The strong line-up of finalists in the 2008 Australian Marine Awards is proof that Australian consumers have more choice of marine product than ever before, according to CEO of the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF), Sherry Donaldson.

Ms Donaldson said 61 finalists battled it out for the 2008 Australian Marine Awards which will be announced at The Marriott Resort Surfers Paradise on May 22.  

The finalists faced judging panels in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney.

Ms Donaldson said nominations from locally manufactured and imported products was an indication of the wide choice available to consumers.

“The benefit of choice is also available to overseas consumers because many of the Australian made products are exported and compete on the international market.

“This choice helps create 36 000 jobs and generates $6 billion in spending across Australia, making the marine industry a valuable contributor to the national economy.

“Ever since the arrival of the First Fleet, Australia has been a boating nation and while our economy remains strong and the population continues to expand, the marine industry will be an integral part of coastal and inland communities.”

Ms Donaldson said the Australian Marine Awards were a celebration of the recreational marine industry in Australia, recognising the country’s finest manufacturers and importers of vessels, innovative products and exporters associated with recreational boating.

“All finalists represent excellence in quality and to be a finalist is an outstanding achievement in itself,” she said.

“All self nominated and media nominated vessels were eligible for consideration for a finalist position.”

Ms Donaldson said the award finalists were evaluated by two teams of judges, four from media and four independents, all of whom were experts in their individual fields.

The 2008 judges were Kevan Wolfe, Ian Macrae, Chris Beattie, Mark (Doc) Robinson, Andy Cooper, Antony Krokowski, Rod Tweddle, Mike Brown and Ian Ward.  

Judging criteria for finalists includes an exhaustive checklist of more than 40 items covering overall impressions, presentation, ergonomics, performance and safety.

The Australian Marine Awards is supported by media partners Club Marine, Modern Boating, the Gold Coast Bulletin, Seaspray and Yaffa Publishing and is sponsored by OCV Reinforcements, Fusion, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR), Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the Gold Coast City Council.

Boat of the Year (Sail)

Buizen Yachts Buizen 48 Winner

Boat of the Year (Power)

The Riviera Group Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht Winner

Sailing Non Trailerable - Cruising Over 10m

Buizen Yachts Buizen 48 Winner

Fishing Trailerable - Fibreglass/GRP Under 6m

PM Marine Manufacturing Evolution 550 Platinum Winner

Fishing Trailerable - Fibreglass/GRP Over 6m

The Haines Group Signature 675F Commendation
Theodore Marine 720 Offshore Winner

Fishing Trailerable - Aluminium Under 6m

Stacer 459 Barra Pro Commendation
Evolution Boat Builders Evolution Outsider 520 Winner

Fishing Trailerable - Aluminium Over 6m

Quintrex 670 Offshore SDD Winner
Goldstar Boats 7600 Excalibur Centre Cab Commendation

Fishing Non Trailerable - Up To 10m

Leisurecat Australia 8000 Sportsfisher Winner

Fishing Non Trailerable - Over 10m

Maritimo Maritimo 550 Offshore Convertible Winner

Cruiser Trailerable - Fibreglass/GRP Over 6m

Whittley Marine Group Whittley 2800 Cruiser Winner
Theodore Marine 720 Soft Top Coastal Commendation

Cruiser Trailerable - Aluminium Over 6m

Kirby Marine DV8 10m Naiad Winner

Cruiser Trailerable - Aluminium Under 6m

Brunswick Boat Group Savage 540 Beachcomber Sterndrive Winner

Cruiser Non Trailerable - Up to 10m

Powercat Marine 3000 Sports Cabriolet Winner

Cruiser Non Trailerable - Over 10m

The Riviera Group Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht Winner
Brava Marine Brava 45 Sports Commendation

Imported Fishing Trailerable Power

Marine Network Seafox 206CC Winner

Imported Non Trailerable Fishing Power

G4 Marine Grady White Express 305 Winner

Imported Trailerable Cruiser Power

Cobalt Boats Australia  Cobalt 222 Winner
Blakes Marine  Campion Allante 825 Commendation

Imported Non Trailerable Cruiser Power 

Boats International   Horizon 65 Flybridge Motor Yacht Winner
The Riviera Group  Grand Banks Heritage 59 Commendation

Imported Non-Trailerable Sail Cruising Up to 10m 

Antill International Marine Dufour D325 Winner

Imported Non-Trailerable Sail Cruising Over 10m

Antill International Marine Dufour D425 Winner

Imported Trailerable Sail Cruising

Multihull Yacht Sales Australia Corsair Sprint 750 Winner

Ski

The Haines Group Super Air Nautique 210 Commendation
Performance Marine Spyboats RX22 Winner
Matrix Marine Matrix MVS 08 Commendation

Dayboat

Quintrex Pty Ltd Quintrex 530 Freedom Cruiser Commendation
Theodore Marine 720 Open Coastal Winner

Houseboat of the Year

Houseboat Concepts  Absolute Winner
Houseboat Concepts Parachilna Sunset Commendation
Baldwin Boats Pure Indulgence Commendation

Innovative Product

Marina Protection System Grounding Strap Commendation
Walter Peter Wright Boat Hook/Mooring System Winner

See Sanctuary Cove Boat Show images and Video

Last Updated ( Sunday, 25 May 2008 )