MISSION TO GET MORE FAMILIES OUT BOATING TOGETHER
Going Boating Australia may be a new name to some of us, and it may sound like a new media platform or information website. However, Going Boating AU is actually the Gold Coast’s latest retail boat dealership, which has been three generations in the making.
The principals behind the dealership are Tim Catanese and his wife Fiona, who took over the family boat building business 12 years ago. Their Stejcraft brand has been around since 1971 and is arguably one of Australia’s best-known and most loved boat brands.
Tim has now been joined by his sons Zane and Seth, who together have expanded the business and their boat range. They have included the N.Z aluminium range of fishing boats, Osprey, and the premium U.S fish boat range, Robalo. To ensure that all three brands receive equal representation, they have set up a new retail showroom at 7/328 Brisbane Rd, Arundel, adjoining the boat building facility and revitalised the Going Boating AU name.
The level of enthusiasm from Tim is palpable, as he is full of pride for his family and their accomplishments. “I am excited on several levels,” he said. “Working with my family every day is a dream come true. Our team behind the scenes, particularly our dedicated boat builders, are brilliant. And now, we have picked up two fantastic brands to add to our Stejcraft offering, which really boosts our ability to service both new and long-standing clients.”
It has been a whirlwind for Tim and his team, with Stejcraft experiencing tremendous growth over the last few years. Their full order book has seen the team triple in size, now producing 150 boats a year!
Tim spent a few years working in the U.S for a major builder, learning the latest techniques, designs, and working with the latest materials. Stejcraft boats are now built entirely out of composite materials, eliminating the use of wood. This results in lighter boats that perform better and exhibit a high level of build quality, akin to U.S standards.
To achieve this, they have incorporated a C&C cutting machine to include EVA flooring as a standard feature on all boats. They have also installed state-of-the-art thermoforming equipment for manufacturing smaller panels and hatches, as well as a laser engraver for precision cutting of window panels, switch panels, and other components.
Meanwhile, they have introduced two new inboard bowrider models, the SS55 and SS64, and won the prestigious Mercruiser Australian OEM and dealer awards for 2022. All of this was accomplished while moving to their new premises in Arundel and setting up Going Boating AU, which includes an in-house Mercury service centre. It’s safe to say, they have been keeping busy!
Tim’s family philosophy extends to the new brands he is now representing in Queensland, with both Osprey and Robalo also boasting proud family heritage. Osprey offers a range of recreational and commercial aluminium boats in various configurations, while Robalo Boats, founded in 1968, is a major player in the U.S market, known for their innovative thinking and high-quality fishing boats.
Robalo offers a range of Centre Consoles, Dual Consoles, and Bay boats, holding the #1 market share for Centre Consoles from 18 to 32 feet in the U.S. Their boats are designed for fishing in style, with the best materials and genuine offshore capability. Additionally, Robalo recognises the changing trends and offers boats that can easily convert to comfortable day boats, perfect for canal cruises with friends.
Tim’s mission to get more families out boating together is becoming a reality.
To be a part of it, visit Going Boating AU to explore your options and meet the team. You can visit their website at goingboatingaustralia.com.au or call (07) 5646 4356.
Published in print July-September 2023
