Australian boat buyers are voting with their wallets when it comes to new luxury pontoon boats in which to cruise our waterways – and a long established Brisbane company is leading the way.
Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats of Burbank/ Rochedale successfully manufactures and sells quality pontoon boats, proving that anything an overseas manufacturer can do an Aussie company can do as well, if not better.
The company proudly and justifiably describes itself as “Australia’s Premier Builder of Basic to Luxury Pontoon Boats”.
HERE TO STAY – Company manager Neil Stapleton attributes the strong demand to their boats’ build quality and easily customisable design, as well as the company’s excellent customer service and reliable local back-up.
“Our parent company is Highgate Engineers, a division of Holmwood Highgate, a privately owned Australian company,” Neil said. “Holmwood Highgate was established in 1985, and today we have more than 200 employees. Buyers can have confidence that we will still be here for many years to come, which cannot be said of some companies who import boats from overseas.
“Our pontoon boats are built by Australians for Australian conditions and that really shows in the build quality and their toughness. They are also built to Australian standards and even international standards, if required, and designed to be within standard towing width, so there are no issues towing them.”
FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE – Neil knows all too well how important dealer and manufacturer back-up is, because it was after buying an imported pontoon boat for his own family that he came up with the idea of building an Australian-made version.
“The imported boat in question was designed to cruise in freshwater in the USA and did not take kindly to constant immersion in corrosive salt water here in Australia,” Neil said.
He found it difficult to get satisfactory dealer and manufacturer support for the problems that cropped up. Eventually, the dealer shut down and he was left on his own. Frustrated, he decided to build a pontoon boat himself, using his own ideas and the extensive expertise of the team at Highgate Engineers.
The resulting two prototypes hit the water in 2008 and the rest – as they say – is history. Sales have continued to grow year on year, and their only issue is keeping up with demand, which is a wonderful issue to have.
THE BEST – Company salesperson Craig Winch has been part of the success story since the beginning and his enthusiasm for the craft shines through in his comments.
“We have some pretty special waterways in Australia and our boats are the perfect way to get out there and enjoy them,” Craig said. “Our pontoon boats can be built to survey, and we also offer various lengths and widths including many popular designs between 16 and 28-feet, all trailerable. Customers can choose their own colour scheme and customise their internal fit-out to some extent, so the boat layout truly reflects your personal preferences and usage.
“They are all-day boats, designed for enjoying local waterways with your family and friends, whether that is fishing, water-skiing or wake-boarding, or just sitting back and taking in the world as you leisurely cruise on by. We work with clients to offer them the very best in sports fishing pontoon boats and leisure pontoon boats.”
THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION – Neil noted that one of the aspects potential buyers appreciated the most was being able to visit the factory and see boats under construction, and observe first-hand Highgate Engineers’ meticulous attention to detail and build quality.
“The company prides itself on a policy of continuous product development and improvement, while utilising the highest quality materials and keeping abreast of the latest technologies in the pursuit of perfection at a competitive price,” he said. “Those are big words and that is an ambitious goal, but it’s what we strive for, and I think our sales show how well we are achieving it.”
In keeping with its underlying commitment of ongoing customer support, the company is also happy to repair and modernise older pontoon boats with new furniture.
Neil said the reputation of the company is also reflected in the resale price of the boats, because owners often resell their boats for almost what they paid new, even after years of happy usage.
Want your own dream boat? Call Craig at Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats to discuss your ideas. Prices start at $70,000 for a base boat excluding engines and trailer.
You will find Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats at Highgate Engineers at 155 Ford Road, Burbank/Rochedale QLD.
Office: (07) 3440 9000. Craig’s Mob: 0417 646 711
craig@runawaybaypontoonboats.com
www.runawaybaypontoonboats.com
Published in print April-June 2023
