PERFORMANCE BOATS MAKE MARK AT COAST BOAT SHOWS

LEADING performance and recreational watersports brands are set to be as big a drawcard as luxury boats at this year's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS).

With watersports proving to be a fast-growing segment of the marine industry, SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser says it is important the show evolves to promote every facet of the aquatic lifestyle.

From wake and ski boats to personal water crafts (PWCs) and leisure day boats, some of the country's latest makes and models in watersports will be at the marine industry event.

Brands set to exhibit include Northside Marine, Gold Coast WaveRunners, JSW Powersports, Queensland Marine Centre and Jet Ski World.

Recreational watersports gear and products will also be on show including the latest stand up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks and dive gear, along with a range of Kymera electric jetboards from first time exhibitor Wavez.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser says the increased presence of recreational and performance brands at this year's show will appeal to those from entry level to adventure-seeking performance craft enthusiasts.

"We have noted a growing interest in watersports brands at past shows," says Hasser.

"In the wake of this, we can only expect that ski boats, PWCs, SUPs, kayaks and ingenious diving devices will be as big a drawcard at SCIBS as luxury boats.

"SCIBS is all about promoting every facet of the aquatic lifestyle - in, on, under and by the water."

Meanwhile, SCIBS rival The Gold Coast International Marine Expo has also announced a string of watersport unveilings.

The new X26 and NX7 Global Edition (pictured right) wake boats from US-based watersports boat-builder MasterCraft are among a catalogue of new features at this year's expo.

More than 500 yachts and boats will be showcased throughout the expo's three kilometre display circuit in 2016 and on the water across the two expo marinas at Coomera and Marina Mirage.

Both SCIBS and The Gold Coast International Marine Expo run from May 19-22.

Tensions between the two shows have existed since the expo, traditionally in November, changed its date to leverage the Sanctuary Cove event last year.

At SCIBS, Gold Coast WaveRunners is set to have around six new Yamaha WaveRunners on display.

Meanwhile, JSW Powersports which was awarded the biggest selling Sea-Doo retailer in the world in 2015, is set to be another familiar brand within The Marine Village precinct at Sanctuary Cove.

Director Jeff McNiven says SCIBS was a great show for the brand, assisting with boosting sales in the off-season.

"Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a highlight on the calendar for us at JSW Powersports and we always have a productive and successful outcome from this show," says McNiven.

"This year, we will have all new Sea-Doo models including Spark, recreational PWCs and performance PWCs, and some of the Seafox sportfishing boats on display."

Jet Ski World director John Moyle says he will be exhibiting select items from the 2016 Kawasaki jetski range.

"We will also be releasing the new Ultra340RE and Ultra340Slx models 340hp, an upgraded performance version which will be the first time it is on show in Australia," says Moyle.

Also returning to the show is PowerDive a company aiming to liberate divers from the limitations of snorkelling, or carrying around cumbersome scuba diving gear.

Director Aaron Hawke says the PowerDive systems even allows inexperienced divers to explore the depths in a matter of minutes.

"PowerDive offers its users substantial benefits over traditional style hookahs," says Hawke.

"Typically, a hookah will have fan belts and oil filters which are prone to failure, but with our light, simple and maintenance-free PowerDives, you will never have to worry again."

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts close to 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors across four days.