With just two owners overseeing its entire 50-year history, Cannonvale Marine is celebrating not only an impressive personal milestone but also the outstanding achievement of being one of the most stable and longest-running businesses in the Whitsundays.
Established in 1973 by retired engineer Ron Dorman, Cannonvale Marine was the first stand-alone marine dealership in the region.
Ron’s two sons operated the business and after six years a young Darrell Hinschen started his marine engine apprenticeship with the team.
Darrell soon became an integral part of the business and, 14 years later, he was offered the opportunity to purchase Cannonvale Marine with his wife Leanne.
The couple partnered with another Cannonvale Marine apprentice, Matthew Telford, who was a partner in the business for 15 years.
Darrell and Leanne have now operated the business successfully for the last 30 years.
Both Whitsunday locals, Darrell and Leanne are originally from well-known cane-farming families.
“I grew up fishing because our farm was on the O’Connell River,” said Darrell.
“My oldest, happiest memories are fishing – going down the river with Dad – or we’d go to one of the creeks and fish, so it was only natural for me to get into this.”
Over the years Darrell and Leanne have witnessed many changes within the industry.
Technology has been one of the most significant - from the introduction of GPS and electric trolling motors to the reduction in the use of two-stroke motors which have now been replaced with modern, technically advanced, cleaner engines.
“Another big change is that up to 10-15 years ago we were selling boats, primarily for people to go fishing. We are now selling boats for people to go boating and enjoy the Whitsundays,” explains Darrell.
“We’ve still got those people that want to
Service, Parts And Repair
Cannonvale Marine is just as busy servicing the needs of boaters as they are in selling its impressive range of Quintrex aluminium boats and trailers.
Whether you are bringing your boat in for its 12-monthly service or you need a trou-
blesome engine fixed, their service team offer expert workmanship, and is both fast and efficient in getting your boat back on the water.
Their chandlery also offers a range of gadgets, spare parts and accessories.
fish, but we’ve now also got others that probably wouldn’t even carry a rod on the boat! ”
The Whitsundays now has the highest number of boat registrations per capita in Australia – but while the nature and the scale of their boating business have definitely changed, it is the good
old-fashioned service at Cannonvale Marine that has remained the same.
“Our focus has always been on doing the best job possible,” said Darrell.
“When we first started there wasn’t a big population so if you didn’t get repeat business you wouldn’t last – the fact that we’ve been here for 50 years means that we must be doing something right!”
Power Equipment and Cyclones
For the last 15 years, Cannonvale Marine has also supplied power equipment to the community as a Honda supplier, offering everything from mowers and brush cutters to generators.
This side of the business operated quietly for a long time but it was when Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsundays in 2017 that it became an essential part of the immediate recovery.
“During that time, we were open 12 hours
a day just fixing generators and we didn’t charge anyone,” said Leanne.
“Everyone was in shock; everyone was just trying to cope – we rang our supplier and of course, every business has a credit limit – but they told us we could have whatever we wanted!
“I nearly cried! We were able to provide the community with the generators they needed.”
Costs Then And Now
A 25 horsepower engine – was $785 – now $5,900
A 3.7 metre boat trailer - was $180 - now $2,300
A 115 horsepower outboard - was $2,055, now over $21,000
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Owners of Cannonvale Marine, Leanne and Darrell Hinschen. Photo credit: Declan Durrant
Timeline
1973
Cannonvale Marine was opened by Ron Dorman and his Sons 1979
Darrell Hinschen started his marine engine apprenticeship
1993
Darrell and Leanne Hinschen, Matthew Telford purchase
Cannonvale Marine
2008
1997
Cannonvale Marine becomes the exclusive Quintrex dealer
The business diversifies to include Honda power equipment 2009
Darrell and Leanne become sole owners of business
2023
Cannonvale Marine celebrate 50 years in business
19
mackayandwhitsundaylife.com
A young Matt Telford and Darrel Hinschen in 1985. Photo supplied
25 years as a Johnson/OMC Dealer (1998). L-R: Leanne and Darrell Hinschen, Matt Telford and Paul Hamer (OMC Rep). Photo supplied
0412 924 348
Darrell and Leanne for 30 years of success in business.
been a pleasure to see your business continually grow & develop and we look forward to working with you now and in the future. 07 4946 7377 1st Floor Whitsunday Business Centre, 230 Shute Harbour Road Cannonvale, Queensland 4802
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Darrel, Jack and Geoff Hinschen. Photo supplied Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show in 2010. Photo supplied
Congratulations
It’s
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Go Boating With
We’ve Got Half A Century To Celebrate!
