Adelaide Boat Show 2018: Full house for 15-17 June

Adelaide Boat Show 2016 © Event Media

Hundreds of boats from more than 30 exhibitors based in South Australia and across the country will fill the Jubilee Pavilion and the Duncan Gallery at the Adelaide Showground, as the 54th Adelaide Boat Show is set to open for three days from June 15. Whether it's a love of fishing, water skiing, wake boarding or just paddling around SA's unique waterways, the Adelaide Boat Show has something for every water-loving South Australian.

One of the most unique vessels at the show this year includes the amphibious Sealegs land and water craft. Not needing a marina or established boat ramp, the Sealegs can literally drive directly into the water from the beach or shore using 3 hydraulically powered wheels attached to the hull which have no drag once fully retracted. "We're bringing our 7.7 metre Sport D-Tube model to the Adelaide show this year," Sealegs Australian Sales Manager Michael Rigby said. "

The Sport's centre console allows full walk-around access to the entire craft, while still giving you space for all the electronics you need for a trip out on the water. The placement of the inboard powerpack on the transom allows for additional under-seat storage beneath the helm seat, and the tall pontoons give a smooth and secure ride." Popular with shorefront property owners and waterway regulatory bodies worldwide, the Sealegs is sure to command attention at the show.

Binks Marine will have the previously unseen Hobie Compass kayak at the show. The Compass is a stable recreational or fishing kayak, at a great entry level price. "Borrowing some design elements from the Pro Angler series, the Compass offers maximum stability and an oversized cockpit and flat deck for standing," said Binks Marine's Shane O'Callaghan. "We reckon it offers the best 'per-dollar' and 'per-kilogram' performance in the range," he said. Also, the premium family and touring tandem kayak, The Oasis, is appearing as a Boat Show Special, being a deluxe Hobie kayak, with quality seats and fittings and featuring the famously robust MirageDrive pedal propulsion system. See the kayaks demonstrated at the custom indoor pool, or have a quick pedal yourself.

Popular for both power and sail, 38 South Boat Sales (SA) impress with Glastron and Jeanneau vessels at the Adelaide Boat Show. Graeme Haese representing 38 South said water ski and wakeboard boats along with the Jeanneau Merry Fisher range are particularly proving very popular in the market right now. "Jeanneau Group have recently taken over US company Glastron, who themselves have a strong following and have been building boats since 1956," he said. "We'll have the latest 2018 GTS 185 on display and hopefully the GTD 205 deck boat, as we're rushing to get it to Australia in time for the show. It's easy to trailer and available with options like an extended swim platform, wakeboard tower, windscreen side wings, snap in cockpit carpet, stereo upgrades, the whole works."

All entry tickets to the show are $10, with children 16 years of age and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The show is open from the 15th to the 17th of June at the Adelaide Showground. Up to date details regarding the show are available at www.adelaideboatshow.com.au.