Sydney International Boat Show 2006

When the 2006 Sydney International Boat Show (August 3 - 8) lights up Darling Harbour, the greatest array of boats displayed in the Southern Hemisphere will, of course, of prove a major attraction for boating enthusiasts.

With more than 350 exhibitors packing the six vast halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and in excess of 270 vessels on the spectacular Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour will indeed become a 'smorgasbord' of boats.

However, boat owners, particularly those who enjoy their boating offshore, will doubtless flock to the many displays hosted by marine electronics manufacturers and distributors.

The many facets of technology employed borders on the astonishing!

For example, the local headquarters of the world's leading digital cartography producer, C-MAP, will unveil the most sophisticated and technically advanced electronic chart product ever released!

It's called Max Pro, and it offers many new features including 3D 'Virtual Earth' display, Satellite Imagery Overlay, Real-Time Updating and Weather Forecasting.

Other C-MAP Max Pro features include Embedded Marina Photos, Coastal Roads and Marina Information, Flashing NavAids and Animated Current Predictions.

In a word, outstanding!

Wayne Hunter, managing director of C-MAP Australia, rates the introduction of Max Pro as the most prominent technology advancement made by the company since the introduction of the award-winning C-MAP NT charts in 1996.

"Max Pro is the culmination of what we have learned over 20-years of developing electronic charts for recreational and professional mariners," he explained.

"It proved a challenge to create, but the results are fantastic for the industry and recreational boaters alike and I'm certain Max Pro will maintain C-MAP's position as the pre-eminent electronic chart technology developer."

Show visitors will be able to see the advantages of Max Pro first hand.

Renowned marine electronics designer/manufacturer Navman will unveil its latest chart plotters at the show

A division of Brunswick New Technologies, Navman was among the first to offer chart plotters to run C-MAP's powerful charting product, Max.

Brunswick, of course, is the parent company of industry legend Mercury Marine.

The latest products on display to tempt boating enthusiasts include Navman's Tracker 5605 and Tracker 5505 sport daylight viewable QVGA with 6.4" and 5" displays in full colour, both capable of running C-MAP Max.

These dedicated chart plotters feature a new concise user interface and a wealth of powerful features.
The new Trackers feature Navman's exclusive Digital Fuel Computer, Mercury SmartCraft engine management software.

When connected to the superb Navman VHF 7200 radio, an operator has the exclusive 'Track Your Buddy" feature that automatically displays vessel locations of up to three friends on the Tracker screen.

Connection with the VHF 7200 also provides barometric readings and a "Happy Fish" symbol to indicate optimal fishing conditions.

These incredible units also offer storage of up to 3000 waypoints and 25 routes, Chart and Highway and Chart and SmartCraft gauge split screen modes, a dedicated man overboard button, multiple alarms and can operate on both 12volt and 24volt power systems.

Also scheduled for release at the show is Navman's fabulous Flagship 8120 Multifunction Navigation System.

With an unparalleled 12" display the all-new 8120 has been hailed as a powerful addition to the Navman range, "built for boaters by boaters."

It represents the ideal choice for boaters who need single system access to all critical on board information without sacrificing functionality.

Although offering direct connection to many Mercury engines with its SmartCraft features, the 8120's unique and innovative gasoline/diesel fuel technology connects into a boat's fuel line and provides readings on fuel flow and fuel remaining, fuel economy and range, even for those vessels without Mercury engines.

Northstar, another Brunswick division, will also be releasing its 8000 'plotter, with Australian software developer TMQ.

Both will offer systems compatible with C-MAP's Max Pro.

Needless to say, those who enjoy their boating offshore must be equally conscious of their safety and one display is an absolute must visit, that of famed manufacturer GME, recently honoured by the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) as Australia's Exporter of the Year.

GME will be releasing its MT400 EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).

This efficient unit has taken the market by storm and was directly responsible for GME (the brand name of Standard Communications) being named Exporter of the Year.

These technologically advanced products represent just some of the highlights on view for visitors to the 2006 Sydney International Boat Show.

Boats, marine engines, fishing tackle, water ski equipment, charter boat holidays, general boating accessories, nautical clothing and sportswear, it's all part and parcel of the Sydney International Boat Show.

As always, the 'shows within the show' will provide ample interest.

Show organiser, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, is ever mindful of the need to provide entertainment and for 2006 has arranged a galaxy of attractions.

They include the popular Yamaha Fishing Clinic, Better Boating Workshops, Strictly Sail and the Discover Sailing Centre, Saturday's Boat Building Competition and an array of daily fashion parades by Musto.

Show visitors can sit for and renew boating licences, attend to registration needs, and talk finance and insurance with BIA Marine Finance and BIAS Marine Insurance.

Proudly sponsored by Club Marine Insurance and NSW Maritime, the Sydney International Boat Show will indeed set Darling Harbour alight.

For further information visit the show website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Recorded information: 1300 7 BOATS (26287)
Telephone +61 2 9438 2077