• Hull extensions completed on 2 Monaro 21’s. We incorporated various forms of hull extensions to offset the increased weight of 4 stroke engines now being installed versus the original lighter 2 stroke power. An article on this was published in the May 2011 Boat Journal magazine and a link to it can be found on our website home page.
• Over the winter Monaro extensively upgraded a Volvo diesel powered 255 for the new Richmond owners. With a new style of pump and drain we were able to retrofit an enclosed shower on this boat plus many more new features.
• Another 255 of note is a demo that was back east, has since made its journey back to the west coast and is now in the False Creek Yacht Club. The owner added more equipment to the boat to suit his extending cruising and fishing needs.
• New moulds being made or are already done include new fibreglass steps for driver and passenger to fit 21 – 255 models. New fibreglass galley cabinets and dash also for 21 – 255 models. These units can be retrofitted to existing Monaros. We are also considering other new moulds, some major ones. The first dash will be going into Brad’s 233. We were hoping to have it ready for the Rendezvous but due to a setback involving a log and outdrive, our priorities have changed.

In general the recession has not been kind to fibreglass pleasure boat manufacturers. Because of this fact we have diversified our operation and are doing quite a variety of boat related projects. We are certainly looking forward to the upswing which appears to be under way.

Other highlights:

• Last summer we took one of the 24’s to the Steveston Salmon Festival Parade, Canada Day. My 2 grand kids had an exciting time “trolling” for salmon on the main street. Monaro also participated in the Steveston Maritime Festival in August. We will be participating in both of these events again this year.
• We have now joined the Facebook, Twitter and YouTube craze! Feel free to join our Monaro Marine Ltd. group on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at MonaroMarine. We keep our social media updated every week with used boats for sale and updates about new and cool things happening at Monaro!
• Our website has been rebuilt this spring for a fresh new look. One cool new feature we have added is one of our supplier’s parts catalogue. Now you can peruse the book to see what is available.