To mark their half-century of trading, Cannonvale Marine is inviting the community to a special evening of celebrations at their showroom at 14 McIntosh Drive on Saturday, April 1.
A night of light entertainment, food, drinks and great conversation, Darrell and Leanne are excited to welcome regular customers, friends and those in the community who would like to join in.
“After 30 years of ownership and 50 years of Cannonvale Marine in total, I think it’s something worthy of celebrating,” said Darrell.
“It’s a good catch-up with like-minded people, that’s what it’s about – we all have that one thing in common, boating and fishing, so there is always plenty to talk about.”
On the night local talented musician Jenny Borellini will be providing entertainment, a local food van will be cook-
ing up delicious pizza for all to enjoy and the esky will be brimming with cold drinks to say cheers to 50 years!
During the evening guests are also welcome to browse the boats, trailers and other boating merchandise – with many special deals on the night, for your opportunity to snap up a bargain.
Anyone who spends over $50 will automatically enter into a draw to win a boat valued at $13,000.
“This night is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has helped over the years,” said Darrell.
“We hope you can make it!”
WHAT: Cannonvale Marine 50 Years celebration
WHERE: 14 McIntosh Drive, Cannonvale
WHEN: Saturday, April 1 from 5pm to 8pm
It was 26 years ago that Darrell and Leanne made one of their best business decisions by becoming the Whitsunday region’s dedicated Quintrex dealer.
An elite brand, the decision to sell Quintrex at Cannonvale Marine allowed them to provide the best products for the booming local boating community.
“Quintrex are the number one aluminium boat brand in Australia by a country mile,” said Darrell.
“I think their sales account for around 70 per cent of all boats sold in Australia – the 30 per cent is then everybody else so they are a massive company.”
For Darrell and Leanne, however, the size, quality and market share were just one part of the picture – they also value the way Quintrex listen to their dealers and are open to taking on suggestions.
“At our annual conferences they ask us for our opinion and customer feedback,” explains Darrell.
“And then within a very short space of time, Quintrex would be changing certain features to suit the current market.”
Darrell experienced this firsthand when he got together with a few other dealers and suggested that the Renegade’s unique concave hull shape, which had previously
20 Friday March 24th 2023
Apprentice Jack Grigg, apprentice Lachlan Gray and service manager James McDonald.
Photo credit: Declan Durrant
07 4947 3350 | www.auscon.com.au 50 Years in Business! from all the team at PD Law Congratulations Darrell and Leanne from Cannonvale Marine on a wonderful achievement!
“Congratulations on 50 years from the crew at AMC” SHIP & MARINE SURVEYORS MARINE ASSESSORS | INVESTIGATORS LOSS ADJUSTERS | COMPLIANCE WORK
Quintrex!
only been available with premium painted boats, be used on a more affordable model.
“They started making one with a straight-sided hull but with this unique concave shape underneath which brought the price down and they are now one of the most popular models!” he said.
Cannonvale Marine has been the Queensland Dealer of the Year twice for Quintrex – once in the 2005-06 financial year and then in 2012-13 - they are now hoping they can celebrate 50 years by winning the award for the third time.
“That would be magic!” said Leanne.
Cannonvale Marine is celebrating their 50 years in business by giving away a 370 Outback Explorer with a 20-horsepower Honda engine that is valued at around $13,000.
Customers simply need to spend $50 instore to be entered into the draw.
“We have $50 gift cards, so if you don’t know what you want to buy at the moment you can always grab a gift card and then if you get a service later on in the year, we can take your $50 off that!”
21 mackayandwhitsundaylife.com
Congratulations to Cannonvale Marine on 50 years of trade and being owned by Darrell and Leanne for the last 30 years. It has been an absolute pleasure to deal with them in organising finance for their clients' boat packages over the last 14 years or so. I would like to wish them all the best in their future business ventures. Michael Cunningham 0438817241 ezilend.com.au
Owner Darrel Hinschen holding the 2012/13 Quintrex Dealer of the Year Award. Photo supplied
