Balex begins rolling out updated Automatic Boat Launcher

Media Release

Balex Marine begins rolling out updated Automatic Boat Launcher to boaties

Tauranga, 14 March, 2016 - Balex Marine has begun rolling out its innovative and award-winning Automatic Boat Launcher ABL2500 (ABL) to retail customers.

Executives from the Bay of Plenty-based startup, which has drawn strong private investor support, were on hand at Pilot Bay, Tauranga, when veteran boatie Peter Bell became the first retail customer to launch using his new ABL.

The hydraulically powered ABL is installed on trailers and lets users launch and retrieve their boat without getting their feet wet, using a remote control that allows boaties to start, stop or pause the process at the touch of a button.

The 76-year-old Mount Maunganui local is a keen fisherman and boatie.

“I’m getting a bit older and it was getting a bit harder to get the boat in and out so I thought I’d try one,” he said. “It’s going to make it that much easier to get the boat on and off the ramp.”

Balex slightly delayed its original pre-Christmas retail release date in order to incorporate an additional hydraulic lift to the device. The lift engages the hull and lifts the boat up, drives it forward then settles it back onto the roller cradle.

“It’s made it even more user friendly,” says Balex Sales Director Paul Yarrall. “It enables the ABL to accommodate a wider range of boats and trailers and delivers better performance.”

Peter Bell sourced the ABL from Trev Terry Marine in Taupo for the DMW tandem braked trailer for his new Stabicraft 2400 Supercab. The new boat, which has twin Yamaha F115hp 4 stroke outboards, is the latest in a series of Stabicrafts he has owned.

Balex is partnering with DMW as well as Voyager Trailers and national retail chain Boating and Outdoors.

Brock Terry, owner of Trev Terry Marine, said he thought the ABL was a brilliant product.

“We want to make boating as easy as possible. It’s going to allow people to launch them on their own. And it’s not just older people - we’ve pre-sold two to younger guys who just want to have all the best equipment.”

Boating and Outdoors Director John Bolitho said the anticipation of the ABL arriving was exciting.

“We’ve got an agency for this all over the country and we’ve already got many orders. It gives users them the ability to easily manhandle the boat and launch and retrieve it by themselves. It gives users better control - you can just come in and set it in motion and the ABL just pulls you on whether there’s wind blowing sideways or not. That’s a huge thing, especially for a lot of new boaties.”

Balex reports strong pre-orders from owners of popular boat models, who see it as the perfect solution for easy launch and retrieval, especially of heavier boats where windage can create problems.

Balex Managing Director Paul Symes set up the Bay of Plenty-based company in late 2013 with Tauranga boatie Lex Bacon, who developed the original concept in his garage.

“The sale to Peter is a massive milestone in terms of highlighting that we have brought together our production supply chain and retail reseller channel,” he said. “This is really the start of getting some momentum going forward.”

Additional Information

• The ABL is aimed at boats in the 5-9 metre range with a boat weight of up to 2500kg, and is suitable for both fibreglass and alloy hulls.

• See www.balexmarine.com for a VDO demo of the ABL.

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