Story by Tanya Rabe
Graham Cuskelly, director of Main Beach Enterprises on the Gold Coast, recently became the proud owner of a Stejcraft SS64 Bowrider (6.4m / 200 HP Mercury outboard).
Having spent over 40 years on the water in various parts of Australia, Graham knows a thing or two about boats. For a number of years, the Cuskelly family have been exploring the inland waterways of the Gold Coast in their trusted tinnie.
Living in a high-rise building close to the water at Main Beach, Graham says opportunities for boating are right in front of him every day. “It’s easy for us to check out the conditions on The Broadwater and just offshore.” Having one of Australia’s best boating playgrounds on their doorstep, the family decided to take their boating experience to the next level. That’s why, in June 2021, Graham invested in a SS64 Bowrider handcrafted by luxury boat builder, Stejcraft.
Feeling spoilt for choice with so many options, Graham decided to buy a Stejcraft because it was important to him to have a locally designed boat which was also built on the Gold Coast. “The model we chose was competitively priced and from the moment I walked through the door, I was made to feel comfortable and confident in my investment.” For Stejcraft owners, this is not an uncommon experience.
When it comes to buying a boat, we all have our wish list. Graham was looking for a great design coupled with sleek lines, good manoeuvrability, stability in all conditions, comfort for the whole family, and plenty of accessible storage space at an affordable price. The SS64 Bowrider ticked all of those boxes and more. It is a great design and it comes with the right amount of technology, H2O-grip flooring, plenty of storage and a remote anchor winch.
Graham was also able to customise the boat to suit his needs, adding a remote electric anchor winch, VHF marine radio and dual battery system. “I added these optional extras for convenience and a higher level of safety for my family and our guests.”
With the new Stejcraft conveniently moored on an air-dock close by their home, Graham can be on the water in less than 15 minutes. The family own a small start-up business on the Gold Coast – GC Boat Tours. Needing a comfortable and reliable boat for business, Graham enthusiastically explains, “The Stejcraft has proven to be the perfect boat for taking guests sightseeing on the Gold Coast’s sheltered waterways.” Whether it’s guests of GC Boat Tours, family or friends, everyone who has been on the new boat has been impressed with the style, quality and comfort of the SS64.
When Graham is not conducting tours, he is on the water with family and friends. Depending on the prevailing conditions, they either head out the Gold Coast Seaway offshore or up to Southern Moreton Bay Marine Park. When conditions are less favourable, they cruise the rivers and many canals around the Gold Coast.
One of Graham’s favourite boating locations on the Gold Coast is Jumpinpin. “The area is easily accessed from The Broadwater but it feels as if you are a million miles away, especially on the quieter days of the usual working week,” says Graham, who is happy being on the water anywhere. “It is such a great way to both relax and enjoy the outdoors.”
When buying a quality boat, it is reassuring to know that you will be looked after beyond the sales pitch. This is the care that Stejcraft Boats pride themselves on.
“Tim Cantanese and the staff at Stejcraft are great to deal with,” says Graham. “I made some changes along the way and Tim was incredibly accommodating.”
During the construction of his boat, Graham frequently visited the factory at Arundel. The Stejcraft team encourage owners to be involved in the entire process from ordering, through the build, to delivery and handover. Even after launch, the Stejcraft relationship remains solid. As Graham’s boat is not trailerable, when it comes time for servicing, all he has to do is meet the Stejcraft crew at a convenient boat ramp and they will take care of everything else. It is these complimentary gestures that seal the deal.
As both a business owner operating on the water and a recreational mariner, Graham has no reservations recommending Stejcraft. He knows he has invested in a quality vessel that provides comfort and safety for everyone onboard, and he has an ongoing relationship with the builder who delivers on promises.
Published in print January-March 2022
