."
In December 2023 the Group Beneteau dealer in Australia, Flagstaff Marine, proudly presented Excess Tour at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Pittwater. Flagstaff Marine showcased the Excess 11, allowing visitors to explore her modern design and spacious interior for a comfortable living ambience on the water. Sea trial sessions were also offered to experience the thrill of sailing on this incredible catamaran, which had been recently delivered to her owner in Sydney Harbour.
What's more, the Excess 11 named "Betty" has recently joined Cumberland Charter Yachts in New Port. Based in the picturesque Whitsundays, "Betty" is now available for charter, offering unique sailing experiences to customers.
New Boats: McConaghy's have announced the much-anticipated launch of the McConaghy MC82p, a yacht that seamlessly blends the best of luxury, functionality, and versatility. This all-rounder catamaran is the perfect long-range cruiser, ideal family yacht, coastal weekender and superb platform for commercial charter. The yacht's internal volume has been maximized, challenging and surpassing preconceived standard of yacht interiors. The main deck boasts a vast saloon lounge with a dining area and an open-plan galley, creating a welcoming and spacious atmosphere.
New Electronics: Simrad Yachting, a leader in marine electronics and navigation, today introduced the NSX® ULTRAWIDE, the world's first fully-featured ultrawide marine display. Delivering all the benefits of dual screens in one place, the new NSX ULTRAWIDE is up to 63% wider than the NSX* and provides a more streamlined and immersive experience resulting in an elevated dash aesthetic that unlocks new possibilities and a superior charting experience.
"With a show-stopping aesthetic and enhanced functionality, the NSX ULTRAWIDE is setting a new standard in the marketplace, and we are proud to pave the way," said Kevin Steinbraker, VP and General Manager, Digital Systems of Navico Group. "Whether in their cars, computer monitor at work, or the TVs in their homes, consumers have grown accustomed to and love the benefits of ultrawide screens. Now they can have those same experiences at the helm with immersive graphics and flexible viewing splits. The NSX ULTRAWIDE offers a new perspective on boating that consumers won't want to go without."
Australian motor yacht builder, Riviera, has proudly announced the outstanding achievements of its apprentices in the 2023 Riviera Apprentice of the Year Awards. With a highly skilled team of over 900, including more than 100 talented apprentices, Riviera's commitment to nurturing the master craftspeople of tomorrow underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of Australia's marine industry.
The awards ceremony, held as part of the end-of-year celebration at the Riviera facility and attended by the entire Riviera team, commemorated four extraordinary apprentices who demonstrated qualities including communication skills, professional growth, and a proactive attitude in their respective trades.
And at this time of the year there not a better reason for maintaining the "pride and joy". Peak boating season 'down under' is now in full swing. Get your boat in top condition with the WEST SYSTEM range of epoxy products which suit all kinds of vessels and maintenance projects involving aluminium, fibreglass, reinforcing fabrics, plastic, wood or composites.
Developed specifically for the marine industry, WEST SYSTEM is an industry standard and is used around the world by amateur and professional boat builders for boat construction and boat repairs. ATL Composites has been manufacturing WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products in New Zealand and Australia, under licence to Gougeon Brothers Inc, USA, since 1977. Apart from damage and wear and tear, boats also suffer from age-related problems such as fatigue and moisture, and although many of these problems can be intimidating, with correct techniques and materials they are not difficult to solve.
Stay on track,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com