Big diesels in the spotlight at boat show

If you want real grunt on the water, this year's Boat Show has a display just for you, writes ROBIN BAILEY.

It was once widely regarded as a sales platform for fizz-boats and outboard motors, but the New Zealand Boat Show is out to change that perception.

The 2002 show, held on the 50th anniversary of Auckland's first marine exhibition, will feature the biggest and most comprehensive collection of big-boat engines and equipment on display anywhere in the country.

These big diesel engines, marine generators, gearboxes and propulsion systems will be grouped together in the Big Engine Court, a specialist pavilion catering almost entirely to those with an interest in bigger boats, both power and sail.

Keeping the power plants company will be a range of equipment and accessories that ensure big boats operate at maximum efficiency - specialist systems for steering, plumbing, painting and even waste disposal.

Virtually every major engine brand available locally will be present in the Big Engine Court, something that clearly pleases Keith Twemlow, chairman of the Boating Industries Association's specialist group that is driving the display.

"We believe that having all the major brands in one place provides an ideal opportunity for those building a new boat or looking to repower an existing one," Twemlow says.

"Where else can a boat owner go to see Caterpillars, Cummins, Detroit/MTUs, Volvos and Yanmars all in one place and, at the same time, talk to propulsion suppliers such as Twin Disc and ZF [from Australia] and Hamilton Jet [from Christchurch]?"

This will be the third year that the Big Engine Group, with a membership of around 20 companies, has exhibited at the country's premier marine show and Twemlow is happy with the way things are going.

"It's definitely an advantage having everyone together," he says. "We wanted to focus on one major show and ensure that all the suppliers were in the one place so that potential owners didn't have to wander all over the showgrounds to find us.

"The timing is also good, because those wanting their boat in the water for the summer need to make their decisions about now and most manufacturers can get their latest releases here in time for the show."

Show manager Dave Gibbs believes the addition of the Big Engine Court has also been good for the boat show.

"It helps to complete the show," he says. "Most Kiwis have what I call a general interest in boating. Their main activity might be sailing, fishing, launches or even water-skiing.

"But they will also want to know what's happening in other segments of the leisure boating sector.

"Many show patrons are also looking to move up or change the way they go boating. This is one of the great things about the show - we see waterskiers who discover fishing (and vice versa), dinghy sailors getting into keel boats and fizz boaters who get excited about a bigger boat or maybe their first launch."

Gibbs says he is convinced the show is so successful because it brings together all the different aspects of boating.

Visitors to the show who are looking for the latest in diesel engines will have no shortage from which to choose. Almost every big-engine exhibitor will be releasing new models, and a wide selection of new propulsion systems will be on show.

As part of a worldwide trend (driven largely by the United States and Europe), most of the new engines feature substantially lower emission levels, yet they deliver more power from less weight and take up less space in the engine room.

"We're looking forward to a great show," says Twemlow. "The economy's strong, the choice of product is amazing and the show organisers plan to provide something for everyone, including lots of great entertainment. It's the right time to be looking for a new diesel engine."

The show runs from May 30 to June 3 at the Auckland Showgrounds.