New Zealand aluminium trailer specialist GFAB sets up shop in Australia -

The ‘Rolls-Royce’ of Jet Ski trailers – luxury aluminium trailer specialist GFAB from New Zealand – is expanding its local operations in Australia after a promising start in its first 12 months in the local market.

GFAB has two of its top-line aluminium Jet Ski trailers on display at this year’s Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.

The complete range of GFAB’s aluminium trailers available for Jet Skis includes:

Single-axle, single-Jet Ski trailer
Double-axle, single-Jet Ski trailer
Double-axle, single-Jet Ski off-road trailer
Double-axle, double-Jet Ski trailer

With prices ranging from $6000 to in excess of $20,000 across the range of GFAB Jet Ski aluminium trailers, they are among the most expensive in Australia.

As a guide, a basic galvanised-steel single Jet Ski trailer from any number of brands such as Towrex, Dunbier, Sales Trailers and others typically starts from about $2500.

And a bare bones basic double Jet Ski trailer from common brands typically costs from about $6000.

Despite its premium price points, GFAB says there is a market for high-end Jet Ski trailers in Australia as it has already had success in the segment both here and overseas.

GFAB is well known in New Zealand, where it has been building luxury aluminium trailers for boats since 2008.

After setting up shop in Australia a year ago this week, it has already moved into a larger facility near the Gold Coast to prepare for further expansion after a promising first 12 months here.

GFAB initially opened a warehouse on the Gold Coast to store and distribute aluminium trailers made in New Zealand.

Now GFAB ships trailers from New Zealand to Australia in a partially completed form before doing final fabrication work locally.

However, GFAB eventually wants to transform its Australian operation into a fully-fledged manufacturing facility.

“The aim is to have a complete manufacturing operation here so we can serve Australian customers quicker and with more customisation if they need it,” GFAB CEO Danny Sunkel told Watercraft Zone at the 2024 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, which opened yesterday.

GFAB also uses premium accessories on its trailers, such as Fulton F2 winches and Fulton jockey wheels from the US.

And GFAB has fabricated its own winch handles so it can move the winch post as far forward as possible, to create more storage space on the trailer’s A-frame.

For example, on the double-axle, single-Jet Ski trailer you can store up to four 20-litre jerry cans – or three jerry cans and a spare wheel.

The winch posts are custom fabricated to suit the height and shape of the bow on individual Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki models.

The wheel bearings are heavy duty, manufactured by a New Zealand firm.

And after years of only selling its Jet Ski trailers in a bare alloy finish, the company has finally started to offer black powder-coating as an optional extra.

On braked trailers, the brakes have stainless calipers and braided brake hoses to avoid corrosion (GFAB runs hydraulic rather than cable brakes).

The off-road Jet Ski trailer has a universal joint on the tow hitch for better articulation.

A rooftop cage – which can be used to mount a rooftop tent – is optional on the double-axle, single-Jet Ski off-road trailer.

GFAB says it has already appointed 20 dealers across Australia in every state, and plans to add more as it ramps up local operations.

The current range of GFAB aluminium trailers for Jet Skis include:

GFAB Jet Ski Trailer Prices in Australia:

Single Jet Ski trailer (750kg GVM) bare alloy finish, single axle: $6190
Single Jet Ski trailer (750kg GVM) powder coated black or white, single axle: $6990
Single Jet Ski trailer off-road pack (2000kg GVM), bare alloy finish, double axle: $14,990
Single Jet Ski trailer off-road pack with rooftop cage (2000kg GVM), bare alloy finish, double axle: $16,990
Single Jet Ski trailer off-road pack with rooftop cage (2000kg GVM), powder coated black, double axle: $19,990
Double Jet Ski trailer (1750kg GVM), bare alloy finish, double axle: $16,990
Double Jet Ski trailer (1750kg GVM), powder coated black, double axle: $20,990

GFAB 2024 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show Only Prices:

Single Jet Ski trailer (750kg GVM) bare alloy finish, single axle: $4952
Single Jet Ski trailer (750kg GVM) powder coated black or white, single axle: $6291
Single Jet Ski trailer off-road pack (2000kg GVM), bare alloy finish, double axle: $13,490
Single Jet Ski trailer off-road pack with rooftop cage (2000kg GVM), bare alloy finish, double axle: $15,290
Single Jet Ski trailer off-road pack with rooftop cage (2000kg GVM), powder coated black, double axle: $17,990
Double Jet Ski trailer (1750kg GVM), bare alloy finish, double axle: $15,290
Double Jet Ski trailer (1750kg GVM), powder coated black, double axle: $18,890