WITH the sad demise of the Newcastle Boat Show this year its execution performed in stealth by the Boating Industry Association with barely a whimper from local dealers Sanctuary Cove can rightfully reclaim its title as the first major regional show of the season.

CENTRE console runabouts are the one-tonne utes of the fishing world, blokes' boats that make few pretences towards catering for snotty kids and the malcontent missus.

Two doors, a folding alloy hardtop, room for two with a couple of soft bags and a wonderfully smooth V8 engine up front. Just don't call the Lexus SC430 a sports car, says Brent Davison.

I AM still recovering from driving 37 Australian-made boats in sunshine and showers, calm seas and calamitous conditions, over four days in Sydney and on the Gold Coast. The assignment handed to me and a team of fellow judges was to determine the Australian Boat of the Year.

TOYOTA has released a range of genuine accessories designed to widen the versatility of its new Tarago seven and eight-seat wagon for families. Children's bicycles and other recreational equipment can be carried using Tarago's roof rack with optional attachments. Boats and trailers can be tran