MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
16 August 2024
Publishers note
As we were wrapping up for the day yesterday, a story came through letting us know that the Longhurst family has been inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. Brothers Tony and Rodney are at the helm of two significant, if not the largest marine businesses in Australia. Their contribution is both significant and I am sure you would agree, very much appreciated for what they do and contribute to our industry.
Their father, the late John Longhurst, was a pioneer across many businesses, including building Pride Boats. It’s a fascinating story. I urge you to read it and view the short video at the end.
It made me think of the many Australian boat-building names that have contributed to our industry over the years. Now at this point in time, I normally would have had the fortune to refer to those who had an amazing knowledge of our industry’s history, namely Bob Wonders and Peter Hunt. Given that these gentlemen are now resting in a better place, I am going to try and recall some of those names unassisted.
I know I am going to bugger this up, and I invite you to email me at (email below) or text (0458 74 55 88) and let me know who else is deserving of a mention. Some of the names I think are truly worth listing as Australian boat builders of note, those that over time have bought us boating products to our industry, include, in no particular order: Haines, Barry-Cotter, Richards, Nickeron, Halvorsen, Binks, Whittley, Quantrill, Savage, Nichols, Griffin, Steber, McConaghy, Bickerton, Buizen, James, Phelan, and Stessl. Who have I missed? Please let me know. My apologies in advance to all those that I have foolishly omitted.
Marine Business News is an Australian-owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au.
Stay safe on the water,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
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Longhurst family inducted into Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame
The Longhurst family was inducted into the 2024 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame at the 15th annual Awards Ceremony held in Brisbane 25 July. Tourism, property and boating entrepreneurs, the Longhurst Family have a proud history of pioneering and innovation spanning over 50 years.
Australian Fishing Show repowers with Mercury
For TV fisho Andrew Hart from Hook, Line and Sinker, dependability and power is everything, so it is no surprise that he made the switched to Mercury. The Hook, Line and Sinker crew recently upgraded their Bar Crusher 780 Hard Top for their next season, repowering with Mercury Marine to a brand-new twin 175hp V6 FourStroke engine setup.
Anticipation is building for Hamilton Island Race Week, 17-24 August 2024
With the start of Hamilton Island Race Week just days away, the Nautilus Marine Insurance team are geared up to join sailors from around Australia at the acclaimed regatta. CEO of Nautilus Marine Insurance, Lyndon Turner sees Hamilton Island Race Week as a perfect opportunity to showcase Nautilus Marine’s support of boat owners and the North Queensland region.
Ask the experts: electronics and engine failures
Have you considered what you would do if your electronics or engine failed while offshore? Three boating safety experts, Adam Smith, Paul Field & Glenn Sullivan share some key safety advice to help you prepare for these potentially serious emergency situations.
The 2024 Perth Boat Show Unleashes an Ocean of Opportunities
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the 2024 Club Marine Perth Boat Show anchors at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre from September 6th to 8th, taking over the entire venue to create a thrilling boating showcase. This year’s show promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet, with a stunning lineup of global and Australian boating innovations, offering something for every marine enthusiast.
The Stabicraft story
As the acclaimed New Zealand aluminium boat manufacturer unveils two new models for 2024, Scott Thomas looks at Stabicraft’s thirst for innovation. Long revered among Kiwi boaties, the name Stabicraft has also been steadily gaining a strong reputation across the ditch in recent years.
Tesla Cybertruck meets world’s largest electric ferry
In a striking visual representation of the future of sustainable transportation, the Tesla Cybertruck was showcased alongside Incat Hull 096, the world’s largest electric ferry, at the Incat shipyard. Tom Cooper, Incat’s Media and Communications Manager, stated, “We are thrilled to host the Cybertruck at our shipyard and demonstrate the incredible potential for a cleaner, more sustainable future – on both our roads and across our seas.”
Edencraft Creative expands with Composites
Since 2022, Josie Maher-Eastman has been the General Manager of her family’s businesses: Edencraft International, Edencraft Marine and Edencraft Creative. Based in Geelong, Victoria, Edencraft International manufactures worldclass fibreglass, offshore fishing boats ranging from 6 to 7.77-metres that can be further customised to meet the needs of recreational and commercial anglers.
