Highly respected Australian boat builder, CruiseCraft, is one of the first manufacturers to actively embrace the new marine safety legislation that requires new boats to be fitted with an Australian Builders Plate.

Well ahead of the introduction date, CruiseCraft has welcomed the new system developed as a national marine safety standard for recreational boating.

The Australian Builders Plate provides ready access to essential information about the uses and limitations of the boat in operation. Plate details include the engine rating and weight, maximum number of people, maximum load, and buoyancy (flotation) performance.

Commencing on July 1 st 2005 , all manufacturers and importers will be required to affix the plate to new recreational boats built or imported for use in Australia . However, furthering their commitment to safety and quality, CruiseCraft has already commenced fixing the new builders plate to every model.

“It enables the public to make informed decisions about their boat purchase and encoura g es appropriate and responsible use of boats in Australian waters,” said Danny Nichols, CruiseCraft Marketin g Director.

The Australian Builders plate will come in two types, one for boats under 6 metres in length and another for boats 6 meters or more in length. Regulations stipulate the plate must be readily visible to the operator in the cockpit or near the steering position at the helm.

All CruiseCraft boats are now produced with an Australian Builders Plate which confirms that the hull has been manufactured with the required flotation. The build plate is permanently fixed and clearly visible to the operator on the dash or side panel.

A vessel's floating characteristics will be described on the plate as level, basic or inadequate. In the event of the boat being swamped, level flotation states that the boat will remain level and floating and basic flotation indicates the vessel will float but may not remain in a level position. Inadequate flotation suggests that the boat may sink.

CruiseCraft employs sophisticated hull technolo g y and extensive desi g n criteria in their proven ran g e of Resort, Outsider and Explorer boats. Their commitment to buildin g safer craft is evident.

CruiseCraft's thorough manufacturing technique not only increases the strength and performance of the hull, but also raises the flotation safety levels significantly.

“All safety aspects of our manufacturin g process exceed the expectations of the Australian Builders Plate re g ulation. Our customers can be confident that when they purchase a CruiseCraft boat, they are not only investin g in a quality product but also a benchmark in marine safety,” said Danny Nichols.

CruiseCraft is a wholly family owned, Australian boat manufacturing business, operating from their Brisbane manufacturing facility. CruiseCraft boats are distributed exclusively through a network of authorised dealers throughout Australia and select international markets.