Channel Marine has written its name into the history books, becoming the first Tasmanian dealer to win Mercury Marine’s most prestigious award, The Australian National Dealer of the Year for 2023.
(Left-right) Mercury’s Director of Sales David Meehan, Alan from Channel Marine and Mercury Australia, NZ and Pacific Islands General Manager Brad Zoelle.
Specialising in Mercury and MerCruiser products, Channel Marine also sells used and new boats, marine parts and electronics. The South Hobart based company has a strong track record of success, winning the Tasmanian Mercury Dealer of the Year five times, in 1994, 1995, 1998, 2005 and 2007, along with being named the VIC/TAS Mercury Dealer of the Year in 2009.
Mercury Marine’s Director of Sales David Meehan said Channel Marine being recognised was a long time coming and a credit to their commitment to their customers.
“This is an outstanding achievement for Channel Marine and showcases the exceptional work they do in delivering such high standards,” David said.
“They have consistently achieved year-on-year growth across multiple product categories, with 2023 being no exception.
“They have also increased their market share in their dealer district—an impressive feat given their already high market share—by single-handedly converting many of the Australian fish farms in southern Hobart to Mercury engines.
“Known for their excellent service on commercial boats, it has been fantastic to see them expand into the retail side of the business, partnering with boat brands like Stacer and Yellowfin.”
The Australian National Dealer of the Year podium was rounded out by three-time winner Brisbane Marine (QLD) in second and in third place, Aquasports Marine (WA).
(Left-right) Mercury’s Director of Sales David Meehan, Matt and Anna from Swampys Marine and Mercury Australia, NZ and Pacific Islands General Manager Brad Zoelle.
It was a big year for South Australian dealer Swampys Marine in Mount Gambier who took out the 2023 Regional Dealer of the Year award, along with winning South Australian Dealer of the Year.
The New Zealand Dealer of the Year Award for 2023 was won by Gulfland Marine from the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, north of Auckland.
Mercury’s annual awards are based on a range of objective criteria including year-on-year growth across all product categories (Outboard, MerCruiser, Parts & Accessories), business diversity, service status and market share growth within their dealer district.
The awards also involve regional and specialist categories. The full list of winners for 2023 is:
National:
- Australian National Dealer of the Year 2023 – Channel Marine (TAS)
- New Zealand Dealer of the Year 2023 – Gulfland Marine (NZ)
Regional:
- Regional Dealer of Year – Swampys Marine (SA)
- VIC/TAS dealer of year – Channel Marine (TAS)
- NSW Dealer of Year – TR Marine
- QLD Dealer of Year – Brisbane Marine
- NT Dealer of Year – Precision Marine
- SA Dealer of Year – Swampys Marine
- WA dealer of year – Aquasports Marine
Mercury Finance & Insurance:
- National Mercury Finance Dealer of the Year 2023 – TR Marine (NSW)
Specialist:
- Inflatable Dealer of year – Dinghy World
- P&A Dealer of Year – Aquasports Marine
- MotorGuide Dealer of Year – Brisbane Marine
- MerCruiser Dealer of Year – MY Marine Queensland
- MerCruiser OEM of Year – Stejcraft Boats
- MerCruiser Towsport OEM of Year – Sterling Marine