Functional upgrades to popular Bar Crusher models
Always catering to the needs of serious anglers, Bar Crusher has redesigned the dash of its folding-roof C series (cuddy cabin) models. The new dash layout in the 535C, 575C, 615C and 670C allows flush-mounting of up to a single 16” MFD or up to twin 10” MFDs [twin 9” screens in 535C], giving Bar Crusher owners the flexibility to further personalise boats to their specific requirements.
New look Fishing World
Former sister publication Fishing World as had a make over with a new look celebrating its 55 year history. Now owned and published by former Marine Business News editor Scott Thomas, the fishing publication continues to be a leader in its field bringing the best of the sport and lifestyle to its readers.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers respond to almost 250 calls for assistance in July
Despite the cool weather experienced across the state last month, Marine Rescue NSW was in demand with volunteers completing 242 search and rescue missions, including 81 emergency responses. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the skill and dedication displayed by the Service’s 3,400 volunteers meant hundreds of boaters were safely returned to shore in July.
Two dead after boat capsizes off Kangaroo Island
Two men have died after a boat capsized in waters off Kangaroo Island. Just after 4.15pm on Wednesday 14 August, police were alerted after a boat was located upturned off the coast of Cassini. Emergency services, with the assistance of the local Coast Guard and PolAir, searched the area and quickly located the overturned vessel.
Maritimo pre-departure checklist
Planning, prepping and checking your vessel leads to an even greater experience on the water for all. We cover the basis for developing your own luxury motor yacht pre-departure checklist. Whether you are new to boating, or on your fourth Maritimo, being the Master of your vessel comes with a level of responsibility for all those you take on board.
Sanlorenzo Asia Expands to Become Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific, Strengthening Presence in Australia and New Zealand
Sanlorenzo Asia, a division of Simpson Marine, is delighted to announce its transformation into Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific (Sanlorenzo APAC) effective immediately. This strategic move reflects the company’s commitment to serving the growing demand for yachts and related services in the Asia-Pacific region and follows Simpson Marine’s regional expansion under the ownership of Sanlorenzo SpA, taking place in early March 2024.
Patawalonga gate upgrade will help prevent flooding
Patawalonga gate upgrade in S.A. will help prevent flooding. The $17.3m project, set for completion in 2025, will also ensure a quality marine environment is maintained for recreational activities including boating, fishing and kayaking.
Navigation warning and special measures as dredging starts for new breakwater
Skippers navigating Casuarina Boat Harbour in W.A. will need to take extra care as dredging begins in preparation for the construction of a new 460 metre northern breakwater – the centrepiece of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront (TBW).
Eden volunteer named Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year
Marine Rescue Eden Deputy Unit Commander and Radio Operator Nancy Weatherman has been crowned Marine Rescue NSW’s Officer of the Year at the prestigious Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) which were held at Bankstown Sports Club last night (10 August 2024).
SeaLink’s newest ferry exceeds trial performance expectations
SeaLink Marine & Tourism has announced that the latest addition to its fleet, construction on the Goodna, meaning ‘fish,’ has not only been completed ahead of schedule, but during sea trials exceeded performance expectations. The 24-metre passenger ferry, built by Aus Ships in Queensland, underwent successful sea trials last month in Brisbane before heading to Gladstone for contracted operations.
Official Opening of the Advance Manufacturing and Marine Repair Facility at Norship
Recently Norship welcomed Deputy Premier & treasurer, Cameron Dick and Tourism Minister Michael Healy to view and officially open Norships state-of-the-art multifaceted facility. As a major infrastructure boost to the Cairns marine precinct, this 62m long x 26m high, state-of-the-art shed will create jobs and elevate shipyard capabilities to a new level.
Summer in Tassie? Book berths and get planning now
Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025, 7-10th February 2025. Are you displaying your boat at the AWBF2025? Even if you’re not, and still planning on travelling south for the Summer months, AWBF recommend booking your berths now. Each Summer we see more and more vessels from interstate enjoying the glorious tranquil waters, for short stays and long term stays.
