21 Aug 2012

By Scott Thomas // Marine Business

US manufacturer Crestliner Boats is set to expand its reach into Australia’s tinny market with the release of several new models at the recent Sydney International Boat Show.

Marine Business caught up with Crestliner president Ben Cast during his recent visit to Australia. Cast said The Crestliner brand was a good match for the local market and offered Australian fishermen a unique product that was different than any Australian-built tinny.

“We’ve come over here to show our commitment to the Australian market. Crestliner is very interested in designing Australian intended features and we’re interested in looking at what the Australian fisherman wants in a boat,” said Cast.

“There were a lot of great competitive products at the boat show, we came here to see what they’re doing and we are also spending time on the waterways and experiencing how boats are used in Australia. We want to be sure the boats we sell over here will cater for what the Australian consumer wants.”

Cast said the Crestliner product matches well with the style of Australian built boats, but believes the US- built tinnies have a competitive advantage. “We have a good quality fit and finish compared with what we’re seeing here. I think we back that up with a great construction process and great quality,” said Cast.

Cast said the US aluminium fishing boat market has delivered positive results when compared with the fiberglass boat market and expects similar results locally. “I think our consumers are pretty passionate about fishing. They may have to sit on the sidelines for a couple of years when the economy is tough, but they’re always going to want to be out on the water fishing. They’re a passionate consumer base. I think we’ll do well even in these difficult economic times,” said Cast.