2023 Whittley SL27 HT locks in Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show debut

The new Sea Legend hardtop model will go into production in June this year. It features a deep-vee hull that gives the Whittley SL27 HT an edge in offshore conditions, with a hybrid interior featuring a user-friendly layout for everything from extended family trips to offshore fishing expeditions.

The boat is being built as a replacement for the Whittley SL26 HT, a model that has served as Whittley’s former flagship sterndrive model from 2007 with the option of an outboard engine from 2019. 

Whittley design director Steve Whittley said the new SL27 HT had been developed after extensive market research and consideration of what Whittley owners were looking for. 

“We realise Australian families need more flexibility in the way they boat,” Whittley said.

“The functions that this new crossover-style boat provides make this possible for our customers.”

Key to the new SL27 HT’s versatility is several adaptable cockpit seat layouts, a dedicated galley, toilet and shower facilities, a large rear fishing area and easier access to the water for diving and water sports via a side door and rear swim platform. 

“We think this fresh design provides the perfect combination of crossover functions and family-friendly useability in a fishing boat layout,” Whittley said.

The new model features a redesigned dashboard with enough space to flush-mount a 19.0-inch Simrad multifunction touchscreen which, on this boat, is connected to Brunswick Group’s Fathom electronics system that integrates everything from the interior lights to balancing electrical loads while cruising or anchored.

The Fathom system also allows owners to integrate a complete e-Fathom lithium-ion battery system that can replace an onboard generator.

The boat also features a curved windscreen that improves forward sightlines as well as minimising leaks, a pair of hatches on the hardtop, and an electric awning that shades the cockpit.

Whittley said the SL27 HT also has an 18 per cent larger useable workspace and fishing cockpit area compared with the SL26 HT it replaces, with a fold-away rear convenient seat, a 180-litre removable underfloor kill tank, twin 70-litre in-stringer kill tanks and a moulded track self-draining rear deck.

The boat includes a side door providing easy access to a floating jetty or landing a sports fish.

Forward, the cabin is up to 12 per cent larger than the SL26 HT, with more headroom. The space includes a 24-volt induction cooktop, a larger fridge or freezer, and a dedicated sink. Access to the anchor well is via a large lift-up hatch.

Powering the Sanctuary Cove boat is a 300hp Mercury V8 outboard engine fed by a larger 480-litre fuel tank that greatly extends the Whittley SL27 HT’s cruising range. Water capacity has also increased over the SL26 HT to 180 litres.

The boat is available with either a Coast Tourer Edition package featuring popular cruiser hybrid options for an extended stay on the water or with a Marlin Broadbill Edition package that customises the boat with the most serious of offshore angler options.

The Whittley SL27 HT can also come with an optional gyroscopic stabiliser to make the boat even more stable at rest or on the move. It is also fitted with Zipwake trim tabs as standard to help balance the boat while on the move.

Pricing is expected to be revealed closer to the Whittley SL27 HT’s official launch. 

The 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show runs from May 25 to May 28.