BOATING WORLD AT DURBAN BOAT SHOW (June 22nd – 24th)

As winter advances, boating enthusiasts really get excited about the prospect of visiting the three annual Boat Shows scheduled for the main capital cities around the country (Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town) – giving a tantalizing taste of the most contemporary products available for the coming summer.

The Durban Boat Show, which was a little earlier than usual in June this year, did not disappoint and from the minute dealers starting building their stands in the giant marquee and positioning their stunning craft on the water moorings, it was clear that this year’s show would be a festive weekend affair with loads of potential.

Banners of all colours, shapes and sizes proudly waved above each stand and lined the walkways, encouraging visitors to stop in and take a look at the magnificent selection of boats on display on the grassy areas and on the water. They were all there - from small inflatables, runabouts, waterski/wakeboard options, jetskis, deepsea skiboats, to breathtaking motorized yachts and those with sails billowing high above the rest.

Boating World always makes their presence felt with their showing of luxuriously beautiful motorized cruisers, Sport Fishers or other craft – and the magnificent Riviera 37 Sport Fisher was no exception. She immediately caught the eye resting supreme on the company’s familiar corner spot surrounded by jetties, making her easily accessible to show goers.

The whole Boating World team from Cape Town and Durban looked super-professional in their crisp new navy and white attire, giving visitors the confident impression that these were people who really knew their business and could give the best advice. And their efforts paid off as head of the team Derrick Levy reports that this was their most successful show ever resulting in a number of sales and great leads to follow up.

Scores of people were invited on board in controlled numbers at a time - to give everyone a fair viewing of this magnificent Riviera 37 Sport Fisher.  She’s 13.9 m long with all the space needed for luxurious cruising and a huge multi-purpose cockpit which is well-equipped with a fighting chair, outriggers and other practical conveniences which anglers appreciate.

 Built for long-distance travel with economical twin diesel Volvo D6 (370HP) engines, the Riviera 37 has more than enough power and fitted with four-blade propellers means she can easily handle rough conditions. Her 1225-litre fuel capacity gives hours of long distance cruising or heading off for the deep to find those elusive Billfish, Sailies and other big fish.

 Dual controls allows the pilot and guests to socialize together on the flybridge with a commanding view over the water and up to six people can spend the night on board, enjoying the comfortable accommodations complete with heads and galley.

Visitors were also fascinated with the other exhibit on Boating World’s stand – the revolutionary Airberth Lift System which comfortably supported the Lowrance Ace Glider 750 skiboat complete with twin 250 Mercury outboards. The staff gave regular demonstrations throughout the weekend - showing how it only takes about three minutes to raise a boat of this size out of the water -.she can hold to 10-tons. Eliminating the need for a crane or trailering and giving easy access to the hull, this is the cure for endless anti-fouling and this amazing unit is easily transportable. The Airberth’s support cradles fit most monohull craft, though other shapes have been accommodated and there are no submerged metal parts. This great mooring option can be used next to a jetty or even out in the ocean.

For another chance to attend another exciting Boat Show - diarize the dates of the Johannesburg Boat Show (August 24^th-26^th) - taking place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, NAREC.